Do you find your focus drifting and your productivity decreasing around 2 p.m.? Does your mind get foggy and unfocused? If you’re struggling with both mental and physical energy, there are a few simple steps you can take to feel much sharper throughout the day.
Just like exercise energizes your body, these 7 easy steps will help you boost your mind and beat that afternoon slump:
1. **Meditation**: You’ve probably heard a lot about meditation, and that’s because it’s really beneficial. Meditation can increase gray matter in your brain, improve your health and wellness, and give you an instant energy boost. There are plenty of guided meditations aimed at boosting energy, focus, and concentration. Start small with just five minutes a day and gradually increase to 20 minutes to help you stay alert and energized.
2. **Sleep**: Poor sleep doesn’t only make you tired and cranky; it also increases your risk for heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Good sleep has countless benefits like more energy, better health, improved mood, and even better sex. Make sleep a priority and try to keep a consistent schedule, even on weekends.
3. **Diet**: Eat a diet rich in lean proteins, antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and whole foods to maintain a steady flow of energy. Great brain foods include leafy greens, nuts and seeds, fish, blueberries, red grapes, eggs, avocados, and whole grains. Avoid sugar, processed foods, and fast foods as they drain your energy and brainpower. If it’s tough to eat enough of these foods daily, consider a brain-boosting supplement like Alpha Brain, which can enhance memory, focus, and clarity.
4. **Cold Showers**: While it might not sound fun, taking a cold shower (for at least two to eight minutes) can stimulate your mind. Cold showers can also boost circulation, aid weight loss, relieve stress, and potentially act as an antidepressant. Try it for a week and notice the refreshing results.
5. **Fresh Air**: Spending time in nature can restore energy, improve concentration, enhance short-term memory, and reduce stress. Enjoy activities like a bike ride, coffee on the porch, a walking meeting, or simply taking a longer route to your car to get a bit of nature every day. This helps reconnect with the world and improve mental focus.
6. **Stay Hydrated**: One major cause of fatigue, especially at work, is dehydration. Not drinking enough water can lead to headaches, dizziness, and even low blood pressure. Whenever you’re feeling out of it, drink a glass of water. Research suggests drinking 10 to 15 cups a day.
7. **Coffee and Nap Combo**: Combining coffee with naps can effectively stimulate and energize your mind. Next time you’re feeling mentally groggy, drink a cup of coffee and take a 20-minute nap. The caffeine will kick in just as you wake up, boosting your alertness and energy.
Mental energy can be a challenge to maintain throughout the day, but by fueling your mind and body, taking time to breathe, and maybe trying a cold shower, you’ll be on your way to all-day energy and focus.
