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Feel fabulous and full of sparkle with these ten fast energy injections...
1. Wake up, sleepy head!
Unsurprisingly, lack of sleep is the most common cause of low energy, so try and get between seven and eight hours sleep a night. You can help yourself get a good night's kip by keeping to a pattern of going to sleep and waking up at the same time, whether you're tired or not and making sure your bedroom is the right temperature and not too noisy. A good sleep should be like a good meal, leaving you satisfied and happy with just enough room for a little bit more.
Sleep-easy tips
2. Don't skip breakfast
Breakfast recharges your batteries and kick-starts your body and mind for the day ahead, then people wonder why they feel so sluggish when they miss it. If you don't feel like eating first thing in the morning, have a glass of energy-boosting fresh fruit juice. Too rushed to eat? Try munching on fruit, oatcakes or cereal bars - anything you can eat on the go.
Breakfast makeover
3. Move it!
Put a spring in your step. Just 15 minutes of exercise can make a huge difference to your energy levels. Too busy to exercise? Try walking that extra stop to the bus, taking the stairs instead of the lift or going for a brisk walk during your lunch break.
Every little bit counts
4. Breathe easy?
Feel like you are rushing around with no time to breathe? Stop panting and take a deep breath of fresh air. By not taking in enough oxygen, energy levels drop dramatically and this can even cause slight dizziness. Stop what you are doing and take five deep breaths. Breathe in through the nose for the count of three and then exhale for six. Do this daily for an energy lift.
Yoga breathing
5. Make like a cat and stretch
Feeling creaky? Stretching is one of the easiest ways to release tension and boost energy. Stretching for two to three minutes will loosen your muscles, ease joints and allow blood to flow more easily around your body. Whether you're at your desk, at home or stuck in traffic, stretching as many parts of your body as possible will give you more energy and help relax you at the same time.
Stretching a point
6. Water, water everywhere
Not drinking enough liquids can cause you to feel exhausted due to dehydration. Drink plenty of water - at least eight glasses a day - and switch to drinking fresh fruit juice or skimmed milk instead of sugary fizzy drinks and caffeine which can zap energy levels.
The importance of water
7. Snack attack - make it healthy
Eat little and often for energy and try to stick with natural, unprocessed food. Nutritionists recommend eating every 3-4 hours to keep your energy levels topped up throughout the day. Plan ahead by keeping healthy snacks to hand. Oat and rice cakes, bananas, fresh and dried fruits and crudites are all delicious and healthy alternatives to biscuits, sweets and cake.
Food for thought
8. Be on an upper after your morning cuppa
Too much caffeine can leave you jittery and shaky, but a morning cup of tea and coffee gets the thumbs up. Professor Peter Rogers at Bristol University discovered that, among regular tea and coffee drinkers, those who abstained from their usual morning cup of caffeine were less alert and clear-headed than those who drank it. These effects were rapidly reversed by a 60mg dose of caffeine (the equivalent to a cup of tea). Beware though, because Professor Rogers also found that additional doses don't have any effect.
The buzz on caffeine
9. Aroma-tonic
Surround yourself with delicious smells. Aromatherapy can give you a fantastic energy pick-me-up. The delicious, sweet-smelling May-Chang is perfect for a euphoric boost and rosemary oil for a speedy brain boost. Burn five to six drops in an oil burner or just drop into bowl of hot water for a quick lift.
The power of scent
10. The passion factor
Doing the activities you love will send your energy levels soaring. Find out what you're passionate about and make time to do it. Whether it's extreme sports, re-decorating your home, writing - whatever makes you tick, do it. The passion will spill out across all areas of your life.
If you do feel constantly tired or run down, discuss your concerns with your GP. You've only got one life, so look after yourself.
Why not chat to other iVillagers about healthy living by posting a message on the Healthy Living Club message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions happening right now on the board:
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