Natural Energy Boosters for Your Kids

Does your kid come home from school and crash on the sofa or couch, then sleep for over three hours, only to complain that he can't go to bed at night because he's not tired anymore? Well, you're not alone. But, you don't want your kid to be staying up at night, even if he is just lying around in bed. It's best he uses all his energy while he's still awake and gets a good night's rest, instead. This means you want to make sure that he is energized and awake when he needs to be, whether its to finish his homework or do some reading so that he can work efficiently and crash later. For these reasons, here are the top five natural energy boosters for your kids:

Power Nap
This is one of my favorite solutions for when I'm feeling really exhausted. Limit yourself to exactly 30 minutes in bed or in any other fairly comfortable place; set the alarm clock if you have to. After 30 minutes, wake up and immediately take a short, brisk walk. Normally, as I've noticed, one I wake up from the power nap, I'm still feeling tired. However, that short rest combined with a sudden burst of physical activity will keep you energized for hours, without a doubt. Power napping plus a little bit of activity after can do wonders to keep your body running for hours.

Make Them Work Out
Not what you'd expect to be on this list, eh? You're thinking that working out will actually get rid of more energy that they could be using for other, more valuable activities? Fair thought. However, in actuality, when they work out, their muscles become more active and more blood is pumped around the body. They're senses will become more alert and they will be able to concentrate and focus better. For a while, at least, they will be energized. Then, they will burn out. Despite this, making them work out or go on a jog, whether or not they actually do it for a long time, will get enough blood flowing for them to be energized for the coming hours.

Drink Cold Water
Often, the reason why you get so tired is because you're dehydrated. Your cells need water to function at their most efficient levels: when you're dehydrated, your cells are functioning at a lower activity level. In addition, cold water is an even better choice because of the shock value. Shock has a significant effect on the brain, sending it into an alert mode and being more energized. If you can trick your brain by drinking cold water and sending an icy, alarming signal, you'll be full of energy in no time.

Sit Up Straight
Your brain and body need oxygen and water to be sustainable. If you've got the water problem handled, the next problem is getting more oxygen into your body. Sitting up straight can open your chest cavity by over 30%, allowing for much more oxygen to enter your body and reach your cells. With its requirements satisfied, your body will be ready to keep producing the energy it needs.

Do Something You Like to Do
Researchers have found that doing anything you like to do, whether it be watching funny movies or talking with other people, can raise your endorphin levels. Endorphin levels part of a chemical reaction in your body that sends positive feelings to your brain and throughout your body; these are the same chemicals released when your body enters into physical activity. So take a break and have a bit of fun if you're feeling tired. Those endorphins will kick in that energy soon enough, just when you need it.

Sources:
Personal experiences
Krysten Kusek, "9 Energy Boosters." Real Simple.