Have you ever stopped to think about what your life would be like if you had a full energy tank every day? What would you be doing the same or different than you are now? There are some things we can control that can help us achieve our full energy tank. Here are some tips below to get started:

How are your sleep habits?

• Try to have at least 30 minutes to unwind before going to bed, and find a pattern each night to stay consistent.
• The longer we are in our REM sleep, the more our body will feel restored and all of its functions will work properly, including our metabolism.
• If possible, try to avoid eating anything for at least three hours before bed. 

What food are you fueling your body with?

• Food is fuel, and all of our organs need good healthy foods to function properly.
• Think variety with all the food groups and all the colors you can add to your plate.
• Stay hydrated and eat often throughout the day to give your body a stable amount of fuel: for example eat five to six small meals instead of two to three big ones.

How is your stress level?

• Stress can play a toll on your body, especially your energy levels.
• When our body keeps releasing cortisol day after day from stress, it can get worn down which can decrease our immune system, leading us to feel sluggish all day.
• What stress management systems can you put in place to help you? Consider adding deep breathing, meditation, guided imagery and/or walking to your day.

In addition to practicing mindfulness and checking in with yourself on a regular basis, consider these questions to get you started:

• Are you taking care of yourself like you want/need?
• Are you planning your meals and snacks to make sure you have the right fuel for you throughout the day?
• Are you stopping to make sure you are giving your body what it needs?
• What support systems do you have in place to help keep you accountable?

Join OSU Health Coaches Amanda and Lindsay for the four-week Group Health Coaching series “Living with a Full Energy Tank!” beginning on June 17 from noon to 12:30 p.m. for a more in-depth look at some of these tips and more. Click here to sign up today.

Image credit: istockphoto.com