5 best natural energy boosters you can do right NOW

Today I feel OK but there are many days when I wake up tired and feel like I have next to no energy at all. I have heard a theory that all humans (and indeed, all living things) have a finite amount of energy each day. When this is used up, we feel drained and drawn. I have written before about emotional vampires and how it’s important to recognise them and limit your time with them as they can sap your life energy away.

Right now I could use with a little boost. I am not a vitamin-lover and I can only drink so much coffee, so I thought I’d put my hand to researching a few methods of getting a bit more energy.

Drink water

“If your body is short of fluids, one of the first signs is a feeling of fatigue,” says Harvard Health. I drink lots and lots of water and I think that making sure you are hydrated at all times is a great health and energy trick. If you are feeling dehydrated, you may start to feel headachey and grumpy. Keep a bottle of fresh, cold water near you at all times and get better at sipping from it throughout the day.

Eat breakfast

You will see me doing lots of dodgy things but you will rarely see me skipping breakfast. Think you can’t eat breakfast? You CAN! Here is the reason you have no appetite in the morning – now fix it! “For short-term and long-term energy boosts,” says Jaimie Davis from the Institute for Prevention Research at the University of Southern California, “make a habit of eating a high-fibre, carbohydrate-rich breakfast.”

Move around

My job requires me to sit at a desk for most of the day, which is fine by me, because that’s how I get my best writing done. I make sure that I stay active when I am not seated, and I try to make excuses to get up from my desk once an hour to go to the photocopier, talk to a colleague across the office or make some tea in the kitchen.

But don’t just take my word for it. “Getting regular movement will dramatically increase your natural energy flow,” says blogger Casey McClusky “Sluggishness, heaviness and stagnation will begin to shift, you will increase your oxygen intake and get endorphins flowing.”

Orange lens glasses

This is perhaps the weirdest tip I found online, but it may be worth giving a try. “Glasses with orange lenses block the melatonin-robbing light coming from your devices so you can sleep better at night,” says TV doctor, Dr Oz, “and (you will) feel more energised in the morning!” He says that you can buy them online for only $US15 and he recommends wearing them for two hours before bed when watching TV or sitting at your computer.

Change your socks

Ok, this is the weirdest thing I have heard – but I will vouch for it. Year ago, my father told me a great tip for long-haul flights, bring a change of underwear and socks and your toothbrush. An hour before touching down, freshen yourself up and you’ll feel like a new man or woman. “It’s an amazing trick,” says Zen Habits. “Bring a change of socks to work, and change your socks midway through the day (say, after lunch).”

Use your energy wisely

“All the breaks you need in life wait within your imagination. Imagination is the workshop of your mind, capable of turning mind energy into accomplishment and wealth.” Napoleon Hill

Sometimes we need to recuperate. Often, if I am really low on energy, I escape for a short while. Even if it’s only for an hour to do some window shopping and eat ice cream. I always let people know where I have gone so they don’t fret over me. If you need some time out – then take it. You are an important person and you deserve some time just to be.