1. Choose a nutritious diet
Healthy food is undoubtedly the essence of healthy living, although most people now associate healthy eating with weight loss efforts. However, as per the 2015 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, eating a balanced diet made up of fruits, vegetables, low-fat dairy products, lean protein, and whole grains is all you require for optimum energy. Essentially, the saying that you are what you take in holds some truth. Be sure to eat foods from the various food groups for a wide range of nutrients to keep you energized all day. Preferably, go for fresh or frozen vegetables and fruits, particularly the dark, leafy collard greens and spinach, and also the orange vegetables like pumpkin and tomatoes. There are plenty of fish types and legumes that are great sources of healthy protein. If possible, eat about 3 ounces of rice, bread, pasta, and whole-grain cereals a day.
2. Get 7-8 hours of sleep during the night
More sleep time is good for one’s health, and it is clear that most people need to understand this better. It is already clear that we need at least 7 hours of sleep during the night, and you may wonder why most people don’t get it. It is important to figure out how to overcome your main sleep disruptors and understand that inadequate sleep can result in serious health problems. What’s more, it can damage your mood, energy levels, and motivation. Getting enough sleep is one of the best ways to ready your body for an energized, successful day.
3. Interact with decent people
Ensure that you spend your social time with people whose company you enjoy. Interacting with people who are naturally positive and with whom you share interests can keep you happy and energized. Conversely, being around negative people and those who you don’t relate to, make poor decisions, and grumble a lot only drains your energy. Be mindful of the people you spend your time with.
4. Avoid too much news
Being informed about what’s happening out there can be educative, entertaining, and even inspiring. However, the news often comes with too many sorrowful stories. Such stories can distort how you view your surroundings as you may tend to focus more on the negative things rather than the good that is all over. While you may not avoid hearing these stories completely, you can put an effort to minimize exposure, particularly during hard times.
5. Exercise regularly
Do you often feel sluggish with the day barely done? Are you one of those who get winded by simple daily duties like household chores or preparing meals? Contrary to your beliefs, 150 minutes of activity time per week as recommended by the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans is essential for boosting your energy levels and not draining them. This is possible as exercising is a good way to relieve stress and tension, strengthen muscles, and elevate endurance levels. All these ensure that your body works more efficiently whenever you’re doing other manual tasks and activities.
6. Do something productive every day
What are you passionate about? Are you talented and would like to work more on your talent or even share it with others? Engage in something you enjoy each day – it can be a simple activity like preparing a healthy dish or playing your favorite sport. Making an effort to do the things that are dear to you helps you utilize your energy optimally, which is key to bringing out the best version of you.
7. Have positive thoughts about others
Another way to preserve your energy is to maintain an empathetic mindset. Kind attention is a great example of this practice. For instance, you can look a stranger in the eye and smile, while thinking “I hope you succeed in your endeavors.” Such a positive act keeps you from judging someone, which often causes us to judge ourselves. Such internal dialogue can be damaging and draining. See here for more advice to living a happy life and overcoming anxiety and stress.
