Naturally Increase Your Energy Levels!

It seems like every channel you turn to is advertising some sort of magic pill or other medication to either increase your libido, help with restless leg syndrome and, or, increase your energy levels.

The pharmaceutical industry creates, produces and distributes licensed drugs such as Lipitor, Viagra and a variety of antidepressants. There seems to be a plethora of medications out there to solve all and any of your problems, eh?

Do not believe ALL the hype.

Although modern medicine is indeed a life saver and it does have its obvious positive side effects, for some, it is not the only solution to gain or regain your natural energy levels.

There are also simple and natural ways to get your energy back!

Trust me when I say this immediately revitalizes your inner being. It clears you mind and rejuvenates your spirits.

Power naps are short in duration, but long and significant in the ability to re-energize your mind and body. These naps are short because they do not last long enough for you to go into a deep sleep, but it supplements your normal sleep routine by using the benefits of sleep versus time. It is the proverbial quality versus quantity philosophy.

Power napping is effective and increases energy levels because it does not allow you to go into a deep sleep. Its duration terminates just when the heavier, deeper sleep cycle begins. Once the time frame is extended past the normal 20 to 30 minutes it is considered least effective because as you sleep deeper and wake up outside the normal sleep patterns then it becomes non-restful sleep and counterproductive. You end up feeling groggy, anxious and with less energy--not what we want, right?

Power naps also have a positive side effect--an increase in memory function. The longer the nap the better the results, but a 20 to 30 minute nap, several times a week, works just fine.

Even though I have a busy work and home schedule, on occasion, after a long day at my J-O-B, working on homework with my son, cooking and other chores, I will take a power nap to get my mind and body back in sync. Instead of calling it power napping, I call it "crashing." After my "crashing" session, I usually feel brand new and full of energy to tackle the rest of what lies ahead.

A very simple, inexpensive and effective way of boosting energy levels is by doing relaxation exercises such as the following:

1. Yoga
2. Visualization
3. Deep Breathing
4. Meditation

For me, Yoga, one time a week re-energizes me after a long and grueling work and commuting week.

By using some or all of the above mentioned techniques, programming more relaxation into your day allows you to regain your energy naturally.

These techniques provide health benefits that include a decrease in muscle tension, lower blood pressure and slower heart and breathing rates resulting in more energy.

Drink up! Water is key. Have you ever been so thirsty that when you drank water it made you close your eyes and say "Ah!?" When the body is dehydrated, it runs on empty. When it runs on empty, it DOES NOT RUN AT ALL!

Hydration increases metabolic rates and therefore increases your energy levels almost instantly. Try this, drink a nice, cold glass of water first thing in the morning and you instantly will feel alive and full of energy, why? Because your body has been practically dehydrated for hours upon hours while your body regenerates and revamps itself. Upon waking, you feel this intense thirst and once you start guzzling your body instantly reacts--positively.

The word 'BREAKFAST' is just that, "breaking-your- fast." For hours, your body has been fasting and just like it wakes up thirsty, it also wakes up hungry and ready to be fueled. Therefore, fuel it the right way. Like everything in life, balance is the goal. Therefore, balance out the protein, carbs, healthy fats and get your energy levels up first thing in the morning.

Regardless of your philosophy on breakfast, it is important to fuel your body, nutritionally, within a reasonable time of you getting up. The body and the mind will work better and if you focus on the nutritious foods like whole fruits, whole grains and lean proteins you are sure to get your metabolism going as well as your energy levels.

Need I say more?

If you are going to snack, do it the right way! A power snack is a small amount of food that's sole purpose is to boost your energy on the go. Power snacking is suppose to be nutritious and provide energy to the brain and your muscles. It increases your mental alertness while curbing your hunger pangs as well.

Power snacks that are high in nutritional value are high in fiber, protein and complex carbohydrates:

1. Fresh fruit with skin preferable.
2. Almonds, walnuts and hazel nuts (please consult a doctor to check for nut allergies)

• Magnesium is an essential component of a healthy diet and aides in bodily energy levels. It is found in spices, nuts, cereals, coffee, tea, and vegetables. Green leafy vegetables, like spinach, is also rich in magnesium. Magnesium deficiencies may lead to lower levels of energy.

3. Beans

4. Cheese

Snacking this way is convenient and will most definitely help with energy levels as you eat the right balance of nutrients.

Anxiety, stress and anger all drain and use up energy. Dealing with it, responsibly, and in a healthy manner gives you the control you need to succeed in regaining your energy levels.

Stress and anxiety flood your blood stream with stress hormones called cortisol. Cortisol is a hormone generated to respond to the ever so valiant flight-or-fight defense response your body offers you in cases of every day stresses, like traffic jams to life-threatening, traumatic events such as a negative medical diagnosis or a sudden death in the family.

Conquer these energy draining stresses by letting go for a moment with rest and relaxation. Let your mind wander from the every day and most importantly LAUGH!

Laughter is naturally and purely medicinal and who does not love to laugh? I do!

I, literally, love to get my "LOL" on! By really "laughing out loud," your body will naturally produce endorphins that will flood your body with "happy" hormones and as a result increasing your energy levels naturally.

Remember that the body has an amazing ability to recuperate itself if you take care of it the way it should. Striving for increasing your energy levels naturally allow you to live a life full of happiness and energy!

Go for it!