Hi! Let’s talk about healthier ways to gain energy. Specifically, ways to help you in the afternoon, though a lot of this advice can apply to those sleep deprived mornings as well. While I firmly believe that taking those moments, all day long, to practice gratitude can give you a boost- sometimes you need more than that.
If you’re like most people, when you start to feel yourself dragging after lunch, and it seems like you’re never going to get to dinner, you want to grab a caffeinated or sugary drink. Or that donut sitting around, or a bag of chips. The problem is, you grab those drinks or the sweet treats, and it only helps for a bit. A half hour might go by and you’ll be feeling yourself dragging again.
Those quick grab treats will never sustain your body in the long run, they just help you crash even faster. The sugar gives you that quick spike, but the lack of protein, fat, and fiber means it’s just not sustainable for your body’s energy levels.
Let’s talk about what CAN help you feel more energized instead!
1. One of the easiest and healthiest things you can do is drink fresh, cold water.
It’s amazing how much cleaner and better you feel when you actually get enough water in a day. It’s critical, really. What can you do if you struggle to drink enough water? A few things can help. One way is to set an hourly timer, or half hour timer on your phone, or watch. When that alarm goes off, drink a good amount of water. Another fun idea is to get a special water bottle, especially one that you can see through, so you can see your progress throughout the day. If you don’t like plain water, add some citrus fruit, or cucumber, or even an herb like mint!
2. Another healthy option is to try a fresh pressed juice, either citrus or greens.
Natural foods give your body a huge boost that processed foods do not. Instead of drinking coffee or soda, try a green tea, or even something herbal! There’s so many healthier beverage choices that can help give your body that much needed afternoon boost.
3. What you eat can also have a huge impact on your afternoon.
Are you eating a healthy, filling lunch? If you struggle with eating proper lunches, make sure you’re getting enough protein and fat in your diet- whether you eat meat, or you’re plant based! I share a lot of great recipes on my pages if you ever need ideas.
If you work at a desk, or a busy job where you’re on your feet a lot, try to keep healthy snacks somewhere so when you get a moment in the afternoon- you can grab a smarter choice over a quick bag of chips or a candy bar. Things I really love are apples or bananas with nut butter, hummus and veggies, or a protein shake! Trail mix can be another great option, especially if you love nuts, provided it’s a mix that’s not also loaded with candy or is mostly dried fruit.
4. My final suggestion involves movement.
Something a simple as going outside for a quick walk, or just leaving your desk and walking somewhere else for a few minutes can help. If you work from home, or have the space in an office setting- try some simple yoga poses or stretches for five minutes. Listen to some music, whatever pumps you up or calms you down. Sometimes, we reach for those sugary and salty snacks because we’re stressed.
There’s so many quick, simple things you can do to help your energy levels all day long. I hope these suggestions for you, and as always, please follow me on social media if you don’t already for even more ideas!
In Gratitude,
Robin
Robin Lee is a medical intuitive, author, mentor, gratitude advocate, and speaker who has helped thousands of people around the world understand the language of their bodies. Robin believes that our bodies innately know how to balance and heal themselves if given proper care and support. Visit her website and follow her on Facebook and Twitter, where she shares tips, tools, and techniques to honor our bodies and heal our lives!
Image courtesy of Andrea Piacquadio.
