How to Recharge Your Energy

Dance. You don't have to be a world-class dancer to dance at the drop of a hat, just put on some lively music and move. Or use music with your workout, for instance, rock music is great for housework. In fact, a twenty-minute workout of any kind will get your juices flowing.

Walk. Walk briskly around the block one time...better yet, if you're in condition, run around the block.

Beat a drum. There is something about ancient primal rhythms that energizes body and soul. Practice rhythms by yourself or join a drum circle and drum the weariness right out of you.

Eat Right. Become a grazer. Grazing is the art of eating something about every three to four hours. Get in the habit of small meals instead of three big ones. You can save some of your breakfast for a mid-morning brunch, some of lunch for mid-afternoon fuel and something from dinner for the evening; add quick-energy foods like nuts and sunflower seeds. One way to look at this is the human body produces energy not unlike a rocket booster. We burn fuel (food) with oxygen. The body cannot store oxygen so our energy is largely dependent upon the quantity of oxygen delivered to the tissues. Eating a little bit at regular intervals of time helps maintain the energy level.

Take a Nap. Train yourself to take instant naps of no more than 20 minutes. Short naps like this can refresh and revitalize. Alternative is to lie down for 20 minutes with eyes closed, preferably in the dark. An old-fashioned reviver is to put cool damp tea bags over closed eyes while resting.

Take a Shower. Take a cool shower. If you're tired and tense, take a warm bath first then a cool shower. Cool is better than cold since it's not as much a shock to your system.

Change. Change your routine. Do something completely different. Take a course in something you find interesting but really know nothing about. Walk down a new road. Take a martial arts class. Learn a musical instrument. Try a new game, puzzle, magazine or book. Volunteer your services to a hospital or school. Change is very efficient at recharging energy and one of the simplest methods to deploy. Try it.

Care. Contribute an hour to a cause you care about and could become deeply involved in. Don't wait until you have more time. Do it now.