Its 3:30pm. Youre sitting at your desk. Youve not moved for two full hours and yet, you suddenly find yourself EXHAUSTED.
Recognize the scenario?
Of course you do.
Fighting fatigue at the office is a battle we all face. When your energy level falls into the red zone, you probably reach out for the quick fix: caffeine. (A recent USDA report reveals that women in their 30s consume about 165 milligrams of caffeine each day, but by age 50, daily consumption leaps to 225 milligrams. Whoa! That can’t be healthy.)
Now as fond as I am of a caffeine boost, Id rather find other ways to amp up my energy levels.
1. Move it. That post-workout rush of energy everyone keeps raving about is well-documented: Movement sends oxygen through the bloodstream to invigorate cells. Instead of slamming some candy or guzzling coffee when the afternoon blahs strike, take a quick walk around the block. According to a study in Personality and Social Psychology, a 10 minute stroll will rev your body up for a full two hours.
2. Drink more H2O. Everyday activities like breathing, talking and even sitting all use up the body’s water supply. Let your body dry out, and your energy level will dry up as well. (Dehydration totally contributes to fatigue.) Water is good, people. Drink it!
3. Light it up. It is a mood changer! Turn your desk lamp on or open the blinds and let in some vitamin D. (Or better yet talk that walk around the block.) Your body needs the sunlight in order to help keep energy levels at their peak.
4. Crank some tunes. A quick one-song rock session is an effective way to beat back exhaustion. One song, 3 minutes. That quick boost of adrenaline lasts quite awhile. (Ignore your coworker’s stares.)
5. Breathe deeply. Taking deeper breaths will deliver a larger amount of oxygen to the brain which will keep you more alert. Pair it with an amazing full body stretch and youll instantly feel better. (Might want to do this one behind closed doors. Just sayin’)