10 ways to increase energy and motivation

Having trouble finding enough energy to go out for that long run or juggle a 2 hour practice session? Then here are some tips that might help you. They are based on information from this article called 15 instant energy boosters. Looks like this study was sponsored by a tea company. We’ve seen here before the benefits of tea drinking. For this article, I’ve only chosen the ones that would work best for running jugglers.

1. Wake up naturally. If the alarm clock wakes you up mid-sleep cycle you’ll be messed up for hours. According to researchers it’s much better to wake up naturally.

2. Find something that motivates you. Waking up naturally is a lot easier to do if you have something inspiring to wake up to. Since January of this year, I’ve been awakening every workday between 5 am and 6 am without an alarm clock. This is mostly to write in my multiple blogs. For this to work however, you need to be motivated to wake up. Work is rarely motivating. Running and juggling however, can be that motivator. Schedule time before work to get your workout in and you’ll have more energy the rest of the day.

3. Find a race or goal to work towards. If you want to stay
motivated sign up for a race or set a juggling goal. The race will
keep you motivated to stick to your schedule. To find motivation with
juggling you should schedule a performance. There’s nothing like
having to perform for an audience to make you practice. Just ask any
kid who’s played in a piano recital.

4. Take a cold shower. Researchers say taking a cold shower
will help speed up your metabolism and thus give you more energy.
Maybe this is good advice but I can’t do it. I hate cold showers!

5. Eat a mint. Science tells us that athletes sniffing peppermint can run
faster and farther than those who don’t. I like this advice. Add in
the fact that York Peppermint Patties are the best candy bar you can
eat, makes it all the better.

6. Take a few deep breathes. This will get oxygen to your
brain and give you a boost of energy. 5 deep breathes should do the
trick. It will also make you light-headed. That’s fun too!

7. Drink a lot of water. Being even a little dehydrated makes you lose
energy. Of course, you’ll have to go to the bathroom a lot more but no
one says getting extra energy will be free.

8. Have sex. There’s something about the activity releasing
hormones like oxytocin to give you mental clarity and energy. Do we
really need another excuse to have more of this? I don’t think so.
And if it gives you more energy, sign me up.

9. Sing out loud. This is easier to do when you’re not out
running, juggling, or joggling. And if you can find a live-band
karaoke night at a local bar, you have to try it out. It’s like being
a rockstar.

10. Drink a caffeinated beverage. Scientific studies have shown that
caffeine actually improves athletic performance. So, if you want to be
more energized drink some coffee, tea or soda pop. My favorites are
Earl Grey tea and Dr. Pepper soda. I’m too young to drink coffee.