There are times when we just don't have the energy to do anything.
No matter what we try to do we just end up back on the sofa in front of the TV with a sinking feeling in our stomach because we haven't done what we said we were going to do.
This article will show you three simple ways to increase your energy and motivation.
We all have off days.
Sometimes this is known as de-motivation, sometimes it's known as the 'blues', sometimes it's simply called laziness.
Whatever it is it can be a source of inner tension: we know what we need to do, we know the goals that we've set ourselves but our body seems to just close down.
The thought of doing anything at all makes us nauseous.
If this describes you, then you're in good company.
What can you do when you feel like this? Your body will tell you what it needs, but you have to listen.
If you are listless throughout the day no matter what you do, it may be because you've been stressed and overworked, and your body needs a rest.
However, often you don't have a choice as to whether or not you can rest.
If you're at work for instance or in the middle of an event that requires you to be alert it's not always feasible to take time out to rest.
In these circumstances you may find the following three tips useful: 1.
Breathe Deeply The first way to increase your energy and motivation is to take 30 long, slow deep abdominal breaths.
Ensure that they are slow so that you don't hyperventilate.
Deep breathing helps to drive Oxygen to the brain which has, among others, three advantages: it makes you more alert because your brain is becoming more energised, it revitalises your body because you're getting more Oxygen into your lungs and it motivates you.
The effects may not be immediate but within a few minutes you'll begin to feel the benefits.
2.
Drink Water If you can, drink a large glass of water fairly quickly.
Water helps to clear the toxins from your system making you feel instantly brighter and more alert.
Our bodies are made up of 75% water, our brain constitutes 95% and water is a main constituent of each and every cell.
Just a 2% drop in hydration is said to have a major impact on how we function both mentally and physically.
Mild dehydration is also said to be one of the most common causes of tiredness during the day.
Water has many benefits to the body including: keeping your joints lubricated, regulating body temperature, helping the digestive process and keeping the metabolism in check.
Avoid drinking ice-cold water as this can slow down your digestive system.
3.
Move Your Body The third tip for those sluggish days is to move your body in some way.
This does not have to mean going to the gym - it could just mean getting off the sofa and going for a walk around the house or the garden if that is all you're able to do.
It could even mean something as simple as climbing the stairs, doing some housework or doing some on-the-spot stepping.
Gentle exercise increases the blood circulation in the body, making you feel more energised and alert.
Regular exercise can also positively affect your mood, motivation and how you feel about yourself.
If you continue to feel run down after a few days your condition could be medical so it may be worth getting yourself checked out.