Fast Energy Fixes

We all have lazy days, but there are some days where it seems nothing is enough to snap you out of a sluggish funk. Instead of reaching for the fifth cup of coffee, there are a few other ways you can boost your energy and perk up for the day (and only one of them contains caffeine!). Whether you need a little help waking up in the morning, or looking for something to boost your energy during the mid-afternoon, here are a few easy tips to try next time you feel like calling it a day:

Drink Tea

Who said you can't have antioxidants with your caffeine? Tea, especially green and black varieties, is packed with antioxidants, and while they have caffeine, the energizing effects tend to last longer throughout the day. While drinking coffee has its own benefit, many people experience a crash in energy shortly after consuming a cup. Drink a cup of your favorite tea a few times throughout the day to keep energy levels constant. Avoid consuming sugar-packed energy drinks in an attempt to perk up; sugar in the beverages cause a temporary spike in energy, only to leave you crashing a short time later.

Tune In

If you're feeling sluggish, turn on the music. Whether you're sitting at your computer desk or feeling lazy around the house, music can usually snap you out of any funk. Create a fun station on an Internet radio website or smartphone app, such as Pandora or Slacker Radio, to help you get through the last few hours of the workday.

Energizing Shower

For those mornings where it seems impossible to wake up, there is an easy solution you can do in the shower. Once you finish bathing, turn the dial so the shower turns as cold as you can tolerate and stay there for a minute or two. While it might sound crazy, there are quite a few benefits of taking a cold shower, or at least standing there for a few minutes. Cold water increases circulation in the skin, leaving you with a fresh glow all day long and has been shown to boost energy levels. Still don't want to take a cold shower? Spritz your skin with a facial mist frequently throughout the day to reap some of the benefits!

Get Outside

Nothing beats the blues better than a trip outdoors. If you're sitting in an air-conditioned office, use your lunch break to get outside and walk around to feel the fresh air and sunshine. Exercise boosts blood circulation, which helps the blood flow to the brain. In addition to a boost of energy, you can burn off extra calories with quick spurts of exercise throughout the day.

Each of the energizing solutions only takes a few minutes out of your day, but leaves you with long-lasting energy. Next time you're feeling a little low in motivation, break out one of these suggestions to get past the sluggishness and get on with your day.