Time is the single commodity that no person is able to get more of. No matter who you are or how powerful you may be, all the money in the world won’t buy you more time. To make the most of this incredibly valuable and precious resource, however, you can always take steps to improve your focus and energy. If your energy is always high, you can optimize your performance and enjoy more of all that life brings your way. The four tips and tricks that follow will show you how to be more present, alert, and ready for action.
1. Stay Hydrated
Few things will sap your energy more than dehydration. Unfortunately, most people are in the habit of spending the majority of their waking hours in a state of mild to moderate dehydration. Thirst is one of the very first signs that your body isn’t getting all of the fluids that it needs. Rather than gulping down massive amounts of water at once, however, you should consider carrying a water bottle with you. Sipping small amounts of water all throughout the day will help you get rehydrated and stay that way. You should additionally make a point of consuming plenty of fresh, water-dense foods. The natural electrolyte balance of fruits and vegetables that have high water content will aid your daily water consumption while additionally supplying your body with hydrating, energy-boosting minerals, and phytonutrients.
Like many people, you may be wasting a goodly portion of your energy on stress. Stress consumes energy unlike anything else. That’s because it causes your body to release powerful cortisol hormones that fuel the fight-or-flight response. Unless you’re facing real danger, these hormones will cause a short run of panic and heart palpitations, followed by an extended period of physical and emotional fatigue. Learn how to practice deep, diaphragmatic breathing when you feel stressed out. Make a point of tackling problems head-on, and letting go of the things that you lack the power change. When you feel unwarranted stress and anxiety building, remind yourself that these feelings drain your energy and limit your ability to issue thoughtful, proactive responses.
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3. Practice Good Nutrition
While we’re often wont to choose our foods based upon how they taste, it’s important to remember that the primary role of food is to fuel your body. When you choose good fuel, your energy will be better sustained. The best foods for keeping your energy levels up are protein-dense. Rather than starting your morning with a sugary cinnamon bun, try eating hardboiled, poached, or scrambled eggs. Round out your meal with whole-grain toast and a piece of fruit. Strive for balance when putting your meals together. You should also avoid greasy, fatty fare that makes you feel tired even as you’re still eating it. Moreover, to make absolutely sure that you aren’t missing out on any key vitamins or minerals, visit a reputable supplement store and shop for a good age-appropriate, needs-specific supplement. You can also look for natural supplements that are designed to promote consistently high levels of energy.
4. Avoid The Extreme Highs And Lows Of Caffeine And Sugar
Many people who consistently struggle with low levels of energy do so as the result of their efforts to artificially wake themselves up. Although caffeine can give you a nice jolt in the morning, excess amounts can leave you feeling jittery and anxious, and completely drained later in the day. More importantly, too much caffeine commonly leads to an overproduction of stress hormones and an abundance of wasted time and energy. Although it’s certainly fine to have a cup of coffee at the start of your day, avoid reaching for an additional mug or an energy drink whenever you feel tired. Going for a quick walk or simply doing a few sets of calf raises or squats by your desk is a natural and easy way to pep yourself up.
It’s also important to avoid overloading your body with sugar. Just like coffee, soft drinks and sugar-laden energy drinks will give you an immediate boost, but they’ll also lead to a rapid and noticeable decline in energy later on. These dramatic changes in how your body feels can make you accustomed to functioning on extreme energy highs and lows. When your energy levels are optimized, you should be able to consistently enjoy ample amounts of enthusiasm, vigor, and vitality all throughout the day.
