The July 2010 issue of Real Simple magazine listed 25 instant energy boosters. Here are some of the ones that caught my eye:

• Tackle a dreary, do-I-have-to-get-out-of-bed day with a burst of color - “In general, saturated, warm colors (the red, orange, and yellow of ROY G BIV) are considered most energizing, while cool tones (like green, blue, indigo, and violet) are calming.”
• Get a whiff of citrus - “The smells of oranges, lemons, and grapefruits have been shown to be energizing, so simply add a slice or two of your favorite to a glass of water.”
• Get the giggles – Not sure where to start? Try a good youtube.com video!
• Sit up straight - “Another thing Mom was right about.”
• Enjoy your daily cup of joe - “Just don’t overdo it. Experts agree that you can have roughly 300 milligrams of caffeine a day to reap its benefits fully.” (A Starbucks’ grande has about that much; a Dunkin’ Donuts medium, about half that; Hershey’s Kisses have about 1 milligram each.)
• Pop a peppermint – “Smelling peppermint “Stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which stimulates the area of the brain responsible for arousal and can make you more alert.”
• Be nice to a stranger - A definite energy- and mood-booster.
• Rise and seek sunshine - “If you can go outside within 15 minutes of waking up for 20 minutes and fast east, even on a cloudy day, you’ll get enough light to energize yourself for the day.”
• Beware of energy vampires - Examples include chronic talkers, whiners, blamers, controllers, and such. Practice creating separation between you and them.
• Exhale - “Many of our toxins are expelled by breathing” so regularly take a few deep breaths throughout your day.
• Write a thank-you note - “It’s tough to be stressed and feel grateful at the same time.”
• Think like a golfer - “Most golfers don’t focus on all the bad shots they have had. They focus on the great shots, and it makes them want to play again and again.”
• Settle in for a rejuvenating night’s sleep - Yes, sleep is often in short-supply and comes at a premium. And yet…use the “G BIV” part of the color spectrum…or the color pink which “has even been used on walls in rooms where violent prison detainees are sent to calm down.”

The article lists a dozen other ideas, as well, but you get the picture, yes? Please feel free to add YOUR suggestions below.

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Image Source: http://www.frontrange.edu

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