How to Feel Energized and Awake

Why Am I So Tired?

Are you always hitting that snooze button?

Well stop it! There are ways to help you feel energized and awake every morning.

Exhaustion hits everyone at one point or another. It can be blamed on being bored with your job or personal life, perhaps you are feeling a little depressed lately. Could it be all that sugar and caffeine you consume? Bad eating habits can cause anyone to feel sluggish. Are you over-stressing your mind and body? Do you have too many commitments? Or could it be the people around you that are at fault? Negative energy from your friends, co-workers or family can have a strong affect on how we feel day to day.

If you're feeling tired every day, and just want to start feeling better, try some of these tips. You may be surprised at how easy it is to feel more awake every day.

If your bad diet is making you sleepy.

• Too much caffeine can make you feel sluggish and tired if you are drinking it after noon. Only drink caffeinated drinks in the morning if you want them.
• Eat early in the morning. A filling breakfast can go a long way, and will make you feel more alert throughout the day. Studies done at Cardiff University have shown that eating earlier in the day is associated with lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
• Avoid heavy meals. Instead, eat smaller meals more often. The bigger the meal, the more energy your body uses up digesting it. If you eat less at one time, you will feel more energetic.
• Add fiber to those smaller meals you're eating now. As you're digesting fiber, it enters your bloodstream and a slow and steady pace, helping you use your energy more efficiently.
• Drink lots of water. Keep your body hydrated because your blood is mostly made up of water. If your blood is dehydrated it thickens, making your heart work harder to keep your blood flowing.

Foods that will wake you up.

• Find out how much water you really need in one day. Personally I need about 51 oz a day, or about 6 1/2 full cups of water. Find out what you need, click here.
• Eat chlorophyll. Leafy greens, and green veggies help purify your blood, and improve your energy circulation.
• Get enough iron in your diet. I take a daily supplement to get all my vitamins and minerals. Or you could eat foods rich in iron like, nuts, fish, and whole grains.
• Eat fresh foods. Vegetables that are fresh from your farmers market, or a juicy ripe tomato will make you feel light and energized.

If your tired because you're unhappy.

• Try water therapy. Do this by taking a refreshing shower when you are feeling sluggish or burnt out.
• Dress like the person you want to be. Wearing that ratty old T-shirt and sweats isn't going to help you feel better. Put on clothes you feel good in, and you will start to feel good! If you are out of work, or working at home, get dressed right away in the morning even when you aren't going anywhere.
• Help someone else feel better. Reach out a helping hand to a friend or stranger. Volunteer at your local animal shelter. Put out positive energy and you will feel more positive about your own life.
• Forgive. Are you holding on to anger and resentment towards others? Learn to let this go, for your own sake. Holding a grudge actually increases your blood pressure and heart rate, which will over time make you feel tired.
• Get rid of junk. De-clutter the desk in your office, and then just sit and admire it. Doesn't that feel better? Maybe clear your bedroom floor of dirty laundry, and look at all the free space you've created. Making little accomplishments will give you energy, and that energy will only help you accomplish more.
• Increase your movement. Turn on your favorite radio, or that old Shania Twain CD and just move your body across the room. Do this alone, so you don't have to worry about feeling self-conscience. The exercise will invigorate your entire body.

If you are tired because you don't sleep well.

• Turn off the TV, don't check your email before bed, and don't look at your phone. The bright light emitted from these devices suppresses the production of the hormone melatonin. This is the hormone that your body uses at sun-down to tell your body it's night-time. You need this hormone to get a restful night of sleep. Bright lights before bed actually keep your brain awake.
• Journal at some point towards the end of your day to relieve stress. Journaling helps pull your worries out of your head and lets your mind relax at night. Try writing for just 5 minutes a day, then if you enjoy that, try 10 minutes. Keep writing everyday to help you sleep better every night.
• Get out of bed. I know that doesn't sound right, but it can help. If you find yourself laying in the dark for more than 20 minutes without drifting off, you're not ready to sleep yet. You need to get out of bed, and do something that relaxes you. Avoid TV or the computer, instead read a funny book, or work on a project like knitting to help you relax.
• No pets allowed. Dogs and cats steal blankets, kick their feet all the time, and they are disturbing your sleep. Help yourself by giving your beloved pet another place to sleep, outside of your bedroom.

60 Million people can't get a good nights sleep in America.

Are you one of them? Try the advice talked about above, and let me know how you feel. Everyone deserves a good night's sleep.