An Energetic Life

An Energetic Life

What you eat is important. But so is how you live. If you’re strained, drained and just-plain pooped, try these whole-body ways to increase physical, mental and emotional energy

1 / BREATH. Oxygen is vital to physical stamina, as well as stress-reduction and overall wellbeing. Try simple deep breathing exercises: inhale slowly into the abdomen to the count of four, gently hold the breath for two, then exhale for six. Set a timer for every hour or so, to remind you to breath. 2 / HYDRATE. Like oxygen, water is essential to promote alertness and fight fatigue. Being even slightly dehydrated can drain energy and decrease focus and strength. Shoot for 64 ounces a day of pure, filtered water; add a splash of grapefruit or pomegranate juice to make it tastier.

3 / Sprint. Interval training—intense bouts of exercise like sprinting or cycling fast for 30 seconds, followed by a slower pace for 60 seconds—boosts stamina and encourages the release of endorphins, the body’s feel-good chemicals. 4 / STIMULATE. Exercise your brain, as well as your body; mental stimulation improves concentration, focus and energy. Learn a language, read one non-fiction book a week, do crossword puzzles or take an online dance class; learning new moves enhances brain activity (and you’ll get a little movement and fun). 5 / MEDITATE Chronic stress saps energy, dampens mood. A simple daily meditation practice can ease tension and calm your mind. Try five minutes of focusing on your breath every morning, or try a meditation app with guided imagery.

6 / SLEEP. Even small amounts of sleep deprivation increase fatigue, lessen productivity and dampen mood. Establish a steady evening routine, go to sleep at the same time every night, and keep your bedroom dark and quiet; use roomdarkening shades, earplugs and sound machines. If you haven’t slept, take an afternoon nap; a siesta can boost alertness, performance and mood.

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7 / RELEASE. Holding on to anger and sadness drains energy and depletes mood. Let it out: write about your feelings, rage to a friend, do whatever it takes to release pent-up emotions. And don’t be afraid to have a good cry; tears release excess stress hormones like cortisol.

8 / REFRAME. Fear, worry and anxiety are natural and authentic emotions, but when they overtake optimism, they’ll suck the energy right out of your life. Reframe negative emotions and find ways to shift your outlook. Read motivational books, make a gratitude list of blessings in your life and surround yourself with positive, cheery friends. 9 / DISCONNECT, from electronics—especially now. Too much time on Zoom meetings, social media and online news outlets saps mental stamina. Close your laptop, switch off the ringer on your phone, and do something physical; even a short, simple task can give your brain a chance to turn off and rest. Fold laundry, sweep the floor, run up and down the stairs for five minutes. 10 / CELEBRATE. The best way to increase energy? Have fun. If every day feels like drudgery, it’s hard to rally. Even in stressful times, there’s always something to celebrate. Focus on those activities that inspire your mind and move your soul; vitality will flow naturally from joy. 11 / CONNECT, with people. In-person contact is harder now than ever before. Take advantage of time with family, or those living in the same household; skip Netflix and play Scrabble, go for walks or just sit and chat. If you can’t get up close and personal, have a quality heart-to-heart every day if possible with a trusted friend—even if it’s over the phone.