Ways To Feel More Energized Right Now

Sometimes it’s midday and I’ll suddenly seem to lose every ounce of energy. I’ll rub my eyes questioning whether I’d gotten enough sleep, and silently praying I can prevail and finish the day out strong. In those times I turn to some handy ways to instantly feel more energetic. The best part is that all of these tricks are really easy to do, and based on my personal experience (in addition to experts and research, of course!), they really can be very helpful.

It’s likely you’ve been there before — you’re completely wiped and you know you still have many hours to get through before your day is over and you’re finally cuddled up in bed. It’s tempting to hit up the office coffee machine again, but if you’ve already had your fair share of coffee for the day, you’re likely on the hunt for an alternative. Luckily, there are several you can turn to in times of need! Don’t feel like you have to rely completely on your own mental determination to support you through the slump (although that’s helpful, too). Some proven ways to get an energy boost are as easy as getting up out of your chair and getting your body physically moving. Other proven ways involve simply having a particular kind of snack — something you certainly don’t have to ask me twice to do. Yum!

Here are six ways to instantly feel more energetic. They are so easy that you might just find yourself doing them every single day.

1. Step Outside For A Few Minutes

If you feel like you can’t help but get groggy mid-day while sitting at your desk, you’re not imagining it. Being inside with fluorescent lights beating on you versus outside in the sun can be picking away at your energy level. According to Shape, if this feeling is overcoming you, you can get some immediate energy by stepping outside into the sunshine for 15 to 20 minutes. Dr. Lorraine Maita, a board certified internist and author of Vibrance for Life: How to Live Younger and Healthier, told the outlet, “sunlight energizes and elevates mood.” To get the most out of your break, take a stroll around while you’re out there. Prevention cited research that showed women who took a brisk walk for 10 minutes a day reported having 18-percent more energy compared to those who were sedentary. These women also reported feeling more clear headed and confident, as an added bonus.

2. Eat Something Containing Coconut Oil

Likely you’ve heard coconut oil contains all sorts of benefits for our bodies, but I recently learned it also has a positive effect on our energy level. According to Kimberly Kingsley, energy coach and author of The Energy Cure, there are triglycerides in coconut oil that serve as a fast-acting energy source for the body. Kingsley told Women’s Health the triglycerides work to provide energy more quickly than coffee. So, put down that mug and try one of these snacks containing coconut oil that the outlet recommended.

3. Take A Whiff Of Cinnamon

Yes, you read that correctly —smells can certainly play a part in how energetic we feel. WebMD suggested grabbing a cinnamon stick and taking a whiff. The outlet said the scent can reduce fatigue and make you feel more alert. If cinnamon is too difficult to track down in the moment, WebMD also suggested trying the scent of peppermint, which can also help fight fatigue.

4. Do A Few Stretches

Stretching feels so great, am I right? Not only does it feel good on our muscles, it can also bring us a burst of energy, according to Everyday Health. By doing a few simple stretches right at your desk (or wherever you are that you feel as though you’re losing steam), you can boost your energy instantly. What’s more is that a few stretches can also help fight depression and anxiety, according to Everyday Health.

5. Listen To A Funny Podcast

Have a go-to podcast you find hysterical, or love watching funny YouTube videos? If you’re feeling sluggish, try getting an energy boost through good ‘ol fashioned laughter. According to Parents Magazine, every time you laugh your brain releases endorphins, not only make you happy but also giving you that extra oomph of energy. Michael Miller, M.D., director of the Center for Preventive Cardiology at the University of Maryland Medical Center, in Baltimore, told the outlet, “These feel-good chemicals flood your brain -- helping you feel awake and refreshed. They also boost your immune system, ward off heart disease, and actually reduce your risk of depression.” #WINNING

6. Chug Some Water

A little water can take us a long, long way in terms of getting energized. Woodson Merrell, MD, executive director of the Continuum Center for Health and Healing at Beth Israel Medical Center in New York City, told Prevention, “Half of the people who come to me complaining of fatigue are actually dehydrated.” That said, staying hydrated with plenty of water can bring our bodies back to a good energy level. Prevention also suggested drinking water every hour or two to prevent that dreaded dehydration-induced fatigue.

If you started to lose your liveliness and doze off while reading this (I really hope you didn’t) try some of the tips discussed here and you, too, might just find an instant boost in energy. These tips, as you can see, are not only really simple to do, but can be really effective as well.

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