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Rest and rejuvenation seem to be lost words these days. Many of us work constantly, whether that is in an office, a classroom, as a new mother, or simply because our phones are constantly in our hands. In order to supplement our crazy schedules, we are tossing back triple shot espressos, surviving on processed food, and saving sleep for years down the road.
But to be real, our busy lives aren’t slowing down anytime soon. We all have huge to-do lists and whether we are energized or not, those tasks still need to get done. So, instead of reaching for that 4th cup of coffee, here are 5 ways to increase your energy so that you can take on the day, and then some.
1. Dry Brush
This invigorating detox method stimulates the lymphatic system and leads to less inflammation, a faster metabolism, better circulation, glowing skin and—yes—more energy! Once you try it, this 2-minute daily routine will become an invaluable part of your day.
Start at your feet with a stiff wooden brush like this one and brush upwards toward your heart. The chest is where the lymphatic system drains so it’s important to always brush in that direction. Brush your entire body at least once per day for optimal results. Dry brushing can create a lot of natural energy so stay away from doing it at night.
2. Drink Lemon and Cayenne
Drinking warm water with lemon and cayenne in the morning is a great way to give your body some natural energy. The capsaicin in cayenne is great at stimulating blood flow and metabolism to help wake up your body first thing in the morning. Combine that with lemon which is packed with hydrating antioxidants and you'll be ready to power through that workout or spreadsheet, no problem.
3. Get More Shut Eye
It seems that getting less sleep has become something to brag about in our society. The less you sleep, the more important you are. In our minds, lack of sleep is really nothing to boast about -- it negatively impacts mood and your ability to make decisions, focus, and to access higher cognitive function. Arianna Huffington famously said, "The way to a more productive, more inspired, more joyful life is: getting enough sleep." Aim for at least 8 hours of sleep every night, even if that means postponing a meeting or shutting down emails early. That is, if you want to have the energy to get things done effectively.
4. Eat Metabolic Fats
Our brains are made up of 60% fat. The fat that we eat literally feeds our brains which enables us to think clearly and have more energy. One of our favorite metabolic fats is coconut oil because it's rich in MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides. MCTs are easy for the body to digest and and not readily stored as fat, so instead, they pump energy directly into your cells. Après contains 4g+ of coconut oil for quick, sustained energy making it the perfect snack to give your body the energy it needs to get through the day.
5. Generate Energy
You are the power plant for your own energy and are therefore responsible for creating it yourself. Don’t play victim to what you feel might be a lack of energy. Instead, do what it takes to generate as much energy as possible. Eat well, get great sleep, meditate, take a walk, and care for your body. It's important to know that you have total control of your energy and can take it up a notch whenever you set your mind to it.
Studies done on executives show that taking just a moment to evaluate your energy on a scale from 1-10 and then telling yourself that you’re taking it up 3 notches creates huge spikes in actual energy. Remember, you don’t have energy; you generate it.
When abused, too much caffeine can lead to anxiety, drained adrenals, foggy brain, and eventually more exhaustion. Keep your energy naturally high by focusing on some of these replenishing techniques to help your body generate energy from the inside out and truly #ownyourafter