Tricks You Need To Try To Boost Your Energy

You wake up in the morning feeling fatigued even though you've had a full night of sleep. You can't pinpoint why you're feeling this way, but need something to boost your energy. An extra cup of coffee just isn't cutting it or creates more fatigue as the day progresses. You make certain you unplug at least two hours before bedtime and try to stay consistent with your nighttime routine, but nothing seems to work. It might be time to reevaluate what little tweaks you can make to increase your energy levels. And the good news is there are several go-to options. 

Those who might be worried about decreasing energy levels shouldn't be overly concerned. Research indicates that lack of energy isn't an uncommon feeling (via ScienceDirect). Almost one-third of healthy teens and adults complain of fatigue. It might be because you had too many carbs the night before or haven't exercised in some time, but that doesn't mean you need to live with the constant tiredness. There are simple and easy hacks you can include in your day-to-day life to get the energy back into your morning and throughout the day. Check out these easy and practical tricks to try to jumpstart your energy. 

Do you like watching funny videos or search the internet for memes that make you laugh? Laughing — which can and should become a daily part of your life — is good for increasing your energy levels. Jennifer Lea, a performance coach and global director of portfolio management and innovation at the Johnson & Johnson Human Performance Institute told Today that the simple act of smiling can be an energy boost.

One cannot underestimate the power of emotional satisfaction and how it can renew your physical energy. People sometimes underestimate how much a bad conversation with a boss or a fight with a friend can become an immediate zap on one's energy. It isn't surprising that laughing gives an extra pep in your step — endorphins are released when you smile or giggle (via Mayo Clinic). Lea recommends making a concerted effort fo find a way to laugh every single day and remind yourself what is most important to you. This can help you in difficult times as well because you're likely to remember what to do when your emotions skew toward sadness. 

It is intuitive to think the dark induces sleep and light encourages people to wake up. When you wake up first thing in the morning, be certain to head to your windows, open up your curtains, and soak in the sunlight. Dr. Alison Kole, director of Summit Medical Group told Woman's Health that getting some sunlight in the morning can help regulate your internal clock and even make you feel happier if you happen to have seasonal affective disorder. Sunlight first thing in the morning can also improve serotonin levels, which studies show improve your sleep. 

A good night of sleep, of course, can do wonders for your energy the next day. You will also likely feel less stressed too. Research published in the Journal of Biological Rhythms indicates there is some evidence that exposing yourself to sunlight in the morning will release cortisol. Dr. Jeff Rodgers, dental sleep expert in Georgia, told Bustle that having a cycle where you wake up to the sun can be generally good for your circadian rhythm. This is also an energy trick every member of your family can use in their daily routine since it is an easy way to have the quickest energy payoff. 

Most people regularly pop peppermints or chew gum to freshen their breath. Peppermint does provide a way to cleanse the palate, but it also can be a way to get instant energy.

Elisah Tashjian, a holistic nutrition consultant, told Prevention that because peppermint contains menthol, it has the ability to activate thermoreceptors, which are sensitive to cold. "Tashjian suggests mixing one drop with some coconut oil and rubbing it on the back of your neck. Although this won't actually lower your body temperature, it provides a cooling sensation that can make you a lot more comfortable," the site detailed.

You'll want to avoid rubbing undiluted peppermint oil directly into the skin. Be sure to mix it with a carrier oil first. If you prefer peppermint in other ways, you can also inhale it, use mint leaves, or include a few drops of essential peppermint oil in your water. Smoothie drinkers can also add it to their nutritious shakes for that extra little natural boost in the morning. 

The color red isn't just associated with Valentine's Day. Traditionally, red is linked with love, power, passion, and anger. In terms of colors, red elicits stronger emotions than other hues. For instance, blue is associated with calm, while green can mean peace (via Verywell Mind).

Red seems to grab a person's attention quickly and, according to research cited by Verywell Mind, it creates physical responses like an increase in blood pressure, heart rate, metabolism, and respiration rate. Participants had increased motor action when seeing shades of red compared to gray. These combined physical responses can increase energy and cause individuals to feel more alert and aware of their surroundings.

If you'd like to see more red in your life, here are some easy ways: Buy a dozen red roses, keep red trinkets inside the house, pair a red scarf with your outfit, or consider investing in a painting that has several hues of the color red. 

It's no secret that drinking water has several benefits. Increased water intake can keep you hydrated, improve digestion, and keep your skin supple. There is another less-known payoff: Drinking water can increase your energy levels.

Studies indicate that fatigue can be a result of dehydration (via Harvard Health). Our body weight is attributed to over 50% water and so it is natural to think replenishing what we lose from sweating, breathing, and using the restroom can most readily occur by drinking more water. Some may complain that it is a chore to drink water throughout the day, but there are ways to make this habit more automatic.

One good way to make drinking water a regular habit is to start your morning with a glass of water before you reach for your coffee or pour your cereal. For a mid-afternoon boost at work, have a water bottle ready at your desk to limit your temptation to get a soda from the vending machine.

There is a reason why people start dancing as soon as they hear music. They might start jamming in their car or busting out moves in their living room and the energy increase seems natural. Scientific American revealed that individual tends to use their bodies more efficiently because there is synchronicity that happens when you hear the same beats. Fast music creates more of an energy increase because it overrides the brain's signal for fatigue.

An upbeat song like Taylor Swift's "Shake It Off" can increase your heartbeat to 160 beats per minute. Slip on your headphones at work if you need a quick jolt to get you through the hours until quitting time or play a favorite song while cooking dinner to stave off the need for a nap after a hard work day to increase energy levels. It might be helpful to make a playlist of favorite upbeat songs you love so you don't spend time searching for the right music on the radio. 

Listening to your body can be integral in determining why your energy levels might be off. Fatigue can be due to a benign reason, but if your tiredness is continuous and interferes with your work and social plans, it is wise to consult a doctor to rule out more serious illnesses.

Dr. Laura Kruper, director of the Women's Center and Chief of Breast Surgery Service at City of Hope Hospital in Los Angeles, suggests taking the time to listen to your body (via Redbook). She explained that some cancer survivors face pressure to resume exercising shortly after they are done with chemotherapy. However, not everyone operates on the same schedule. One cancer survivor told Kruper that she'd always been an avid exerciser and she started slowly building her new routine after treatment, but she didn't push too hard when she wasn't feeling it. Kruper continued, saying, "Everyone heals in their own time — you can't rush getting your mojo back. But if you make good choices, and don't stress yourself out, it will come back."