Energy Boosters ... try these today!

I had a client recently who said "fatigue and a lack of energy have been problems for all my life". People often admire my energy levels, asking me "Laura how do you do it? - you deliver training for 11 days straight, you launch new products ...."

Firstly, I learned that there are some things that 'drain' my energy so I minimise the time I spent on these tasks (or with these people! - yup, I just said that out loud, but it's so true!). Discovering what zaps your energy is a life changer! Then I started to pay attention to what was energising me, what gave me that spring in my step, what lit me up and I tried to do more of them! (in a few minutes once I've written this blog I'm going out to the beach with my dog for a walk - I always feel energised once I've been by the sea!). Discovering what drains you and what energises you is the very first step to boosting your energy levels!

Secondly, I discovered what I loved doing. When you find your passion and work on something that you love the time just passes too. The 'doing' of whatever it is energises me too. I love helping people change their lives, improve their situations, themselves, their careers, businesses and lives. I love seeing their face light up when they discover what's been holding them back and take steps to move past this. I can see the lightness in their faces, the spring come back into their step ... I'll never get bored of that. I never knew what living on your purpose truly meant until I found NLP and a way of help people change for the better, FAST!!!

Energy Boosting Hacks you can use today!

Below are some easy to implement energy boosters that have worked for me and others over the years. I appreciate the below doesn't get to the root of the 'lack of energy' problem, but they are a great starting point. Try them for yourself and see which work best for you, and use more than one at a time if necessary :)

1. Energetic music

Different types of music have different effects on us, but you can learn which are best for you by trial and error. Once you find the music that wakes you up, makes you want to get up and boogie or simply lifts your spirits .... save it in a playlist and keep it ready to use at a moments notice (one of mine is "let's go" by Calvin Harris - it always makes my blood start pumping!).

2. Sleep?

It is recommended that we get 6-8 hours of sleep per night. If you listened to my recent podcast episode (see below) all about burnout you'll have heard me talk about iRest (otherwise known as Yoga Nidra) and the power of 'rest' in addition to 'sleep'. This helps you improve the quality of your sleep. Another hack is coming off your 'screen' devices at least 2 hours before bed (that has been a life changer for me). A warm bath before bed (it's funny isn't it that the things people use for their children to help them go to sleep more easily they forget to use on themselves!). Try drinking something warm before bed, or relax with a simple meditation or just some relaxing music to wind down.

3. Talk about something interesting?

Have you ever seen a tired person start to talk about something they're passionate about and suddenly "wake up." It's a powerful technique you can use for yourself. Have a few "favorite" subjects that get you going.

4. Hydration - drink water!

It's so easy to get dehydrated when you're in flow doing what you love. It's also easy to get to the mid afternoon and feel the 'carb' slump and say to yourself 'oh that's the carb slump' when in fact it might not be. It might be that you've become dehydrated. I remember reading a while back that if your lips feel dry you're dehydrated (bad news for the lip salve companies - when the solution is to drink more water!). According to one article your body is 73% water and recommends 2-3 litres of water a day .... what a great way to boost your body and mind! (https://www.usgs.gov/special-topic/water-science-school/science/water-you-water-and-human-body?qt-science_center_objects=0#qt-science_center_objects)

5. Deep breathing?

Several slow deep breaths help oxygenate the blood supply better and especially seems to wake up the brain. One technique that works well to 'wake' yourself up is the one Tony Robbins does within his daily priming process - Business Insider say: "sitting straight with your eyes closed. Inhale deeply through your nostrils while simultaneously lifting your arms in a shoulder press motion, and then exhale forcefully through your nostrils while bringing your arms back to your body, palms up.Perform the breaths in quick succession.... Robbins does 3 sets of 30 with a small break in-between" (when you start out they recommend you start with sets of 10 and work up from there). (https://www.businessinsider.com/tony-robbins-morning-priming-exercise-2017-7?r=US&IR=T)

5. Move your body

Sometimes just getting up and washing the dishes, or walking around the house helps boost energy levels. It's not a quick solution, but many people notice an increase in their energy level when they get regular aerobic exercise. I love walking on the beach - being in nature, hearing the waves and smelling the fresh air. Often a little sunshine (if it's out) goes a long way!

6. Hot and cold shower

Now I've never done this last one, but they say try a minute of hot water, then a minute of cold, alternating for six minutes. This isn't for those with weak hearts, but it will wake you up. Incidentally, research shows that this also revs up the immune system!

Enjoy raising your energy levels and leave me a comment below with any hacks you have for raising your energy levels .... would love to hear them!