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May 20, 2009 (yesterday)
55 Ways to Get More Energy
fromZen Habitsby Leo
Editor’s note:
This is a guest post from Greg Go, co-author of Wise Bread’s new book, 10,001 Ways to Live Large on a Small Budget.Buy the book today(by Monday 11:59pm PDT) and get a
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If you’re tired all the time, a change in what you eat (diet) or what you do all day (activity pattern)may be all you need to turn things around 180°.You won’t be able to do everything on this list all the time — you’d tire yourself out trying to getmore energy — but do try them all to see which ones work for you and your schedule. Add a fewof these tips to your regular routine. Or mix them up to keep things interesting.
1. Change your socks for refreshment.
It’s an amazing trick. Bring a change of socks to work, and change your socks midway throughthe day (say, after lunch). You’ll be amazed at how much fresher you’ll feel. This trick is especiallyhandy on days with lots of walking — like during a hike or family outing to the amusement park.
2. Rock out loud.
Whether you work alone or in a room with coworkers, a quick one-song rock out loud session isan effective way to beat back exhaustion.In a cube farm? Get everyone to sing along! The key is to choose a song that everyone can singalong with. (I likeKokomo.) The energy boosting effect comes from bobbing your head andsinging out loud. One song, 3 minutes. That’s a quick boost of adrenaline that lasts for a bit. You’llbe singing to yourself the rest of the never ending project delivery night.
3. Get rid of the stuffy nose.
If allergies have your sinuses blocked, you may be feeling more tired and cranky. An over-the-counter allergy medication should clear up your sinuses (and your mind).
4. Work with your body’s clock.
There is a natural ebb and flow of energy throughout the day. We start off sluggish after wakingup, even after a solid 8 hours of sleep. Our energy peaks mid-morning, and it’s natural to want asiestain the afternoon. We get a second spike of energy in the early evening, followed by our lowest energy point just before bedtime. Once you understand this natural rhythm of energythroughout the day, you can work on the important tasks during your peak hours and avoid earlyafternoon snoozefests (meetings).
5. Have a piece of chocolate.
Not too much, but if you’re going to have some candy, it might as well be chocolate. We get anendorphin buzz from chocolate (not to mention the energy boost from the slight bit of caffeinechocolate contains). Dark chocolate has more caffeine than milk chocolate.viaWhat's Hot in Google Reader 
 
An afternoon snack of yogurt, berries, andnuts will provide the boost of energy tocarry you through the day. Photo bylepiaf.geo / Flickr 
6. Have an afternoon power snack.
Asmall healthy snackthat is low in sugar and has protein and/or fiber a couple hours after lunchhelps you finish off the day strong. Some suggestions:mixed nutsnonfat yogurtapple and peanut butter frozen berrie smoothietrail mixgranola bar 
7. Hit up the water cooler for inconsequential banter.
A little midday gossip and random banter is a great pick-me-up for your tired mind. It worksbecause it gets your mind on zero-stress thoughts for a while. The mental break for just a fewminutes will revitalize you.
8. Eat lots of berries.
Especially berries that are blue, red, or purple. The color comes from anthocyanins, a powerfulantioxidant, that boosts energy. Any kind of berry will contain tons.
 
All types of berries help fight fatigue and are delicious to boot! Photo by Zabowski /Flickr 
9. Wear brighter colors.
This trick is related to the mood you project to people, and the reciprocating mood they projecttowards you. If you wear dark, somber colors, you project a dark, somber attitude, and people willrespond to you with a somber attitude. If you wear bright, happy colors, you’ll get that attitudeprojected towards you, which will boost your own mood and energy levels.
10. Take a power nap.
But do it in your chair. Don’t lie down on the sofa or you won’t get back up. Keep it short: 5-10minutes max. Any longer and it will have the opposite effect of knocking you out for the rest of theday.
11. Flirt.
It’s fun, it’s harmless (keep it innocent), and it’s effective. Nothing quite gets the heart pumpinglike a little flirting.
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