How To Optimize Your Energy For The Better

If your get-up-and-go has got-up-and-went, use these energizing strategies from NASM-certified trainer and nutrition specialist Brooke Erickson.

- Lara McGlashan

Energy — some days you have it, some days you don’t. While the reasons are endless why your energy has flatlined, there are many ways to resurrect it quickly. Here are some tips from Dymatize athlete, trainer and nutrition specialist Brooke Erickson on how to optimize your energy for the better.

Work Out, Wake Up

Though the last thing you want to do when you’re tired is exercise, it should be the first thing on your list. “Without a doubt, exercise improves energy levels,” Erickson says. “Exercise causes your body to release endorphins, which interact with receptors in your brain that reduce your perception of pain and trigger positive feelings in your body — sometimes called ‘exercise euphoria’ or a ‘runner’s high.’”

TAKE-AWAY TIP: Go to the gym even if you’re tired. Promise yourself you’ll do 10 minutes of exercise, and if you’re still not feeling it, you can stop and go home. Chances are that moving around will put the pep back in your step, but if it doesn’t, you have permission to call it a day.

Eat More Meals