10 Ways to Up Your Energy
By Kelli Calabrese MS, CSCS, ACE
Sticking to a healthy diet isn't enough -- exercise is essential for good health! It's usually the first thing you give up when you are over burdened and stressed, but it's exercise that helps you deal effectively with the physical and psychological demands of a hectic life.
A couple of 10-minute sessions a day will lead to increased stamina as well as a long list of benefits to the mind, body and spirit. Here are some ways exercise can stimulate your energy level:
- Let go of the guilt and schedule your
exercise time -- Think of it as pampering yourself, but the
effects last even longer than a massage or facial. Don’t ignore
your needs. Exercise is one of the best ways to not only enhance your
energy, but preserve your sanity. If you don’t take care of
yourself, you won’t have energy or patience for anyone else.
- Add activity to your lifestyle -- To renew your vigor in the day-to-day grind, find a better way to commute to work by walking, biking, parking a mile from the office or getting off a train one stop early. You’ll still be high on natural endorphins while everyone else is working on their second cup of coffee. Eliminating some of the modern conveniences can burn an additional 800 calories a week.
- Find creative ways to integrate family time with exercise -- Your entire family will be healthier and more energized as a result of physical activity. Don’t be a bystander at the playground. Get up and join in the activities by pushing a jogging stroller, hitting the hiking trails, running the bases, biking the neighborhood, climbing the jungle gym or swimming in the lake. As an added perk, your kids will think your cool.
- Exercise first thing in the morning to jumpstart your day -- Your chances of sticking to your program increase significantly if you exercise in the morning compared to later in the day when excuses and fatigue take over. Your metabolism will be elevated for over 7 hours after a one-hour morning workout, so you will have more stamina to take you through the day.
- Make wholesome and nutritious food choices -- You are more likely to eat healthier meals if you exercise. The last thing you will want to do is eat a heavy meal after getting the blood pumping through your veins. Ultimately eating more nutritious food along with regular exercise will lead to weight loss which will decrease the demands on your body and will increase your energy and self esteem drastically.
- Get your zzz’s -- Regular exercise will lead to more quality sleep and require you to sleep less. If you exercise early in the day you will be naturally tired by bedtime and will have no problem falling into a deep slumber.
- Exercise will help to fortify you against cold’s and flu -- Participants of a regular exercise program are less likely to come down with a cold or be as debilitated by one. Exercisers report less symptoms and quicker recoveries from colds.
- If it feels good, do it -- Don’t be afraid to try something silly or fun. Get up and get moving as you run barefoot through the grass, dance or in-line skate to get your circulation going.
- Drink Plenty of water -- Keep hydrated before, during and after exercise. Your body is made up primarily of water and while water does not have calories to provide energy, it contributes to weight loss and assists your digestive system. Ample water will keep the toxins flowing right out of your body.
- Try Yoga -- It's ain't just for the nutty granola-crunchin' types. Raise your energy level and ability to concentrate with the deep breathing techniques used in yoga. Yoga builds balance, coordination, strength, and is energizing and wonderfully de-stressing as well.