4 Tips to Boost Your Monday Morning Energy Level
Whether you spent the weekend running errands or hanging out with friends by the pool, you may find that you’re exhausted from your weekend plans when you get to work on Monday morning. Luckily, there are easy ways to boost your energy levels fast that could work for you. Next time you’ve got a busy weekend on the books, be sure to review these four tips to increase your Monday morning energy levels.
1. Start with exercise
While exercise of any type may seem like the last thing you want to do when you wake up exhausted on a Monday morning, it could be exactly what you need to get your body and mind going. If you’re able to get outside for your exercise, the fresh air, sunshine and connection with nature can further invigorate you.
The real key to using exercise to increase your morning energy levels is to pick a form of exercise that you enjoy, not to see how close to the edge you can push yourself. For some people, this can mean running an early morning mile while listening to their favorite upbeat music, but you don’t have to lace up your running shoes if that sounds like torture. Less intense exercise can include:
- Dancing to three of your favorite songs
- Jumping jacks
- Swimming laps
- Taking a walk around the block
- Yoga.
Really, anything that gets your blood pumping through your veins can supply the endorphin rush that will naturally increase your energy.
2. Add a healthy amount of protein
The way you eat in the morning can set the tone for your day and have a serious impact on your energy levels. While reaching for a bagel or sugary cereal may sound like the best option to your sleepy brain, what you really need is protein. A protein-packed breakfast has the power to provide sustained energy levels throughout the morning without supplying the mid-morning crash that comes with starchy and sugary breakfasts.
If you already know that Monday mornings are too hectic to make bacon and eggs, consider making egg muffins the night before by cooking eggs, veggies, breakfast meat and a little cheese in muffin tins. Unlike muffins, this type of breakfast won’t wreak havoc on your blood sugar levels and will be ready to walk out the door after only 30 seconds in the microwave.
3. Mix in a dash of music
Exercise and a balanced breakfast are all well and good while you’re still at home, but they don’t help you much once you’re already at your desk stifling yawns. If your job allows it, put in your ear buds and listen to your favorite music while you work. When your job duties aren’t compatible with listening to music, take a short break from your desk to listen to music while you do a quick lap around the building.
If you’re not the only person in your office that experiences a mid-morning energy lull, you might suggest a music break to the boss. Studies have shown that offices that engage in singing and dancing (optional) together for even one high-energy song are more productive as a whole than if everyone spent those five minutes at their desks working.
4. Caffeinate as needed
Although many people swear that caffeine is what makes mornings possible, drinking it too late in the day can lead to a disruption of your sleep cycle. It’s also important to remember that caffeine delivered in the form of sugary energy drinks can lead to the inevitable sugar crash a few hours afterwards. If you’re able to start your day without a dose of caffeine, that’s best, but a cup of coffee or strong tea in the morning can give you a quick burst of energy when all else fails.