All moms need energy to get through the day. So, what do you do when the afternoon rolls around and your feet begin to drag?
For one thing, put down that energy shot. Remove the Redbulls and Monsters from your refrigerator. Is that your fourth cup of coffee? Drop it. Most people settle for immediate and high-powered bursts of energy, but these methods will only cause you to crash and burn (not to mention the potential health risks they come with).
What you need are healthy and natural ways to re-energize your body and mind. You see natural energy reaches deep down and renews you from the inside out, keeping you energized all day long. A steady energy level is much better than a spike followed by a plummet and flat line.
Here are fifteen ways to feel more energized throughout your busy day.
1. Let there be light.
Natural light works much better than artificial bulbs to keep you energized inside the house. Sunlight will also help you roll out of bed in the morning instead of hitting snooze. Open the blinds while you get the kids ready or eat breakfast by a window. The light and warmth from the sun’s natural rays will help you feel rejuvenated and ready for the day.
2. Eat healthy.
Eating right is essential for long lasting energy. Complex carbs and lean proteins are a good source for energy that sustains the body during the bustle and stress of the day. It is also important that you eat close to the same time every day to get your body into a regular pattern. Four to six smaller meals each day are better than the traditional three big meals. Eating large meals, especially later in the day, means more energy will be spent on digesting your food instead of on more useful tasks.
Don’t skimp on the breakfast foods. Eating a big breakfast will kick start your metabolism and energy level, preparing you for the day ahead.
3. Learn to love lemons.
Sniffing lemons has been shown to provide an energy boost as lemon is a potent and stimulating scent. You don’t have to put your nose to the actual fruit either. Buy aromatherapy candles, soaps, lotion – anything with lemon oil.
However, my favorite trick is to squeeze an entire lemon into 16 ounces of water and put it on my night stand before bed. First thing in the morning I drink it down. The water helps hydrate you and the lemon gives u a boost of Vitamin C. It also helps protect your stomach from the strong acid in coffee.
4. Eat chocolate.
This may sound like it goes against some of the above rules, but sometimes you just need a boost of energy instead of a sustaining amount. All healthy foods work well, but chocolate is also a great way to release endorphins and get a quick energy shot. Just be sure to go for the dark chocolate and not milk chocolate
5. Buy a house plant.
Chemicals like volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone will drain your energy and give you allergies and headaches. Buying a plant is a great way to combat this because it will help filter out these pollutants. Having something growing in your house or office will keep the air fresh and clean and ensure that your energy levels don’t drag.
6. Laugh often.
Laughter has been proven to increase your mood and decrease stress, both of which produce higher levels of energy. But you don’t need a laugh specialist to tell you that. You know that chuckles and giggles are good for the body and the soul. Read: (Angry Mom Goes Off – It’s Not Babysitting When You’re The DAD)
7. Take a power nap.
The problem here is that some people don’t know what a short nap is, or once their head hits the pillow they have a hard time getting back up. Napping for a few hours will throw off your sleep pattern and make you feel worse when you wake up then you did before. The best nap length is ten to thirty minutes when you’re slowing down in the afternoon. This siesta will revive body and strengthen your energy levels. So, next time you put your toddler down, put yourself down too.
8. Get outside.
Remember what we said about the benefits of sunlight and houseplants? Well imagine those benefits multiplied tenfold, and that’s what you get by spending some time outside. There’s just something about being in the great outdoors that refreshes and rejuvenates the body (and that’s apart from the scientifically-proven benefits). People who spend as little as twenty minutes outside will feel much more energized then those who didn’t leave the house.