Take Time to Replenish Your Energy Reserves

In this day of "do, do, do" working and "give, give, give" living, it can be very challenging to retain enough energy. Replenishing our reserves can be imperative. There are habits you can work into each day that will aid replenishing your energy, and there are tactics to quickly boost your energy reserves as needed.

As part of the Simple Change Wellness team, I am well aware of the ramifications on my productivity from diminishing or replenished energy; however, like for many of you, taking action to improve my energy can be challenging.

Although what works best will be unique to you, here are a few examples to get you started:

- Listen to upbeat or calming music, singing and dancing to it.

- Ask for help, especially for clarity or to delegate.

- Create a vision board and refer to it often for inspiration.

- Spend time with those people who matter to you, whether in person, via video chat or over a phone call.

- Take a brisk walk, especially if you can get out in nature. Physical activity oxygenates blood cells; breathing outdoor air while absorbing vitamin D is invigorating. If you're tired, a short walk for about 15 minutes will generate about 90 minutes of energy.

- Appreciate what you have, who you are with and what lessons you have learned along the way; gratitude is so powerful, and acknowledging how each of us is blessed helps.

- Find something to make you laugh, like laughing at yourself.

- Feel compassion for yourself as well as those around you, finding forgiveness for everyone's shortcomings.

- Eat well... Healthy foods spread throughout the day fuel our energy, especially when we increase our intake of magnesium and antioxidants. I really enjoy a power shake for a snake during the day: Put 1 small, ripe banana that's been sliced, 2 tablespoons of creamy peanut butter and 1 tablespoon of honey in a blender until smooth; then, add 1 cup of cold milk and blend until foamy.

- Stay hydrated... Keep a water bottle with you at all times and drink from it frequently during the day.

- Have something to look forward to, whether you are planning for an upcoming vacation or bought tickets to a special event. That feeling of anticipation and excitement can boost your energy.

- Meditate... Sitting quietly to relax your mind will relax your entire body and bring oxygen to your cells. Apps like Calm, Buddhify and OMG I Can Meditate make it easier to get started.

What tactics do you use currently to replenish your energy reserves? Are you feeling a little low on energy today? If so, which of these can you give a try right now?