Get an instant energy rush

by Jen (February 15, 2008)

Here are some quick and easy ways to get “mini-bursts” of energy anytime you need them.

Take some deep breaths. This is something you can do every morning or every night (or both), or anytime during the day that life is getting to you. Just breathe in slowly as far as you can, pause for a few seconds, then breathe out slowly, really pushing every last bit of air from your lungs, and pause again before repeating the cycle. This is a trick used by performance athletes to oxygenate the blood and boost energy.

Try to breathe more deeply and carefully all the time. Most of us tend to breathe shallowly without realizing it, especially when we’re sitting down and concentrating (which is how most of us spend at least forty hours a week).

Yoga combines stretching and breathing. You assume a pose the stretches your muscles, and then you concentrate on breathing in and out a few times. This really, really works - even just 15 minutes a day, or 15 minutes a few times a week, can make a difference. You don’t even have to do the more strenuous poses.

Eat, but only if you’re hungry. It takes energy for your body to digest, which is why we’re often tired after a meal. Hunger sharpens the mind (kids in school tend to perform better right before lunch than right after). However, there comes a point where hunger is distracting and you need to eat.

Your mileage may vary, but I find that when I’m in the middle of something overwhelming, snacking along just enough to keep hunger at bay is a good solution.

And finally, don’t forget to drink water. Dehydration is not energy’s friend.

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