Use these 5 simple strategies to uncover how to get more energy…

So there I was with a full list on my to-do sheet and I laid lifelessly on the couch taking full advantage of my subscription to Netflix.

I had the motivation to get things done but my energy levels just would crash by the time the afternoon hit. And my productivity levels crashed worst than the 2008 real estate market.

This was a few years ago before I had a handle on my life and energy levels. Let’s face it, even if you’re the most motivated person in the world you’ll always be limited by how much energy you have.

I finally was fed up with my zero output and decided to do something about it. I started digging deep into why my energy was pathetic (especially in the afternoons) and what I needed to do to have the energy of a kindergardener on sugar.

These were the 5 main strategies I found to have the biggest increases I discovered on how to get more energy so I can actually get things done throughout the day.

How to Get More Energy 101

1) Dehydration

I would usually have my workout around the middle of the day and when I train I always train hard. Therefore I’m going to be sweating like a pig in the gym and this is going to lead to a big loss in water.

Your performance will drastically decline even if you become 3% dehydrated so making sure I was drinking enough water was very very important.

I always keep a water bottle by my desk when I’m working in the afternoons and make sure to keep sipping it. They say you should be drinking at least half of your bodyweight in fluid ounces throughout the day but I also make sure my urine is crystal clear too.

2) Alkalinity

With all the processed foods and meats the majority of Americans consume throughout the day it doesn’t take much time before our bodies become acidic.

Like anything our bodies naturally want to be in a proper balance and consuming too many of these foods will ultimately put our bodies in an acidic state.

It’s important to make sure you’re also consuming enough vegetables to alkalinize your body.

I also be sure to take my daily serving of Athletic Greens to not only help to alkalinize my body but to also provide an overall nutritional insurance.

3) Sleep

Insomnia and lack of sleep is probably the most obvious reason why people crash in the afternoons. I always try to get at least 6 hours of sleep but sometimes that isn’t enough.

Taking a 20-30 minute power nap sometime in the afternoons can do wonders to not only increase your energy levels but to also improve your mood as well.

When I had a 9-5 job I would take a 20 minute power nap in my car and I’d be buzzin’ like a bee the rest of the afternoon.

4) Sunshine

Ever notice how big of a reaction the newscasters have when the weather is forecasted?

Their typical boxed responses is one of the reasons I don’t watch the news along with its overall thriving on negativity, but they do have a point with the weather.

Regular exposure to sunshine naturally increases our Vitamin D levels which can improve energy and our moods. Lack of this sunlight will have the opposite effect.

It’s going to be important for both your health and your energy levels to make sure you’re getting enough vitamin D through either sun exposure or supplementation.

I also take Athletic Greens Vitamin D3 every day along with the regular Athletic Greens.

I recently picked up the goLITE from Philips which shines bright blue LED lights which research has found to improve mood and productivity. So far I like it and have noticed the improvements!

5) Stressed Out

When you’re constantly stressing out your body is going to release the “fight or flight” hormones cortisol and adrenaline.

Sooner or later you’re body won’t be able to keep up with these increased levels of stress hormones and it won’t take too long before your body crashes.

Following the above steps will help to decrease the stress in your body but it’s going to be up to you to make sure external things are making you want to tear your hair out.

One tip I picked up a while back is to not react to things right away. Instead take 2 deep full breaths and then react to it.

This helps to prevent that immediate stressful reaction. It’s easy to flip out when somebody cuts you off while driving but instead take a couple deep breaths before you start flipping them the bird.

Last Words on How to Get More Energy Naturally

Implementing these 5 simple tips can dramatically help to boost your energy levels so you’re not constantly feeling those afternoon fatigue crashes.  Now that you know how to get more energy it’s time to start getting things done and checking them off your to-do list.