No matter whether it’s midmorning, a three o’clock slump, or nodding off after dinner running out of gas before your day is done is frustrating. And while a couple cups of coffee throughout the day can be healthy, loading up on a ton of caffeine—especially later in the day—to boost your energy levels can backfire.
Too much caffeine, or bad timing, can leave you feeling jittery and unable to sleep when bedtime rolls around. And so-called “energy drinks” can contain questionable ingredients that come with side effects.
Boost your energy levels naturally
The next time your get-up-and-go levels tank try one of these weird but effective natural tricks for supercharging your energy levels instead.
1. Massage your ears:
As strange as it sounds, energy experts say a simple ear massage is a terrific way to get an instant energy boost. This acupressure technique taps into the energy pathways that run through your ears.
The trick is to concentrate on the outer rim of your ear. Gently grasping the rims of your ears between your thumb and forefinger apply pressure as you rub up and down for about 30 seconds.
The massage stimulates blood flow, and triggers the energy pathways in your ears making you feel more alert and energized.
2. Dive into nature:
For a natural energy boost, step outside. Taking a walk through a park, or even just simply sitting under the trees for twenty minutes, can recharge your batteries giving you the energy you need to get through your day.
But we get it, sometimes nature is tough to find during the day. So when you can’t get to nature, bring nature to you instead.
Studies have found that just looking at photos of nature—such as forest paths, peaceful parks and sun drenched beaches—for twenty minutes can have nearly the same effect as actually being out in it.
3. Go 20-20-20:
Between our smartphones, tablets and laptops technology has become an inescapable reality. And while staying connected has its benefits, all that screen time is zapping your energy.
Staring at computer screens for hours at a time causes eye strain, headaches and fatigue. But you can fight back without giving up your electronics by using the 20-20-20 rule.
Every 20 minutes look away from your screen at something 20 feet away, for at least 20 seconds. The short break is enough to prevent electronics exhaustion from setting in, and can help you refocus if your energy is already starting to lag.
4. Get icy:
Staying hydrated will help keep your energy levels from sagging. But if you’ve already gone too long without water and need a real boost, drink two glasses of ice cold water. The colder the better.
Not only will the water rehydrate you, the chill will help jump start your system too.
Need even more of a pick me up? Soak a washcloth in icy water and place it over your face. No matter how tired you are, this trick will wake you up fast.
5. Get the beat going:
Next time you find yourself dragging try turning on some tunes and cutting a rug.
Upbeat music alone can make you feel more awake. But according to a study out of Sam Houston State University to get the biggest energy boost you need to move to the beat too.
And don’t worry you don’t need to be a dancing queen or disco dandy to make this energy boosting trick work for you. It turns out simply tapping your toes or moving in time to the music is enough to do the trick. So if you’re not somewhere you can stand up and boogie you can still benefit from a music break.
6. Breathe the right way:
You might think you’re an expert at breathing. After all, you’ve been breathing in and out 24 hours a day seven days a week since the day you were born. But it turns out breathing to live and breathing to boost your energy are two different things.
To supercharge your energy levels sit upright in your chair. Place your feet flat on the floor and keep your shoulders back but relaxed. Breathe in deeply through your mouth filling your lungs.
As you fill your lungs, your chest should remain mostly still as your stomach moves outward. Hold your breath for up to five seconds. Then pursing your lips exhale quickly, blowing all the air back out of your lungs. Repeat at least five times to send your energy levels soaring.
Don’t let an energy crash ruin your day. One of these natural energy-boosting tricks can turn that slump around fast.
Healthier Talk
We believe that everyone has good ideas about how best to care for our loved ones and ourselves. Many of our contributors are doctors that have spent their life’s work invested in the health and well being of the human body and mind. Some have spent their lives tirelessly researching health and the human body, developing new vitamins and products dedicated to making people healthier.
Others are ordinary people that have natural family cures passed down from generations, or discovered an inexpensive home remedy out of necessity or even by accident.
So Healthier Talk not only offers professional advice and solutions, but also provides much sought after natural family cures and at-home remedies, right at your fingertips!
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