Now that we have identified and started plugging some of our energy drains, I want to share a few things that you can do IMMEDIATELY when you find yourself tanking, and need a quick pick-me-up. We will eventually talk about long-term energy builders, but these work instantly!
1. Make sure you are hydrated.
Many people walk around dehydrated and never realize it. Remember to drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. If you are draggy, drink 2 glasses of water over a 15 minute period. If nothing else, you’ll have to perk up to get up and use the potty! Caffeinated beverages do not count!
2. When was the last time you ate?
It is important that you eat 3 meals a day and at least 2 snacks. And you can’t eat just anything. I am dealing with this TODAY with my young adult daughter. She almost passed out at work. When I asked her what she had for breakfast, I found out she had drank half a yogurt smoothie. Too much sugar, not enough protein. While sugar may give you a quick boost, you will crash just as quick!
To eat for energy, have a serving of protein along with a complex carbohydrate. Some examples of this:
an apple dipped in peanut butter
a string cheese stick and 4 whole wheat crackers
a boiled egg and some grapes
Remember the old Snickers commercials? Well I have found that a Snickers bar has a good amount of protein due to the peanuts. If I am sluggish and eat 1/2 a Snickers, it does give me a boost without a sugar high.
3. Turn on the tunes!
If you are where you can listen to music, turn on something with a beat that gets you singing and tapping your feet. If you can, get up and dance around a bit. When I have to drive for long distances, along with snacking well, I will turn up the music and sing at the top of my lungs to stay awake, much to the dismay of any travel companions, especially of they ARE trying to sleep!
4. Step into the sunshine and take a few deep breaths.
These are things that can reduce your stress level, but can also help wake you up. The deep breaths bring more oxygen to the brain and the sunshine will perk you up. I wouldn’t recommend going and sitting in the sun, as that may make you sleepier and ready for a nap!
5. Speaking of naps, sometimes you may need a quick nap.
Power napping has been used by many great achievers in the past, such as Einstein, Churchill, and Edison. A power nap needs to only be about 15-20 minutes. Set your alarm on your phone if necessary. Even if you are one who cannot fall asleep that quick, take advantage of closing your eyes and slowing your brain down for that time. It will help to refresh you. If you sleep longer than 20 minutes, you will be groggy and sluggish. Keep it short and sweet!
So, what about you? What things do you do to give yourself a pick-me-up?
My goal is to help as many women as possible with these issues we all deal with! Be sure to subscribe via email or RSS so you don’t miss any posts! If you know of someone who would benefit from the info in this post and in my blog, please click here to share!
Oooh, thanks for this. Just drank a big old glass of water for a bit of an afternoon boost!
Sounds good Nicola, especially as hot as it has been in the south!
Thanks for stopping by!
Love all your ideas. I actually do quite a few of those because I am always tanking at the end of the day. Probalby because I am not only working a full time job during the day but I have 4 teenagers that like to keep me busy. It was nice to read what you wrote and have what I do be reinforced. Reinforcement is good to have.
Anne,
I know what you mean about those teens! Many women put such emphasis on being availalbe when their kids are young, but no one ever talks about how mentally and emotionally draining teenagers can be!
It is great to see them grow into their own persons!
My 19 year old and his girlfriend are having a baby girl next month!
Thanks for stopping by!
Bernice
Great tips – have you ever tried adding Emergen-C to your water for an extra kick? I have chronic fatigue and it really helps my energy levels. I like the MSM Lite – it’s only 5 calories. I think I’ll go out for a little fresh air and sunshine now!
You can order a free sample on their site: http://www.emergenc.com/
So happy I found your site – I am visiting from Problogger/SITS 31DBBB challenge. I left a comment after yours today Day 22.
Dot,
I have heard of Emergen-C! I have heard that it works well. I also know that taking B-12 works as well. I have to be careful right now as I have fatigue issues but also deal with anxiety, so I don’t want anything that could possibly add to my jitteriness. Oh, as I am sitting here drinking coffee, lol! I have limited myself to just 2 cups a day now though!
Thanks for coming by!
I’m hypoglycemic and I know how important blood sugar levels are. Drinking water also helps you lose weight. And being a woman over 40 myself, I find that drinking water really helps my skin, especially in the winter. Good luck with the 31 DBBB challenge.
For sure, all of those things are awesome. I have to remember them. Cheers to a fellow Atlanta blogger!
Hi Amy! Thanks for visiting! headed your way now!
I had to laugh when I read your snicker’s comment, only because when I was in my 30′s I pretty much lived on snicker’s, coke (the soda) and excedrin! I wouldn’t recommend it, but at the time it kept me going. Fortunately I’ve learned healthier ways now.
Thanks for this smart info!
I remember ingesting large quantities of Little Debbie cakes. Ewww, what was I thinking? And I did the excedrin thing for a while too until I started having heart palpitations!
These are all such great pick-me-ups!! Sometimes for me, just taking a break and going for a walk through my neighborhood really lifts my spirits. Of course, it will be nicer once the crisp fall air hits (I can’t wait), but it always works wonders for me!
[...] to ER this time to be sure to run blood work, etc. The only thing we found out was that she was dehydrated. So they hooked up an IV and pushed a bag of fluids through her. Her body must’ve needed that [...]