1. EAT FIVE TIMES A DAY. Your body needs to be refueled every four hours or so for your energy to stay at an even level. Three small meals with substantial snacks in between should do it. Eat a little protein at each meal and the rest complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, plus a little fat.
2. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. Keep a large sipper bottle of water on your desk and add lemon or fresh mint to make it more appealing. Being dehydrated can make you tired, headachy, and cranky.
3. DELEGATE. You can't do everything. Decide what's important and farm out the rest. Find someone else to clean the car, organize your office, or handle your bookkeeping. If you can't afford to pay for the support, barter.
4. BUILD SOME MUSCLE. Loss of muscle mass makes every daily task harder and more tiring. Aim to do at least 20 minutes of strength training-anything from push-ups to lifting 5 pound weights-two to three times a week.
5. LEARN TO CATNAP. Even a 10-minute nap can boost energy by as much as 15 percent. If you feel tired at midday, shut your office door and stretch out, find a quiet lounge, or drive to a park at lunch and sneak in a few Z's.
6. TAKE A TEN MINUTE WALK. A 10-minute brisk walk has a payoff of an hour to two hours of increased energy. You'll feel more vital, refreshed, and happy on the days you exercise.
7. LIGHTEN UP ON LIQUOR. Not only is liquor dehydrating, but it also interferes with normal sleep. Even if you sleep 8 hours after a cocktail or two, you won't feel as rested as you normally would. If you do indulge, dilute the effects by drinking an equal amount of water.
8. BREATHE DEEPLY. As you breathe in, let your abdomen pooch out. Regular, deep breaths provide cells with the oxygen they need to create energy more efficiently. Get up from your desk twice a day for a 5-minute breathing break.
9. SPEND TIME ALONE. If you have kids, get up before they do and take a half-hour to light some candles and enjoy the quiet. Or use your lunch hour to recharge-drive slowly and pop in your favorite CD and sing along at the top of your lungs. You'll return to the office feeling renewed.
10. HAVE FUN. Laughter boosts the immune system and reduces stress. If you're in a funk, rent a comedy or listen to music that inspires you to sing out loud or dance. Hang out with people who help you take things lightly.
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