When you’re constantly doing the daily grind, it’s easy to get caught up in the stress of everyday life. While it’s important to be determined and motivated when working towards goals and dreams, it’s equally important to take care of yourself and carve out some time to do the little things that make you happy! All about that self care and me time! Being happy is actually good for your health! From decreased stress to a stronger immune system, there are many benefits that occur as a result of increasing happiness. Next time you feel down, burnt out or lack motivation, here are 10 ways to boost your energy, focus and productivity. Try them out for a jolt of energy and boost in your productivity–and you may also find they improve your positivity and happiness levels, as well!

1. Take a Nature Walk

Research has shown that walking outside in nature for just a few minutes a day can enhance one’s mood, memory, and improve their ability to learn and maintain new information. There is so much beauty all around us, but we often get too caught up in our daily lives to notice it! Go outside and pick a scenic area! While we can’t always get to the beach, the mountains or a hiking trail, a nice park is enough to help you become one with nature.

2. Laugh

We all know how amazing it feels to have a good laugh, and researchers have even found through studies that laughter helps lower blood pressure and reduce the level of stress hormones. It also releases endorphins (our body’s natural painkillers), and it can also increase one’s sense of well-being. Time to start cracking those jokes! 

3. Pass on an Act of Kindness

If you’re reading this blog, you’re most likely a Strong Girl that wants to find a greater meaning and purpose in life and make a positive change. According to Sonja Lyubomirsky, PhD, a professor at the University of California, Riverside says, “People who engage in kind acts become happier over time.” Why? “When you’re kind to others, you feel good as a person—more moral, optimistic, and positive,” she says. Doing kind deeds releases oxytocin, a hormone that lowers blood pressure and can decrease anxiety. Challenge yourself to performing a minimum of at least one act of kindness per week. You might discover that one isn’t enough!

4. Work Out

Exercise is a natural energy booster, and every time you move your body, oxygen-rich blood is supplied to the parts of your body that need it most: your heart, brain, and muscles. While you might think that working out will make you tired, it’s been shown to have the exact opposite effect. In this NY Times article, researchers from the University of Georgia found that those who exercised more noticed a 20-percent increase in energy and a reduction in their feelings of fatigue. It will also make you look and feel better about yourself, which leads to an improved sense of well-being. Find ways to get up and move around for a few minutes each day, even if it’s just finding more creative ways to get exercise, like taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

5. Meditate

Looking for a way to calm yourself and transform into a more peaceful state of mind? Try meditation—the practice of freeing the mind of any thoughts or distractions. Evidence cited in this Forbes article shows that practicing meditation improves overall well-being, decreases anxiety, improves attention and more. The best part is that you can meditate just about anywhere at your convenience. Find a quiet spot, like in a corner of your home or in the garden/backyard, and give your mind a rest by not thinking about anything. Do this for 10 minutes each day and you’ll notice a difference in how you feel.

6. Take a Power Nap

With all of those late nights and early mornings, it’s no wonder many of us are always so tired—even after a night’s sleep. Napping is a great way to add back some of this lost sleep into our daily schedules, and there are many health benefits mentioned in an article Fast Company, among them cell repair, improved memory, and hormonal maintenance.

7. Drink Coffee

According to the National Coffee Association, up to 62-percent of Americans include coffee in their daily routine. The caffeine in coffee has a mild stimulant effect on the brain, which explains why you suddenly perk up and feel more mentally alert after downing that iced latte from Starbucks in the late afternoon. Just keep in mind that moderation is key—you don’t want to consume multiple cups of coffee each day, but a cup or two when you really need it will give you a much-needed recharge.

8. Eat a Snack

You know that dreaded feeling that’s half fatigue, half hunger that creeps up on you in the middle of the day….also known as HANGRY?! That’s a result of your blood sugar levels dropping, and it means that it’s time to have a snack and refuel your body. Take this opportunity to make the right decisions and choose healthy foods like nuts, fruit, granola and proteins that will help provide energy to last you through the rest of your day.

9. Drink Water

Staying hydrated is essential to good health by removing toxins from your body, keeping you energized and refreshed, not to mention that it’s great for your skin. Water also speeds up your metabolism and helps maintain normal body function—assisting with everything from digestion of food to blood circulation. Aim to drink 3L of water per day, especially during warm weather, for maximum benefits.

10. Show Appreciation

Love the way you feel when others  compliment you and show you appreciation? It’s time to return the favor! Some of the best ways to go about this are by writing a Thank  You card or calling someone and telling them why you appreciate them. In an article in Psychology Today, showing appreciation yields  multiple benefits, from improving one’s relationships to increasing  one’s happiness. By opening up to others in a positive way, you just might be surprised at what you get back in return.

How else do you boost your energy and productivity?! I’d love to hear what you do – leave a comment below!

LOVE + SWEAT,

xoxo