How to be Active at Work?

A continuous supply of energy to help us be efficient through our workday is not an urban legend. At 3 pm on a workday, the efficiency of most offices comes to a screeching halt. This is due to the drain of our energy throughout the workday. The main reason for this drain being Stress.

Stress is a part of daily life. Its causes are as varied as people themselves. We all react differently to stressful situations; however, much of modern stress derives from a sense of losing control in the quickly changing world in which we live. Each decade seems to usher in new situations and environments that introduce new stressors.

When most of us feel stressed, we turn to cup after cup of coffee or energy drinks that are high in sugar. While those may make you feel more alert for a time, it doesn't take long for you to feel the crash. You end up yawning on your office chair, feeling sluggish and getting nothing done or drinking more coffee or another energy drink and the cycle continues.

The question of the hour is How to deal we stress? How to remain energetic in office? So here are some simple steps to increase your energy at work:

• Start with a healthy Breakfast: One of the best ways to start your day energized and rejuvenated is to have a good, hearty breakfast. Foods that are rich with nutrients to boost energy levels include whole-grains (think oatmeal or breads), protein (eggs or a breakfast meat, such as sausage), low-fat yogurt, or citrus fruit packed with vitamin C (i.e. oranges or grapefruit).

• Move a lot in office: Anyone will tell you the moment that they sit still for too long they feel like all of their energy has been drained. Sitting at work is no exception to this rule. You need to keep your blood pumping to your muscles to keep you feeling energized. During your workday, get up at least once an hour to move around. This will increase your energy by getting your blood pumping. There are many reasons at work to get up and move during the day. You can walk to a co-worker's office to ask them a work related question. You can also use this time to refill your drink, or make copies. The key is to just get up and move.

• Try some aromatherapy: Recharge your energy by jolting your sense of smell. Keep small bottles of invigorating scented oils like lavender, lemon oil, orange, and spearmint at your desk, and take a whiff when you're low on energy.

• Drink Water: Many times when you are feeling your energy slipping at work, you are probably dehydrated. Sipping water as you work through out the day will keep you hydrated and increase your energy levels. Stay away from caffeinated beverages as they will dehydrate you more and only give you a brief burst of energy.

• Expose yourself to sunlight: The sun is a natural regulator of your energy level. The sun will increase your energy by telling your body that it is daytime. Your body will equate daytime to it being time to get up and move. Open the blinds in your office if you are lucky enough to have a window. If you have no window; take a walk outside on your lunch break. Any exposure to sunlight will help reset your internal clock and increase your energy.

• Eat wisely: Lunches loaded with high-fat or carbs can make you sleepy, so have something healthy and energy-packed such as a salad or chicken sandwich (without the fatty mayo) on wheat bread.

• Plan for a reward: Plan something rewarding for the end of your stressful day, even if only a relaxing bath or half an hour with a good book. Put aside work, housekeeping or family concerns for a brief period before bedtime and allow yourself to fully relax. Don't spend this time planning tomorrow's schedule or doing chores you didn't get around to during the day. Remember that you need time to recharge and energize yourself. You'll be much better prepared to face another stressful day.

You can also increase your energy levels with proper nutrition. Making a few changes to the diet you are currently consuming can definitely make a difference. Eating more fruit, vegetables, and whole grains is very important. Fresh and light products, such as fruit, will never leave you feeling sleepy and heavy as most fried and fast foods tend to do. As a matter of fact, certain fruit are so rich in fiber that they will improve your energy levels naturally, without the use of caffeine and without the sugary crash!