ten ways to boost energy fast this winter

January can seem like the longest month and although the days are getting slightly longer, energy levels can really drop as we hit this time of year.  Here are 10 ways to boost energy fast:

1.   TAP YOUR THYMUS
Use the tips of your fingers to tap your thymus.  You'll find your thymus at the centre top of your chest, below the collar bone (think Tarzan beating his chest).  Tapping the thymus triggers T-cell production to boost energy and relieve stress.

2.   GET OUTSIDE
A brisk 10 minute walk outside will work wonders.  The exercise will get the blood flowing and energise your muscles and the fresh air will brighten you up physically and mentally.  And yes, I know it sounds so simple and you've heard it a million times before, but I challenge you to take 10 minutes out every lunchtime for two weeks to go out for a brisk walk.  If it doesn't work feel free to comment below.

3.   SWING YOUR ARMS
Stand with your feel shoulder width apart.  Bend your knees and allow your arms to hand loosely from your shoulders.  Now gently begin to swing your arms around your body, allowing them to slap off your back. Keep your knees flexed and lift your heel off the ground as you swing to avoid damage to the knees.  Your hands slapping against your back will stimulate the energy centre of your body.

4.   BREATHE
Sit with your spine straight, eyes closed.  Focus on your breath.  Slowly inhale for a count of 6.  Hold for a count of 3 and tense all the muscles in your body.  Exhale for a count of 6 and release and relax the muscles. Hold for a count of 3 and repeat.  You'll find this boosts energy quickly and easily.

5.   EAT AN APPLE
Instead of grabbing for a sugary drink or treat, grab an apple.  Apples are full of natural sugar, Vitamin C, fibre and complex carbohydrates and can stabilise blood sugar, help lower bad LDL cholesterol and fight inflammation.

6.   BLEND A HEALTHY JUICE
Dust off your blender/juicer and make an instant energy drink.  Try this blender recipe: mix a handful of spinach, a small banana, a cup of mixed berries, a peeled clemantine and top up with coconut water.  Blend and enjoy.

7.   GET BETTER SLEEP
Try some relaxation or meditation before you go to sleep, it will improve the quality of your sleep and help you waken up feeling brighter and more energised.  You can download 10 x 10 minute meditations for free if you sign up to HEADSPACE.

8.   BOOST YOUR B VITAMINS
If you're deficient in B vitamins (especially B12) you may feel your energy levels slump, but adding B vitamins will not necessarily increase energy if you're not deficient.  To make sure you're getting enough B vitamins in your diet go for liver, sardines, beef, tuna, lamb, cottage cheese, eggs, salmon, cheese.

9.   REFLEXOLOGY
​Instead of waxing lyrical about the benefits of reflexology myself, I'll let one of my clients have their say: "I had some good luck recently. I signed up for the free monthly reflexology draw that Doris offers on her website, and to my surprise won it. I turned up feeling pretty tired after a weeks work and not knowing what to expect. Doris worked on my feet for a full hour. It was truly relaxing and my feet felt wonderful. I think I drifted off to another planet, about half way through.  The bonus for me was I had the most wonderful, deep sleep that  night, and woke so refreshed and full of energy - something I just wasn't expecting." Janet G, Midlothian

10. WATER
Tiredness can be a symptom of dehydration, so make sure you're water levels are topped up.  When it's cold, it's not as easy to go to the tap or water cooler, so think about topping up your water levels by drinking hot or warm water or herb or fruit teas.

Give some of these a try and let me know how you get on.

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