Ways to boost energy
Studies suggest working out can actually increase productivity enough to counteract that time away from the office.
take a quick midday power nap instead
cocoa have been shown to boost cognitive skills and improve mood
Just 20 minutes outdoors is enough to feel more alive.
regular, healthy meals and snacks can improve cognitive function
Complex carbs (like whole grains) are a good bet.
Just a few desk stretches may be enough, but studies have suggested a little yoga could fight depression and anxiety or other stress-related disorders
chemicals can have both long and short-term effects, including energy-draining allergies and headaches. Add a plant, though, and those threats could diminish.
studies suggest laughing can boost energy levels,
there's no need to invest in a light therapy box if there's a sunny window available.
chewing gum can increase alertness and improve mood.
making the brain work a little quicker may help the body follow suit! Thinking faster (i.e. reading at a quicker pace, brainstorming in a group, or learning a new concept) made one group of study subjects feel more energized
a three-minute long cold shower could be enough to counteract some of the effects of chronic fatigue
Deep yoga breathing from the diaphragm gets blood pumping, which also may boost energy all day long
it can be hard to remember to drink enough water. But even mild dehydration can cause sleepiness, so try chugging a glass or two when fatigue strikes
Turn up the volume. Don't just turn on to tunes to chill out
one study showed singing significantly increased energy levels among college students (more than just listening quietly to tunes)
Plan to do the most engaging or interesting task of the day during the sleepiest time of day
Being too cold may cause the body's temperature to drop, which tells it "time to sleep!"
Move closer to a window. The daylight, fresh air, or even simply a natural view can all help boost alertness.
eople who are less social are generally less happy and don't sleep as well. And compared to sedentary or quiet office work, chatting it up made study subjects feel more awake.
Lemon is considered a stimulating scent, and one study showed it improved subjects' moods
the color red is associated with winning and self-confidence. Try looking at some red or violet hues (or wearing them) to feel more awake.
Sit up straight, though—that's shoulders back, eyes dead ahead, and lower back slightly arched—to feel more energized and possibly even get a boost of self-confidence
getting away from the desk at lunchtime could help reenergize and refocus
People who eat breakfast every morning report less fatigue
yoga, which uses various postures and deep breathing for exercise and meditation, can be an excellent fatigue fighter
Singing gives you a kind of emotional high while it reduces levels of stress hormones in your body. So grab a hairbrush, put on your favorite song, and sing away
Try to get to the fridge or water cooler for a refill every few hours. The walk there will also help you wake up.
Eat a handful of almonds or peanuts, which are high in magnesium and folate (folic acid). These nutrients are essential for energy and cell production.
Grab a mint from your bag. Peppermint's sweet aroma is another fatigue fighter for some people. More research is needed to see if and how these aromas actually affect a person's energy level.
Regularly squeezing a workout into your day -- even if you can spare only 10 minutes at a time -- will help keep your energy levels at their peak.
Research suggests that just a few minutes of walking outside on a warm, clear day may enhance mood, memory, and the ability to absorb new information. Going outside can even improve your self-esteem.
Snacks that combine protein with slow-burning carbs -- like banana slices with peanut butter, or granola with fresh berries -- are best for maintaining your blood sugar levels over the long term.
Hang out with upbeat friends. Emotions are surprisingly contagious. People who are constantly negative and down can sap your energy,