It’s not unusual to find more and more people feeling sluggish or flat out tired just in the middle of the day, as if all their energies have vanished into a mysterious black hole. Part of the blame lies in our sedentary lifestyles, especially if your jobs demand sitting at a desk 9-5. Most people reach out for energy drinks to get that extra boost of energy, not knowing that all they’re doing is consuming loads of sugar and empty carbs, which are bad for their bodies in the long run.

So…how to get more energy? These 13 ways tell you how to!

1.   Open Your Curtains

Let natural light pour in your room. Not only is the vitamin D from the sun’s rays good for your body, it also instantly ‘wakes’ you up as well. It reminds your body that it’s day time, the time when you’re supposed to be active and full of energy. This mental reminder will leave you feeling awake and full of energy.

2.   Turn on the Lights

If sun light is unable to enter your room, then make sure you have proper lighting inside your room. Poor lighting creates an environment similar to the one when you’re going to sleep. Bright lights are important to constantly remind your brain that it’s not the time to sleep yet. It also allows your eyes to focus more easily on your work, thus requiring lesser work from your eye muscles and not tiring you out so frequently. Apart from bright lights, ensure you have enough numberof lights in your room.

3.   Drink Lots of Water

Cell dehydration is a thing, guys. It can affect the functioning of your body seriously, because a lack of fluids in your body can result in symptoms that mimic those of fatigue. So if you want to know how to get more energy, the answer is simple – water!

Plus, apart from it being good for your skin and body, water makes you pee a lot. And when you’re going in and out of the bathroom often, you really can’t feel sleepy much, can you? Lemonade, fresh fruit juice and even coconut water work just as fine.

4.   You're Nutrient Deficient

Sometimes, it’s not your habits or your lifestyle, but your diet that’s the problem. If you’re gorging too much on junk food, ready-made foods, microwavable foods etc., then not only are you inviting obesity and numerous other health issues to your doorstep, you’re also opening your doors to lack of energy. Our cells work on ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the main source of their energy, which is derived from magnesium. Not only should you include more vegetables in your diet, you should include magnesium rich foods like pumpkin seeds, spinach, almonds and chard.

5.   Less Sugar

Now while sugar might give you an instant boost (a theory that is being challenged today), it comes at a cost – rapid decline of your blood sugar levels. This in turn leaves you feeling exhausted, which is exactly the opposite of what you want.

6.   Eat!

Sometimes when it comes to how to get more energy, it’s not what you’re eating, but how much of it you’re eating. Being too busy or on a diet doesn’t mean you’ll neglect the amount of nutrients your body requires on a daily basis to properly function. Maintain a healthy balance of carbs, proteins, fats, and other important macros and nutrients in your diet. Constantly skipping out on meals is bound to make you feel more and more fatigued. And remember to never skip on breakfast. Eating food early in the morning supplies your body with a jolt of energy which sets the tone for the entire day.

7.   Power Snack

If you think you’re eating enough nutrients but you still don’t know why you’re feeling less energetic, it might be because your body requires more nutrients than you’re currently consuming. So how about a super food that piles on the protein, fats and carbs? Peanut butter is a fantastic option, but if you’re a health freak, then you can DIY your own health bars.

8.   Be Physically Active

It doesn’t necessarily have to be at the gym (although that would definitely be the best option for you). Dance classes, swimming, cycling, self-defense classes or simple morning jogs work just as fine for you. It might sound contrary to your goal of how to get more energy. However, the truth is that the more you exercise, the more your body produces dopamine, which in turn helps you feel energetic throughout the day.

9.   Indulge in Activities You’re Passionate About

If going out of your way to get physical activity is a bit much for you, then you can do something you love. Could be horse riding, ballet, reading, singing, baking – practically anything that will get you out of your bed and moving!

10.   Involve a Friend

Too lazy to maintain a schedule of physical activities by yourself? Well, hold yourself accountable by involving a friend or colleague. The pressure to not disappoint them will ensure you not take part in your activities alongside them. Plus, it opens more avenues for you (which would not be possible by yourself) – like board games, paintball, tennis etc.

11.  No TVs

Or laptops or phones or tabs. Let your brain rest. You don’t need to watch those funny cat videos. You might think you’re resting, but your brain’s still working. Switch off the gadgets, play some soothing music in the background, close your eyes and just lie on your bed for 15 minutes or so. You can also>

12.  Try Power Naps

I understand they aren’t for everybody but if you can manage to sleep for 60 minutes when you’re tired, that would be fantastic. Sometimes when our minds or bodies push too hard, they manage to sap our energy almost instantly, in such cases, power naps prove to be extremely beneficial as they are able to replenish your mind and body with the necessary amount of energy needed to carry on with the day’s activities.

13.  Include More Caffeine

Unlike sugar, caffeine is able to work on how to get more energy, without giving your body any withdrawal symptoms. Drink it black, with milk, soy milk, almond milk or even coconut milk – whatever floats your boat. Green tea works just as fine, but it has very low quantities of caffeine in it, which means you’ll have to drink 4-5 cups a day to equal one cup of coffee.