Ways to Ignite your Energy When Feeling the Blahs

womans at beach 
How do you ignite your energy when you are feeling low on mental/ physical energy stores? Check out the habits my favorite Registered Dietitian Nutritionist colleagues do when they are feeling the blahs. Many take only 5 minutes to give you an energy boost that will increase your positivity and productivity. People will take notice. Your co-workers, friends and family are waiting.

 

Digna Cassens

Digna Cassens • MHA • RDN

  • 10 minute power nap, flat on my back
  • Fruit snack with low fat protein like skim milk, string cheese cottage cheese or Greek yogurt
  • 5 minutes adding to mental list of blessings and accomplishments
  • 20 minutes working on my “to do” list starting with either shortest easiest or most fun tasks
  • 6 – 8 oz ice water after end of each of the above

Usually, by the end of just one I’m getting excited. 35 minutes is all it takes to bring me back on focus and get started with even the most dreaded tasks/chores.

 

Georgia Kostkas 
Georgia Kostas, MPH • RDN • LD

Exercise!!!! I plan and practice presentations on my treadmill or on a walk outdoors. If at night, I kick-start my brain with energizing music.

 

lynda binius enright

 Lynda Binius Enright • MS • RDN • LD • CLT

2 ways I boost my energy – listening to fun music and getting outside. When I am feeling low but need to get work done, I stand at my desk and turn on great music so I can move a bit even while working. Going for a walk or sitting outside on the porch swing breathing in the fresh air – also does the trick!

 

Beth Rosen

Beth Rosen • MS • RD • CDN

I meditate. I take 10 minutes (sometimes 5), turn the ringer off on my phone and set a timer. I close my eyes and practice clearing my mind and focusing on my breath. When a thought comes in, I notice it, but I don’t follow it (or attempt not to!) and return to my focus. Sometimes, that’s all I need to get back on track. If that doesn’t work, then I might be hungry. I keep a nut and dried fruit mix in my work bag, so I dig in when necessary. If all else fails, you will catch me lunging or doing squats to get my blood flowing again!

 

marinane romano

Marianne Romano • MPA • RDN

I get in nature. Nature inspires me. This means I hike, bike or walk in the summer and ski in the winter. I also love golf and gardening. I get ideas when I am in nature….all kinds of ideas both personal and professional. I also restore myself & have joy through nature!

 

Miriam Erick

Miriam Erick • MS • RDN

When I’m in a slump–   I read backwards or forwards or randomly from a page in Wolfe Rinke’s dateless calendar.

 

Mical Hogan

Michal Hogan • RD • LD

Praying, biking, talking with positive people. Remembering answered prayer and God’s love for me even in the worst circumstances or ask a friend to remind me.

 

Judy Barbe

Judy Barbe • MS • RDN

I get my best inspiration when I walk. I walk every morning with my dog Beau and nearly every morning head right to my office to jot down the ideas I generated only walk. This idea ignition really does feed my soul.

 

Julie Robarts

Julie Robarts • MS • MPH • RD • LDN

When I’m feeling low on mental/physical energy stores, I take a walk. Whether it’s a work day and I’m desk-bound, or an ‘off’ day with a to-do list a mile long, getting my body moving helps kick the cobwebs and stop the yawning. This is especially true when I’ve got a bad case of the JAGS (Just Ate. Gotta Sleep). Post –lunch walks are critical to a productive afternoon!

 

Rachael Hartley

Rachael Hartley • RD • LD • CDE

First, I try to identify why I’m feeling low on mental/physical energy then come up with a solution that addresses the problem. If I’m feeling tired, I take a quick nap or do a quick energizing yoga session. If I’m feeling overstretched, I take a look at my to-do list a drop a few nonessentials.

 

Jenn Giles

Jennifer O’Donnell-Giles • MS • RDN • CSSD

I listen to my body and honestly ask do I need to go for a run? Or do I need a nap? Both energize me in different ways and depending on what my work/sleep/kids schedule looks like I usually need one or the other to re-energize and re-focus myself!

 

Stephanie McKercher

Stephanie McKercher • MS • RDN

I love getting outdoors whenever I feel an energy slump coming on.  A quick walk, run, or hike in the Colorado sunshine and I often feel much better!

 

Barbara Spalding

Barbara Spalding • MA • MS • RDN • CDN

I head outside for a quick walk around the block.  Fresh air, a little sunshine and some physical activity really helps boost my mood and get me back on track when I am lagging.

 

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