Jerry Seinfeld says:

“I think money is great. But physical and mental energy is the greatest riches of human life.”

Self-development is important for everyone, especially if you are in a job where you sit for the majority of the day. This article will guide you through some simple steps to boost your energy levels.

1) Aim to get between 6-8 hours Sleep Every Night

Lack of sleep can lead to lethargy and poor concentration which can decrease productivity at work or school. If this happens regularly, it could be an indication that you need to change your sleeping habits by going to bed earlier or getting more sleep on certain days (holidays, etc). It’s also really important to remember that caffeine should not be used as a substitute for sleep, instead of tackling the problem head-on with good and sound sleep!

2) Have a Healthy Breakfast

Have a healthy breakfast every day, but don’t ‘carb’ load! Food gives you the energy you need to function effectively throughout the day and that is why it’s important to eat regular, balanced meals. Carbohydrates (bread, pasta, etc.) are particularly good for giving us this boost as they release sugars into our bloodstream when we digest them; however, this can often lead to a dip in energy. Shortly afterwards due to an insulin rush results in glucose being stored away in our cells. Try having things like fruit or yogurt instead which will give you sustained energy throughout the morning and beyond without too much of a crash later on. If you’re short on time in the morning then try out these quick and healthy breakfast ideas.

3) Get active! 

This might seem like a no-brainer, but it is really important to be active as part of a routine if you want to feel full of energy all day long. Exercise is good for many reasons including improved cardiovascular fitness and more, but it’s also great at releasing those ‘happy hormones which make you feel good about yourself and the world around you. For some simple exercises try out these home workouts or this beginner guide to exercise, and remember that not all forms of exercise have to be strenuous – just a brisk walk will do the trick too!

4) Clear your mind! 

Stress can affect our concentration levels, moods, and overall health so it’s vital that we avoid feeling stressed as much as possible. Try not to dwell on things that might be stressing you out and take a few minutes at the end of each day to feel relaxed and ready for another productive day tomorrow. We suggest meditating, as meditation is a good way to clear your mind.

5) Get enough sunlight!

Vitamin D deficiencies are becoming increasingly common as people spend more time indoors, but this under-rated vitamin is great for making us feel well and full of energy. To get the most from the Sun, expose yourself for between 10-15 minutes a day without suncream on – which can prevent your skin from absorbing any rays in the first place. If you don’t have time to do this before work, then just try having half an hour in the Sun – wherever it suits you best.

6) Get some Fresh Air!

Spending long periods of time indoors can give us a stuffy ‘cabin fever’ feeling which makes it hard to concentrate and be happy about anything. To combat this problem, make sure that you go outside every day for at least twenty minutes even if you can only manage five minutes standing by your doorstep with coffee/tea etc. This will help you to take in all the benefits of natural light as well as free up your headspace for better concentration levels throughout the day. See what The Great Outdoors has to offer in your back garden!

7) Socialise positively!

It’s good to go out with friends every now and again to let loose and forget about work/school etc for an evening, but if you make socializing something you do every day then it will feel much more like a chore than fun. Try not to see it as another ‘must-do on top of everything else in your life; instead, appreciate the company you’re in when you’re with your friends or family. If you find yourself feeling drained after spending time with other people then try spending some quality time (just twenty minutes or so) alone before going back into the real world again – this should help to get rid of any stress that has built up during the day and prepare you for another day of hard work!

8) Make yourself Proud!

With so many responsibilities in life, it can sometimes feel like your own happiness or ‘spare time’ should be the last thing on your mind. This isn’t a good way to live though and if you want to live life to the full then you need to make sure that you’re happy with everything. Don’t let any small problem build up until it becomes too much – instead, try solving these problems quickly by facing them head-on and feeling great about the way that you dealt with them.