As a blogger for Jeff Galloway, I get sent tips from time to time. For today’s Friday Five (which I am going to turn into Friday Four for today) hosted by Courtney, Cynthia and Mar, I will share ways to energize your day and clear your brain!

Four Ways To Energize Your Day &
Clear Your Brain

By Olympian Jeff Galloway (and commentary by me!)
www.RunInjuryFree.com

It’s natural to become focused on the big things in life, and worry about outside forces, building stress. A few simple lifestyle adjustments such as using CBD oils from somewhere similar to Blessed CBD could help you gain more control over your mood and energy while also reducing stress and fatigue. Yes, you can exert more control over your life, produce positive attitude hormones, and blend together body, mind and spirit by planning and taking action.

• Walk or run, one day and a walk (or cross train) the next. While the exertion will wake up the muscles, you’re away from the phone, allowing the mind a little freedom. Most who start with a blank mental state, finish their exercise session with the day planned, and a few new ways to deal with problems. Others like to walk/run during lunch hour, while munching on an energy bar. This can clear out morning stress and prepare mind-body for the challenges of the afternoon. Many evening exercisers believe that the weight of the day’s stress is erased or contained with the after-work workout. Scheduling these outings gives you control over your existence.

I am an evening work-outer. I cannot possibly get up any earlier than I do and still be able to function for the day. I find that workout out in the evening helps me diminish the stress of the day, and it helps me get ready for a good night of sleep. Last week I spent some time swimming laps at the pool, came home, ate dinner, and promptly went to bed where I had an amazing night’s sleep and woke up refreshed and energized the following day.

• Don’t sit–walk! The addition of a few extra short walks, throughout the day, will energize the body and activate the mind. Park farther away from work, the food store, the transit station, etc. Many of my clients use a step counter for motivation and calorie counting. It helps to find one that is consistent and reliable (usually @ $30). Shoot for 10,000 steps a day. You are rewarded for getting out of your chair (or the couch) more often. These short walks burn fat, which adds up (up to 30 pounds a year!). The best reward is the head clearing effect, which can power you through the mid morning or mid afternoon energy crises. Even a 3-4 minute “recess” walk at work, can result in clearer thinking, more energy, and greater self-confidence.

I have a fitbit, which really helps me move during the day. I am linked up with some people at work and we have a friendly competition each week to see who can get the most steps. I will frequently go on walks with some of the other teachers during our breaks, and Nathan will frequently find me walking around the house and going up and down stairs just to make sure I am getting my minimum amount of steps. This has really helped me be a bit more motivated to not just come home and plop down on the couch!

• Eat more frequently. Each time you eat, even a small snack, you’ll boost your energy level. The longer you wait to eat, the more likely your metabolism will slump into drowsiness and laziness. This also means that you’re not burning many calories. If you divide up your daily calorie budget into 6-9 snacks a day you’ll burn more fat (up to 10 pounds a year). Eat a snack every 2-3 hours, and you can feel better all day. It helps to choose foods that have (percentage of calories vs total calories) about 20% protein, about 15% fat and the rest in complex carbohydrate. This combination will leave you satisfied longer with fewer calories consumed. To experience a fat loss, consumption can be managed through websites or journals. For more information, see Running and Fatburning for Women
by Jeff and Barbara Galloway.

I am a frequent eater, especially when I am at work. Luckily, lots of fruit is now in season, and it both gives me a quick burst of energy and gives me the sweet kick that I always love. Another favorite is a small handful of pistachios! I have had luck using MyFitnessPal to track my food.

• Help someone exercise. The psychological benefits are significant when you help someone improve the quality of their life. Offer to walk (run, hike) with your spouse, parent, friend co-worker, child-or all of the above. My books Running: Getting Started have proven programs with motivation which can lead you and your “coach-ee” through the training.

I go out with my mom for runs and swimming sessions. Not only do I help her out, she helps to keep me motivated to get out there and be active! Find a partner – it’s more fun!!!

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