Energy Draining Habits

Let's talk about our habits for a minute.We all have them. Some habits can be good, and then some can be bad-not just bad, but bad for us. 
Believe it or not, some of your habits may be draining the energy right out of you and you don't even know it (our bodies can be sneaky that way). The following are definite "energy drainers":


 Attitude. If you find that you consistently "wake up on the wrong side of the bed", that negative attitude quickly turns into a negative mood that will last for as long as you allow it to. Negativity depletes your energy. Instead, "fake it until you make it"-smile even if you don't feel like it. Think happy thoughts until you feel your attitude change to a more pleasant one. Surround yourself with positive people. Eventually, you'll find that the more positive you are, the more energy you have.
Keep it straight. If you have your computer sitting lower than your head, you are creating several problems. That heavy head of yours weighs about 10 pounds, so you can imagine the strain on the muscles in your neck, back, and shoulders from having to support it at an angle -- especially for hours on end. Experts say all that effort decreases blood and oxygen flow to your brain by as much as 30 percent, making you feel tired. Arrange your desk so you can sit straighter, try back and neck stretches throughout the day, and try core-strengthening exercises to improve your posture: Pilates is great for this.
Play That Funky Music. Research shows that upbeat music makes runners stride more quickly. The chances are great that it'll have the same positive effect on you, as you're sitting at your desk powering through that spreadsheet, or just going about your everyday routine on "auto pilot". Take a few minutes and put together some fun, upbeat tunes on your playlist, and see if you don't notice a difference in the way you work. If you need any suggestions, let me know-I'd be more than happy to help out.
Sleeping in on weekends. Sure, it feels amazing to sleep past your normal "wake up time" on Saturdays and Sundays. But once you finally get up, you'll feel groggy for quite a while -- a condition called sleep inertia, which is caused by your body being tricked into falling into a deeper sleep than you're used to at that hour. The best bet? Sleep in an extra 30 or 60 minutes both days, and then get moving with some good old fashioned exercise-take your dog for a morning jog, or go for a swim to get that heart pumping and the blood flowing. Then, stay active all day long-you'll find it easier to get things done, and you'll feel better both physically and emotionally.
Water consumption. Experts say you should shoot for half your body weight in ounces. So, a 120-pound woman should drink 60 ounces. Add an additional 20 ounces for every hour of exercise. Why? Dehydration exacerbates grogginess! If you're looking for something a little more flavorful than plain old water, try adding some crystal light or Special K Protein Drink Mix in your water. You can also add a little lemon for just enough flavor. Drinking carbonated drinks is not the solution, no matter how good they may taste. 
Stretching. Exercise experts say that a good, all-body stretch expedites recovery after your long, hard run or cycle and improves circulation, both of which will keep you feeling energized long after you've left the gym. Skip this crucial step, and you may find yourself feeling sleepy and sore. Give your body a good warm-up before your main workout, and stretch well after the workout when your muscles are loose-you will experience less injury this way.
Pita and hummus.  A lot of foods give you energy, but the pita-hummus combo is the best choice because it has the three components -- fat, carbs, and protein -- that keep your brain awake and ready for action. To keep your energy going throughout the day, munch on foods that contain the following nutrients: Vitamin E, Iron, Potassium, Zinc and Magnesium. If you get in your daily recommended servings of fruits, veggies, nuts and beans (varied kinds), you are more likely to accomplish this than if you choose to eat refined and processed foods (which will cause your energy levels to skyrocket and then plummet faster than anything).


If you find that any of these habits may be on your list, then make some changes and take notice in the difference in energy your body has.