7 Energy Boosting Tips to Jumpstart your Day

The years I’ve spent coaching clients to reach their goals has taught me a lot.  One fundamental lesson; energy matters. A close second; most of want more of it, especially when we’re working toward change.

A few years ago, I worked with a VNA (visiting nurses association) in California that drove this point home for me. I was asked by the managerial team to create a fun and engaging wellness program for this office full of women with extremely different health profiles, some of whom found the idea of the program extremely daunting.

I knew I would need to get creative in order to engage such a diverse team around the delicate subject of personal fitness. So instead of jumping right into the goal setting strategies, I introduced the idea of a simple morning energy boosting routine as a warm-up.

The team loved the simplicity, and the results. They expressed feeling more positive and motivated to stay on track with their goals, even when the program felt challenging.

My experience shows and research proves that an integrated approach to change is always the most effective.

Individual energy levels are determined by a combination of biology, lifestyle and nutrition. While your biological makeup is difficult to change, lifestyle factors are, if not easy, at least doable. And managing your energy level is a great place to start!

Ready to take your focus and motivation to the next level?

Try these 7 energy-boosting tips to jumpstart your day!

1. Lose the snooze; studies show that the extra sleep you gain from hitting the snooze button does nothing to improve your energy, in fact, just the opposite. So move that alarm clock across the room if you have to, set it at the time you really need to get up and start your day right!
2. Set your path; taking a moment to set an intention for the day lets you align your focus with your goals. Since energy is the focus here, try keeping your energy uplift practices top of mind as your day progresses.
3. Just breathe; research shows that we’re actually running low on oxygen first thing in the morning, so stopping to take 5 slow, deep breaths, beginning sure to fully exhale on the out-breath, is a great way to begin your morning.
4. Rehydrate right (as in plain, noncaffeinated water); after 8 hours without hydration, you’re ready for a refill to control hunger pangs and help you wake up.
5. Hold the joe (at least for an hour) When you wait 60-90 minutes for your cortisol levels to peak before your first cup of coffee, you’ll get the most of that caffeine boost and maintain it on through to the afternoon.
6. Skip the sugar; most of us consume at least 2x the daily amount recommended by the American Heart Association. Not only does this dramatically increase the risk of diet-related disease, but it also puts your body on an energy roller coaster that may last all day long. Juices and coffee drinks are key sources, so always read the label and opt for low or sugar-free.
7. Crank up the tunes; whether you’re in the kitchen or in your car, find some fun, energizing music and crank it up! Extra credit; Sing along!

Wondering if these tips work? Track your progress! Schedule and energy check in the mid-morning, same time, before and after. Assess your mood and energy levels on a scale of 1-5 and write it down. Compare and contrast to see what works for you.

Send me an email, I would love to hear how it goes!

Elizabeth Borelli is a Mindful Mediterranean lifestyle speaker, coach and the author of Tastes Like La Dolce Vita and Breathe into Breakthrough.