Energize Your Body: Simple Tips Fight Fatigue and Increase Mental Clarity

With today's hectic world and frenetic pace, it's no wonder we feel tired all the time. Family and work demands, lack of sleep and a poor diet can all lead to fatigue, decreased mental acuity and irritability. These things can negatively impact your life and your relationships. You owe it to yourself and your friends and family to practice the following healthy habits to fight fatigue and give yourself more energy.

Don't skip breakfast- Busy people often get a jump start on their day by skipping breakfast. This may save you a few minutes in the morning, but you lose productivity later in the day. By skipping breakfast you not only feel sluggish easier, you are also more likely to select unhealthy midmorning snacks like donuts. High sugar snacks will give you a surge of energy, but the energy will dissipate quickly, leaving you more sluggish than before. If you are in a hurry in the mornings, try a piece of whole wheat toast with peanut butter and a piece of fruit on your way out the door.

Drink more water- Even mild dehydration forces your heart to work harder because without adequate water intake, your blood thickens, making it more difficult for your heart to pump. Rather than aim for a certain number of ounces, monitor how often you go to the bathroom. You should need to urinate at least every two to four hours, and your urine should be almost clear and odorless. If your urine is dark or has a strong odor, you are not getting enough liquids in your diet.

Breathe- This seems like something that should be automatic, but many people go through their days taking short, shallow breaths. Spend some times each day taking in deep breaths from your diaphragm. If you find yourself feeling stressed or tired, take a few deep breaths to replenish your body's oxygen supply. An increase in oxygen will clear out the mental cobwebs and give you a burst of energy.

Get moving- It seems like an oxymoron, but sitting all day can make you feel more fatigued than getting out of the office for a quick walk. By getting your heart pumping, more oxygen is delivered to your body and brain, making you feel more alert and energetic. Make plans to take 15 minutes out of your lunch break for a quick walk around the park. If you can't spare time to leave the office, a quick trip or two up a flight of stairs can be enough to help you regain your focus.

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