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7 Ways to Boost Your Energy By Katherine A Martin, D.O.
Everyone would like to feel more energetic during the day.
You naturally go through periods of higher activity which contrasts
with times of relaxation. The problem occurs when more energy
and concentration is required than we can give. Or when we try
to sleep and can't. Follow these invaluable tips to a new you!
1) Stay on a regular sleep schedule. You can't stay up late
during the week-end and suddenly on Monday morning wake up refreshed.
If you do enjoy later nights on Friday and Saturday vow to get
to bed early on Sunday to wake up rested.
2) Avoid the sugar and caffeine roller coaster. Eat some protein
and foods with a bit of fat in the morning. The brain needs protein
and the body does not store it. You don't have to eat very much-
a glass of low fat milk, a piece of cheese, or a handful of nuts
will get you going instead of pure carbohydrates like a plain
bagel.
3) Take a 5-10 minute power nap around lunch. Even if you
just close your eyes and let your mind drift you will be refreshed
for the afternoon. This is also effective anytime you feel yourself
not concentrating, reading the same material over and over. Give
in to the urge and completely relax for a few moments.
4) Drink more water and liquids. I know, everyone says to
drink more fluids. But most Americans are in a constant state
of dehydration from filling up on coffee, tea, and sodas with
caffeine. This is very stressful to the kidneys and can cause
irritation to the bladder. Keep a sports bottle filled with your
favorite flavored water or just plain and keep it with you at
all times. Set a goal- empty by lunch, refill, empty again by
the time work is over. Carry plenty of water in the car too for
you and your family.
5) Exercise regularly. This is easier said than done with
a busy schedule. A poor conditioning level causes you to be short-of-breath
and your heart to race when just doing simple things like climbing
a flight of steps or doing household chores. Park farther away
when shopping and walk Dust off that exercise machine or get
an exercise tape to play when weather is bad. Set an example
for the rest of your family and maybe they will join in too!
6) A joke a day keeps the doctor away. Seriously, laughter
has many beneficial effects on the body. The brain chemicals
for experiencing pleasure, happiness, and peace increase with
good, hearty laughs. Live alone? Get a funny movie or watch a
light-hearted comedy on tv. Nothing sarcastic or put-down, however.
7) Avoid confrontations and situations with negative people.
You know who they are. They are not going to change but they
will bring you and your mood down. The complainers, gossipers,
and generally unhappy souls we all have to deal with on a day-to-day
basis drain our energy if we allow them. Be polite but avoid
arguing or getting hooked into listening to their constant problems.
8) Take regular, daily supplements of the highest quality.
Our food and diets simply do not meet the amounts needed for
maximum health. There is a difference between avoiding nutritional
deficiencies and optimum performance.
Katherine A Martin, D.O. - Board Certified Family Practice
Physician. Medical Coaching and Consulting. Health for the whole
person. Visit my web site at http://www.DO-Medicine.com
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