Here are 10 ways to get a Quick Energy Fix when you have Crohn's Disease.

Our way of life is ever changing and becoming increasingly stressful. People are reaching for the quick fix of an energy drink or a chocolate bar to get them through the day, to make that meeting or even to have dinner with the relatives. 

Admit it, who hasn't done this? When you've been up all night in the bathroom but still have to make yourself go to work in the morning, you want something easy, quick and something that works. 

However, there is one big problem with this approach. Sure you have that drink, and you feel more active, but then what happens after the drink. It is like a roller coaster. You have an increase in energy, but then you have to have the downward part of the ride. So we go up and down throughout the day from one quick fix to the other. 

The correct approach is to never get your body into a state where you need the quick fix. Ok, stop laughing now. That is, of course, the storybook approach to life but we live in the real world of Crohn's disease where the happy ending approach does not always work.  

What we need though is a HEALTHY quick fix to give us the extra energy we need but we also want to avoid the crash and burn of an unhealthy choice.

MY TOP 10 HEALTHY ENERGY QUICK FIXERS

1. EXPOSE YOURSELF.
To the sun, that is! Make sure you take breaks throughout the day to go outside as natural sunlight reduces stress hormones, lowers blood pressure and increases serotonin levels which lifts mood and energy. Also helps you make sure you are not deficient in Vitamin D. So if you know you get tired around 3:30, take a short walk outside or sit in the sun for few minutes every day.

2. DRINK WATER AND WET YOURSELF.
Drink more water! (this is the one a lot of us have the most trouble with) Dehydration causes fatigue, and if you don’t drink enough water consistently you can feel sluggish all the time! Don't stop at just drinking it, take a break from your desk and splash cold water on your face: Cool water stimulates circulation and metabolism and definitely wakes you up!

3. SUCK IT IN.
Air that is. Learning how to take breaks throughout the day to breathe deeply can help boost energy almost immediately! Start with an intentional practice of breathing every afternoon when you feel most tired, breathe deeply in for 5 counts, hold for 2 counts and out again for 5 counts. Do 5 reps!

4. GET YOUR GROOVE ON.
Studies have shown that listening to about an hour of upbeat music that you find stimulating every day, can reduce fatigue and increase dopamine. So put your headphones on, lock the door to your office and dance like no one is watching [and hopefully no one is]

5. GO GREEN.
Drink a green juice (for example juiced kale, lettuce, green apple, ginger, lemon and garlic). Or go for a green tea! These are all super healthy foods that immediately increase energy in a “healthy energy drink” way! Anyone of these or all can be great afternoon pick me ups!

6. STAND TALL
Simply stand up for more hours of the day. Global studies have found that we generally sit for an average of 7.7 hours a day—this can be very negative for personal health. Just simply standing up every couple hours can increase your energy and overall health. I have recently seen many offices providing standing desk options for employees.

7. FEEL THE GOOD VIBES.
Studies show that the more you surround yourself with high energy, positive people, the more you will be able to generate high energy and positivity! Make more choices to spend time with happy, energetic people!

8. MOVE YOUR MOUTH.
The act of chewing stimulates brain functioning and chewing on something citrus will give you an immediate boost.

9. MIX IT UP.
Snack on a mix of chia seeds, goji berries and dark chocolate—each proven on their own to have high energy-boosting content.

10. SNIFF IT.
Many studies have shown that smelling peppermint, cinnamon or something with citrus, such as orange or lemon scents can perk up energy levels. Add a dab of scented oil onto the inside of your wrist as you do your breathing reps!

Remember if you have any more questions about drinking water then please free to email me at [email protected] or visit my Facebook Page at My Crohn's Doctor.

Yours in Health and Wellness
Dr Michael

My Crohn's Doctor
www.mycrohnsdoctor.com

LEGAL DISCLAIMER - This article (including links to any/all website pages, blog posts, blog comments, forum, videos, audio recordings, etc.) is not intended to replace the services of a physician, nor does it constitute a doctor-patient relationship. Information is provided for informational  purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use the information for diagnosing or treating a medical or health condition. If you have or suspect you have an urgent medical problem, promptly contact your professional healthcare provider. Any application of the recommendations in this blog post is at the reader's discretion. My Crohn's Doctor and Dr Michael are not liable for any direct or indirect claim, loss or damage resulting from use of this blog. Readers should consult their own physicians concerning the recommendations in this article.