Our energy supply is directly affected by the availability of nutrients and oxygen levels within the body. By supplying your body with natural energy boosters, you can easily replenish lost energy reserves. So the next time you're in a post lunch, mid afternoon slump, try these 10 Tips For Instant and Natural Energy:
1. Massage Your Ears.
Traditional ancient Chinese medicine states that stimulating certain pressure points in your body cause your blood circulation and energy to improve. Ears are particularly receptive because they are dense with pressure points. Rubbing the entire portions of your ears for at least one minute (even if they feel hot) will instantly revive you.
2. Power Up Your Shower.
A steaming hot shower combined with a couple of drops of eucalyptus essential oil will instantly stimulate your brain, increase blood flow, and oxygenate your cells to quickly transform your energy. For an extra jolt, turning the dial to cold will blast your nervous system and give you that "wide awake" feeling despite the number of hours you banked with your pillow.
3. Breathe.
A yoga breathing technique known as "The Breath Of Fire" will help rid your body of excess carbon dioxide and is a simple yet instant way to perk up. To release your inner (momentarily dragging) dragon, breathe in through your nose, inhale deeply and then exhale in 20 to 30 short, very rapid bursts while tightening your stomach muscles to force out each burst. Repeat 3 or 4 times and you'll be replenished and breathing fire again.
4. Supplement.
Tyrosine, an amino acid based dietary supplement, builds up energizing neurotransmitters like dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline. Studies show that tyrosine also boosts energy levels and, as an added bonus, helps people better cope with physical and emotional stress. Taking 500 to 1000 mg per day is a natural alternative way to increase energy. When you're feeling drained, for an instant "fix" dissolve 1 - 500 mg capsule on your tongue. As always, check with your doctor before taking any kind of supplements.
5. Perk Up With Peppermint.
Peppermint stimulates your brain, as do most strong aromas, and chewing or sucking on mints multiplies a scent's intensity. Vapors and flavors travel from your mouth to your nose and increase the peppermint's effects on your energy. Plus, peppermint has natural soothing properties that work well on upset stomachs and make your breath fresh. Go with a low sugar variety of mints (like Altoids) to guarantee an energy increase.
6. Down A Cold Glass Of Water.
Dehydration causes fatigue and when the fluids in your body slow down, circulation decreases, and energy cell reproduction dawdles. The easiest way to pump up your energy is to throw back some cold water. As an extra tip, the easiest way to determine if you are short on fluids is by licking your lips. If your lips and mouth are dry or cracked, you need to sip water, regularly and consistently, on a daily basis.
7. Snack, nibble, munch.
Eating the right foods will give you instant energy. Nutrient rich foods, like proteins found in nuts, meat, or dairy, and complex carbohydrates, like those found in vegetables and fruits, will revive you from during a sluggish energy dip. Avoid simple carbohydrates, like those found in candies and sweets, as they will only spike your blood sugar temporarily and cause a severe crash which will only further deplete you. Pairing proteins and complex carbohydrates (ex. nuts with carrot sticks) will give you a power boost to push through a low energy moment.
8. Exercise.
Try to get up and move for at least 5 minutes for every 45 minutes you sit. Do squats, push ups, walk in place, walk outside, dance, do anything that gets your body moving. Exercise increases circulation and gets more oxygen to your cells and can greatly impact your energy well beyond the moments while you're exercising.
9. Try Qi Gong.
Qi Gong is an ancient Asian exercise involving guided imagery and gentle movements. To do the Qi Gong exercise, stand with your arms at your sides, breath in deeply, raise your arms up and over your head, and twist your wrists so the backs of your hands meet and touch. Still inhaling, turn your palms in and imagine you're grasping a column of wood, hold for a few seconds as you hold your breath. Exhale deeply and with your back straight, press the "column" toward the floor, stopping at your hip level. Repeat nine times to feel instantly energized.
10. Drink Green Tea Instead Of Coffee.
When all else fails, drink caffeine as long as it's in the form of green tea. Coffee causes the jitters, as it has five more times more caffeine than green tea. Additionally, green tea contains important disease fighting, anti-aging antioxidants. Green tea contains vital compounds like theophyllin (which dilates bronchial passages) and L-theanine (an amino acid which improves concentration).