Need a dose of energy?

Do you ever (or always) get that mid-afternoon slump? The type where all you can think of doing is crawling into a corner with a blankie and getting some shut eye? Or, worse, do you wake up and endure your day feeling worn out the entire time?

What to do? A nice shot of an energy drink? More coffee? A stop by the vending machine? Yes, all of that may give you a burst of energy, but, after a short time, it’ll just leave you feeling even worse. And set you up for a cycle of crash (feeling tired), then hitting that unnatural energy boost (the mega-coffee drink), then repeat. It’s not a good roller coaster to ride — for your energy or your health.

Better ideas? Try some of these:

•  If you’re the type who can engage in a short — 15-20 minute — power nap that leaves you refreshed, indulge if you can.

•  Get outside and get some fresh air, even if you only have a short break. Nature (if possible), the sights, the fresh air and the sun will revitalize you.

•  Stand up and stretch. No rules needed — stretch your body like cats and dogs and children do! This will help release the muscle tension that occurs when we insist our bodies stay in cramped, unnatural positions for hours at a time.

•  Put on your favorite, energizing music. Sing along, even get up and dance a bit if you like. (Sure, your office mates will chuckle, but, hey, you’re doing something good for them then, too!) Even if you remain still, energizing, bright music (no sad love songs!) will lift your energy.

•  Find ways to reduce the tension and stress that zap your energy. Take a break to chat with a friend, read a chapter in a favorite book, even play an online game.

•  Drink a glass of water. Thirst can sometimes masquerade as fatigue. So can lots of other health issues, by the way. So go ahead and grab the water!

•  Sometimes you just need some oxygen. Yes, we truly don’t breathe as we need to a lot of the time. Take just a few moments to sit up a bit taller, breathe in deeply and exhale fully through your mouth. Repeat four times.

•  Eating a reasonably balanced diet can help make sure you are getting enough vitamins, minerals and nutrients to keep your body going strong. However, if you do so and find you’re still pooped out, try to get more magnesium. If your magnesium levels are even a little low, your energy can drop because that causes your body to work harder. You can take magnesium, but you also can easily eat a handful of almonds, hazelnuts or cashews, have more whole grains and/or eat more fish, especially halibut.

•  Go to bed at consistent times. Yes, I know, I like to play the night owl game, too. But I try to keep it within limits; I’m usually only around an hour off. Your body is a creature of habit; it will more naturally fall asleep and wake up if you’ve created a routine.

•  Get enough sleep. Usually around 8 hours for most normal adults. You may do well on 7, but push it under that, and you’re asking for that mid-day slump. Interestingly enough, sleeping too much also can leave you feeling dragged out and even has been linked to various medical problems.

•  To prepare for bedtime so you sleep well, put into effect a relaxing routine — a bath, reading, yoga stretches, meditation, something else quiet — so your body can begin to respond. You can’t go from a crazy, high-tech life to bed and expect to sleep as deeply.