8 Ways to Staying Energized All Day Long

Do you crash mid-afternoon? Needing some java goodness to get your day started? Implement these eight healthy strategies to keep you feeling fresh and charged throughout the day.

1. Wake up instead of sleeping in. Getting up at the same time everyday keeps your circadian rhythms in check. Your circadian rhythms are your “master clock” that synch with a 24-hour day. If it's dark outside, crank up the lights.

2. Coffee? You sure can but in order to avoid a crash, drink a cup of joe later in the day when the pressure to sleep is at its highest. Just make sure not to drink too late or you may have trouble falling asleep at bedtime.

3. Load up on protein and go light on carbs. Though simple carbohydrates will give you that quick burst of energy, it'll also give you a crash a short while later. According to research done at the University of Illinois, women who reduced their carb intake while increasing protein consumption reported being more energetic. Stick with healthy carbs such as whole grain.

4. Skip lunch in favor of grazing. Eating a big breakfast or lunch often results in overeating which requires more energy to digest. Eat smaller meals with light snacks in between to keep yourself fuelled all day.

5. Music. People who listen to music don't feel they're exerting themselves as much. Load up your iPod for a natural energy boost.

6. Power walk instead of power nap. Power walk to lunch or run an errand to beat that afternoon slump. Most people feel a lull 17-18 hours after they've gone to bed the previous night. Go out in the sun and recharge your batteries.

7. Inhale, exhale. You may be too busy to sit and meditate for twenty minutes at a time so try sitting and pausing for 3-5 minutes and decrease stress hormones that tense you up that cause undue stress and fatigue.

8. Unwind. You've had a long, productive day and it's the end of night. Put away anything too cerebral such as the internet, homework or work. Watching a bit of TV or reading a book can help you unwind and ready for a restful sleep. Good night!

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