We’re the ‘wired and tired’ generation… constantly on the go, always plugged in, involved with every aspect of our kids’ lives. No wonder we’re exhausted!
Here are a few simple tweaks we can make to get the most out of every day.
1. EAT A HEARTY BREAKFAST
Yes, the old wives tales are true: breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. A light breakfast leads to a crash mid-morning, and we can end up spinning our wheels for the rest of the day. Get off on the right foot with a good protein option, such as an organic omelette, or steel cut oats with fruit and greek yogourt. My secret weapon is selected dinner leftovers!
2. GET ENOUGH SLEEP
This one seems obvious, but most of us don’t actually get the sleep we need. The general rule of thumb is 8 hours; some need slightly more and some less. Healthy sleep patterns are absolutely critical to our health and wellbeing. To help you nod off and sleep soundly, keep electronics out of the bedroom and allow yourself time to decompress before lights out (for example, take a bath or read a book before tucking in). If your mind is still racing with all the things you need to do tomorrow, write a list and keep it by your bedside.
One of my favourite herbal teas, from XYZ Shop in Montreal
3. SWITCH TO TEA IN THE AFTERNOON
Coffee is for the morning! If you need a kick mid-day or late afternoon, treat yourself to a lovely cup of tea. There are so many yummy options, from homemade herbal to spicy chai to classic Early Grey. Bonus points if you put your feet up while you sip it.
4. TAKE TIME TO BREATHE
At least once in your day, take a few minutes for yourself to do nothing at all (see, tea, above). Meditate, sit in the sun, have a nap, or read a book. A mid-day pause is nature’s way of shoring up our energy stores for later. Try this tip and notice how great you feel at 5:00 p.m.
5. BREAK A SWEAT
Exercise is important in so many ways; it detoxifies, boosts your mood, makes you feel good about yourself, and of course, provides you with heaps of energy. Make sure to make time for exercise every single day… the rest of your well being (and yes, energy) begins with this foundation.
6. LOAD UP ON QUALITY CALORIES
Sugar and other simple carbs - think white bread, pasts, muffins - provide a quick spike and then an even quicker crash. Load up for long term energy by focusing on quality protein sources (fish, legumes, organic eggs); complex carbs (whole grain, brown rice, quinoa); and of course, the stars of the show, veggies of all varieties. If you’re craving a sugar fix, stick with a few pieces of dark chocolate.
7. SPEND TIME WITH PEOPLE WHO MAKE YOU HAPPY
Think about the people who give you a spring in your step, make you laugh, or put a smile on your face. Just as you should avoid the ‘energy vampires’ - those who drain you and leave you feeling sucked dry - you should equally cultivate friends, family, and co-workers whose company you enjoy. You’d be surprised by the energy boost happiness provides :)
8. GO FOR A WALK
Walking is a simple pleasure that lets us see the world at a human pace, allows for the exchange of pleasantries with total strangers, and is just plain good for the body and soul. A daily walk, whether to run errands, exercise your dog, or just for the sake of going on a good ramble, is one of the underrated joys of our modern age. Try it today.
9. HAVE A HOBBY
Each of us has something unique to ourselves that lights us up. Whether it is reading or rock climbing, knitting or cycling, cooking, painting, or yoga, choose an activity that you feel passionate about, then carve out a little piece of your day for that passion.
10. GIVE BACK
You would be amazed at how good giving back feels (you may have noticed that feeling good equals feeling energized!). We only have so many hours in a day, but even one hour a month can make a profound difference. Choose a community organization, school, or non-profit that speaks to you; there are an infinite variety of options available to make our world a better place. If the idea of a structured commitment is too much, try out an act of unexpected kindness. The look on the face of your beneficiary will be all the reward you need.
