1. Get Up and Move Around

If you sit at a desk for long periods of time each day, it's important to get up frequently for short walks. If you're able to walk outside, even better, but even taking deep breaths while walking down a hallway for 5-10 minutes will help with increasing energy.

2. Eat a Healthy Snack

While sugary snacks may seem like a good quick fix, a "sugar high" will inevitably end quickly followed by a "sugar low," a feeling of tiredness and mental fogginess. Eating too much will certainly have you snoozing, but munching on some light healthy snacks will help improve energy, without leading to a crash:

• A handful of nuts or sunflower seeds


• Fresh fruit, such as an apple or orange


• Raisins


• A small carton of yogurt

3. Use Your Sense of Smell

Strong scents can often increase alertness immediately. You can use scented candles or even spices found in your kitchen to help you stay awake. Here are some scents that work well:

• Rosemary


• Peppermint


• Coffee (yes, even just the smell can help perk you up)


• Chili powder

4. Acupressure

There are certain points on your body where applying pressure can improve circulation and increase energy. Try massaging or pushing down on the following areas:

• The skin between your thumb and index finger (squeeze)


• The back of your neck, where your neck meets your head


• Your earlobes (squeeze at the bottom)

5. Listen to high-energy music