Six simple ways to boost energy
Do some exercise:
Exercise is a natural energy booster, because whenever you do it, oxygen-rich blood surges through your body to your heart, muscles, and brain. It doesn't have to take long - if you've only got 10 minutes squeeze in some squats, star jumps and push ups. Then high-five your way through the afternoon!
Do a Downward Dog:
As a form of exercise, yoga is hard to beat for accessibility or ease – you need little to no equipment and it can be done anywhere you have enough room to move in. That little space by the side of your bed? Yes, yoga can happen there! Your living room floor? 100%.
One of the biggest benefits of yoga is that it helps balance the autonomic nervous system. This system controls our heart, breath and, in fact, all functions that keep us alive and healthy. Yoga is found to help regulate the two parts of this system: the sympathetic (which helps energise the body) and parasympathetic (which helps heal the body).
Light a mood boosting candle:
Our Muses TONIC candle is perfect for this. Fragrance is incredibly effective in moving us from one state of mind to another. Use crisp, green, verdant scents to create energy and alertness. You'll find all of these notes and more in our TONIC candle.
Drink water:
Drinking more water gives you more energy to do anything from strenuous physical feats to staying awake at your desk after lunch. Many studies have shown that dehydration lowers athletic performance, making you feel sluggish and off your game. It can also cause you to feel tired or sleepy, so if you're getting enough sleep but can't keep your eyes open, you may need to just up your water intake.
Belt out your favourite tune (like no-one's watching...or listening!):
Singing gives you a kind of natural high while it reduces levels of stress hormones in your body. It releases endorphins, the ‘pleasure’ brain chemical which can make you feel energised and uplifted; and produces oxytocin, the ‘Happy hormone’. We think the louder the better!
Get outside:
Our senses take in experiences and send them to the brain, where they are processed and either creates positive, negative, or neutral outcomes. Studies have shown that just looking at nature (like a picture of flowering green roof) and hearing nature sounds (like crickets, rustling leaves and waves) can energise and help the brain perform better.
Sunshine also has a positive impact on the brain, especially in the morning. Sunlight affects our sleep-wake cycle, also known as circadian rhythm. Taking in sunlight when you first wake up can help you be more alert during the day and have a better sleep at night. Sunlight also has been shown to boost mood because exposure to sunlight releases “the happy hormone”, known as serotonin.