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Boost Your Energy
by Michelle RossfeldInstead of grabbing a coffee or a sugary snack for a quick energy fix, here are five healthy ways you can instantly energize yourself.
1) Belly breathing
Stress and poor posture are just a couple reasons why our breath doesn’t make it all the way through our lungs. When you chest breath, only a small volume of air is drawn in. This causes shallow breathing. When you breathe through your diaphragm it pulls the bottom of the lungs downward, causing them to fill and the belly to lift. Belly breathing is the simplest way to boost your energy anywhere and at anytime. Take 60 seconds to breathe deeply. Place your hand on your belly and inhale through your nose. Feel how your belly raises. Release by exhaling through pursed lips and feel how your hand lowers.
2) Hydrate your body
Water is one way to hydrate your body eating 2 servings of water-packed fruits and vegetables will provide your body the energy it needs to get through the day. Celery and oranges both contain 90 percent water, making them good energy-boosting choices. For a little extra oomph to your water, add a cucumber slice or a lemon or lime wedge.
3) Pump up the jams
Rev up your energy by listening to a fast-paced musical beat.When listening to music with a fast tempo, your heart rate will increase and your breathing and circulation will speed up.
Remember to be kind to your neighbor; wear your ear phones.
4) Eat a snack
Simply pairing a protein such as a handful of almonds with a carbohydrate such as a banana can enhance your energy, especially in the afternoon when our energy dips. Fruit gives you a natural high, and nuts slow down the glucose from the fruit in your blood stream. You want carbohydrates enter the blood stream slowly. Carbohydrates with a low glycemic index slowly trickles glucose into your blood stream keeps your energy levels balanced and means you will feel fuller for longer between meals.
5) Get up and move
Sitting all day can wreak havoc on your body, especially your back and shoulders. When you sit in a static position it increases stress in the back, neck, shoulders. Standing stretches get your blood flowing, giving your body a wake-up call. Try this stretch for the shoulders and upper back. Stand with your feet hip-width apart and raise your hands straight above your head stretching your arms out imagine someone is pulling your hands. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds and remember to breathe.
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~Michelle Rossfeld is considered one of the top female personal trainers in Chicago, Illinois. She is certified by the American Council on Exercise and specializes in exercise and weight loss for women. Visit her website at http://www.michellerossfeld.com.