Healthy Living

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

5 Surprising Ways to Get More Energy

http://www.faqs.org/photo-dict/photofiles/list/3531/4674citrus_collection.jpg
Need more energy? Here are some really surprising, non-caffeinated, ways to rev you up...

1. Change your socks. I know, odd, right? I read about this one over at Zen Habits. The advice is to bring an extra pair of socks to work and sometime around 3 p.m. when you hit your slump, take off your shoes and socks (and maybe air out your feet for a sec if you have a private office; if you don't, that would be a nada) and then put a fresh pair of socks on. Voila! "You'll be amazed at how much fresher you'll feel," write the Zen Habits bloggers. "This trick is especially handy on days with lots of walking."

2. Rethink your workout time. If you tend to work out at night, it might be messing with your sleep. Here's why: Experts believe that people who work out too close to their bedtimes may flood their brains with stress hormones that can make it hard to fall asleep. A workout doesn't do a body good when it leaves you sluggish and exhausted the next day because it prevented you from getting enough sleep.

3. Eat chia seeds. Favored by the Aztecs for their energy-boosting qualities, you can add these little seeds (P.S. we're not talking about the Chia Pet here) to all kinds of snacks and recipes. Here's a chia seed muffin recipe that looks interesting.

4. Sniff some citrus. Past research indicates that citrus-scented essential oils or lotions can boost alertness. There, you have an excuse to shop for some grapefruit-scented lotion!

5. Get on your toes.
If you're feeling sleepy at your desk, take the advice of Connie Tyne, executive director of the Cooper Wellness Program in Dallas, who says the best way to wake up your circulatory system is to roll up and down on your toes. "As the blood starts flowing, more nourishing oxygen and glucose are transported throughout your body -- so you feel more energized," said Tyne, to Quick&Simple.

What are your favorite tried-and-true energy boosters?

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Comments 1-10 of 152
  • Habanero♥™'s Avatar
    Posted by Habanero♥™ Mon Sep 28, 2009 5:38pm PDT

    The skin of every citrus food is in every thing I drink. Scrub it and plane it.

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  • Sun's Avatar
    Posted by Sun Tue Sep 29, 2009 6:44am PDT

    Actually, the chia seeds are the same ones as on the Chia Pets, just sprouted. I had to look it up once I started seeing recipes calling for chia seeds.

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  • Iamhome's Avatar
    Posted by Iamhome Tue Sep 29, 2009 9:17am PDT

    What a load of bull! If you feel that tired, get bloodwork done and talk to your doctor. Sometimes it's other reasons for feeling tired, anemic, thyroid, etc.

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  • Mrs. Carol B's Avatar
    Posted by Mrs. Carol B Tue Oct 6, 2009 4:55am PDT

    The sock idea is great. Most peoples feet sweat at least a little and the dampness makes you feel icky but you might not know why. I carry extra socks in rainy weather especially. When my feet are warm and comfy I'm in a better mood...........

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  • joanne's Avatar
    Posted by joanne Tue Oct 6, 2009 4:28pm PDT

    i like the sock one bc ik my feet feel icky if i've been wearing them all day!

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  • Andre's Avatar
    Posted by Andre Tue Oct 6, 2009 4:31pm PDT

    Eat some Arctic Zero ice cream. The whole pint is 136 calories and it packs 20 grams of whey protein concentrate. It gives my muscles a great burst of energy especially when I work out.

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  • Danny's Avatar
    Posted by Danny Tue Oct 6, 2009 4:59pm PDT

    thats funny. my last name is chia but i never heard of chia seeds ever in my life. maybe i should check them out

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  • DONNA's Avatar
    Posted by DONNA Tue Oct 6, 2009 4:59pm PDT

    I read somewhere that Steven Speilberg recommended changing your shoes in the middle of the day as a pick me up...so shoes and socks maybe:)

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  • SLIM's Avatar
    Posted by SLIM Tue Oct 6, 2009 5:31pm PDT

    Why not eat the citrus, rather than smelling it? Sometimes a quick, healty snack is all it takes. Bring a piece of fruit to work to eat after lunchtime.

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  • Ditka's Avatar
    Posted by Ditka Tue Oct 6, 2009 5:37pm PDT

    this is rather sketchy. i think you would be very hard pressed to find someone that claims working out makes them more stressed. most will tell you the exact opposite. and the wonderful endorphin release is a great way to be able to relax when you hit the bed

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