Ever find yourself dragging through the day, feeling like you're wading through molasses instead of striding with purpose? Your body might just be sending out an S.O.S. signal: "Enough is enough!" But fear not, it's not a plea for a complete overhaul; rather, it's a gentle nudge to mix things up a bit. So, what's on the chopping block? Your daily grind, your fuel intake, your sleep cycle—all potential culprits. But fear not, for the remedy is simpler than you think. A sprinkle of adjustments here, a dash of changes there, and voilà! You're on your way to an energy overhaul. So, let's dive into the toolbox of tweaks and tricks, because the path to revitalization starts now!
1. Prime Your Mindset: you don’t have to make dramatic lifestyle changes in order to start boosting your energy levels. Even small changes can make a huge difference in your long-term well-being. When you start thinking in terms of what you can do, instead of looking for reasons you can’t do something, you’ll find that you’re capable of a lot. So focus on small successes that you can enjoy now while building toward bigger goals.
2. Stay Hydrated: It might sound trivial, but water plays an important part in every organ and system of your body — and most of us don’t get enough of it. Dehydration can lead to fatigue and exacerbate pain. Make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day to keep your body functioning optimally. Keep a water bottle handy throughout the day and take a big swig every time you think of it. You’ll be better hydrated and more energized before you know it.
3. Set a timer: Research shows that staying stationary – whether sitting or standing – for long periods of time, can be bad for your health. Our bodies are built to move and doing so for approximately three minutes every hour helps us feel our best. Getting up every 20 to 30 minutes is proven to not only increase energy but it is also proven to increase blood flow, improve your mood, give you a clearer mind, increase productivity, accelerate your metabolism and improve your posture!
4. Maintain a Balanced Diet: Eating a nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide your body with the energy it needs while also reducing inflammation, which may alleviate pain. Check out our article: Food to the Rescue for details on the foods that increase energy while decreasing inflammation and pain.
5. Set yourself up for success: A poorly designed workspace zaps your energy, increases the risk of injury and lowers mood. Whether you are sitting at a desk or swinging a hammer, a well-designed work environment allows for good posture, fewer repetitive motions, better heights and reaches, less exertion, reduced awkward postures, reduced high-force requirements and more efficiency. Try these quick tips to get started.
6. Improve Sleep Quality: Poor sleep can worsen pain and leave you feeling drained. Establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, and ensure your sleep environment is conducive to restful sleep.
7. Take a Walk: If you do just one thing to boost your energy today, make it a gentle walk. The movement will boost your energy and help break the unnatural movement and posture patterns that can form when you spend all day sitting at a desk or working at a table.
Want more? Consult our team for an individualized plan! Our physical therapists are skilled in diagnosing a problem and correcting your alignment to prevent future injury. Please contact us at 661-383-9828 or click the link to schedule if you are interested in upping your game, feeling better, and preventing injury.
