Energy Shot Blog

Meditation, it's not a very lively word, now is it? The process of sitting idle, eyes closed in a trance-like state, slowed breathing, projecting thoughts and releasing the mind doesn't seem to fit the bill when it comes to preparing for a workout, a final exam or just another day in the big rig or cubicle. But many studies have supported using the tranquil breathing-and-focusing technique as a means to de-stress and perk up the energy.

Learning to meditate is fairly simple and the time in which to mediate can be a short as 3 minutes so you can use it almost anytime during your day to clear your mind and boost your energy.

The problem is to first find a quite space where you can be left alone with zero distractions, which we all know that our places of rest like a dorm room or den even have constant noises and disturbances. Once you have a placed picked, you can begin.

• First, sit in a comfortable position. This doesn't have to be cross-legged like you think, just any seated position that you'll be the most relaxed in.

• Next, close your eyes and take 10 slow, deep, controlled breaths and clear your mind as much as possible.

• Focus on an image that is soothing and relaxing. Picture something from nature like a deserted island or quiet meadow, or anything that immediately gives you a hushed state of mind.

• Think deeply about that image. What do you see? What do you hear? How does it make you feel?

• If at anytime you have a thought that isn't part of your image enter your mind, try your best to address it as something that can wait and push it behind the image you are seeing on the backs of your eyelids.

• Once you feel calmed, visualize an energy source entering your body and recharging your battery. Feel it at the tips of your fingers down to your toes. Do this for a couple of minutes.

• When you are ready, slowly open your eyes, stand up slowly and take one last deep breath.

You are now ready to attack the rest of the day with heighted energy levels and with an alert and focused aim.

Labels: Energy Tips from the 5-Hour Experts, staying alert and focused

There's a reason it's called a gym routine; steps are taken in an organized fashion repeatedly over time. But when we get into a routine it becomes very difficult not to get frustrated when slight diversions happen. To help you avoid some of those little aggravations, we've put together a few steps to add to your routine that will prep you for any Workout Challenge.

Play List - Music not only moves your body, but also the soul. When you've got a feel-good attitude going, you can enjoy doing pretty much anything. Put together a list of your music that will get your thoughts ready to attack this workout and push you through the sweat and pain.

Fuel Up - You already know how important a diet is towards your fitness goals, and there are great foods out there that you can grab on the go for a quick burst of energy at the gym. But there are also many that are Energy-Erasing Foods. Pack a pre-workout snack that will carry through the regimen but not fill you up.

Check Your Gear - Nothing is worse than getting to the locker-room ready do some serious work and finding that you've left your shorts at home or you've got a broken shoelace. Check and maintain your gear regularly to avoid any mishaps at the gym or diversions from your routine.

Water - Make sure you have your water or a source of hydration available throughout the workout. Temperatures and exertion levels can zap your body of water in no time. Staying hydrated helps prevent cramping and cools you down to keep you charging forward.

Warm-up and Stretch - Sitting idle in your cube doesn't keep your muscles loose and limber. Before pounding on your pecks or running the 5K, take a preventive measure and just a little bit of time to warm up, get the blood flowing, and stretch out the stresses of the day.

We gave you A Plan to Persevere in 2010 at the beginning of the year, and now you can add these steps to keep you ahead of the game. Your regimen is a very personal thing and we want to see you succeed. So tell us about your workout and share with the rest of the 5-Hour Energy fans how you are blowing past goals and pushing even farther.

Labels: Energy Tips from the 5-Hour Experts

There are plenty of ways to stay awake without loading up on sugar or guzzling 5 pots of coffee. Here are some alternative, non-crash inducing ways to stay awake and make it through your long days!

• Start every day with a healthy breakfast
• Studies have shown that eating breakfast improves alertness and concentration and helps you stay awake and feel better, both mentally and physically. Try to eat a combination of carbohydrates for energy and protein for endurance.


• Crank Up the AC
• Warmth and comfort will make you fall asleep, stay cold if you can!


• Go Take a Hike!
• Even the slightest movement increases blood flow, improves circulation, and sends oxygen and vital nutrients to the body and mind keeping you wide awake.


• Chew Gum
• Have you ever fallen asleep with gum in your mouth? Not fun. Between the actual actions involved in chewing, the tasty flavor, and the thought of picking gum out of your hair or keyboard, chewing gum should keep you awake for awhile!


• Cold Water
• On your face
• On the pulse area of your wrists
• Drink a big glass of cold water


• Let Something (or Someone!) Tickle Your Funny Bone!
• Watch your favorite funny video clip online
• Read your favorite comic strip, or look up jokes
• Have a quick chat with your funniest co-worker


• Crank up the Tunes!
• Listen to energizing music


• Turn On Any Light You Can!
• You fall asleep in the dark; don't let your mind think its nap time when it isn't.


• Play a Quick Game
• The mental stimulation and little break in the action will get your juices going!


• Get some fresh air!
• Go outdoors.
• Open a window.
• Take a drive.


• Healthy Snacks Are Great Energy Fuel
• Keep your sleepy body fueled by eating small, frequent meals about every three to four hours. Avoid a food coma by sticking to small portions of healthy food!


• Get Enough Sleep When You Can
• Everyone is different when it comes to required hours of sleep, but getting your magic number is important! Catch your Z's when you can, and cut back on the sleep deprived days that make you miserable!


• Move as much as possible!
• Get that blood flowing! Tap your foot, stretch, move your head, tap your fingers, etc..


• Multi-task
• Try to do more than one thing at a time, focusing on work keeps your mind off of being tired. Doing one thing for a long period of time will make you zone out and fall asleep easier.


• Nap
• When possible, give in, take a 20 minute nap and rejuvenate your body!


• Breathing Exercises
• Mindful breathing can be either relaxing or energizing, depending on the technique.


• Acupressure
• In acupressure physical pressure is applied to acupuncture points by the hand, elbow, or with various devices. Energizing points include the top of your head, top of the back of the neck, between the thumb and forefinger on the back of the hands as well as the bottom of the feet, in the center below the balls.


• Aromatherapy
• It has been thought that some aromas can have an effect on one's mind and body. Scents such as Basil, Grapefruit, Lemon, Orange, Mandarin and Rosemary are said to have energy giving and exhaustion fighting properties.


• Take your vitamins.
• Your parents were right, vitamins are a good choice. Keeping your immune system healthy and your body's requirements met are a good way to stay healthy and alert. You should always consult your doctor before beginning any vitamin regiments.


• Drink 5-Hour Energy Shots!
• Tired is in your head. Wake up your brain and your body will follow. Drink a 5-Hour Energy Shot, and you can feel awake, alert and productive for hours – without the jitters and crash associated with other energy drinks.

Sources:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/food-and-nutrition/
http://www.marcandangel.com/2008/05/15/17-drug-free-ways-to-stay-awake/
http://edition.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/europe/12/01/shortcut.stayawake/
http://www.wikihow.com/Stay-Awake-at-Work
http://psychologytoday.com/articles/pto-20051207-000002.html
http://www.thehealingpool.org/aromatherapyoils.htm
http://www.disabled-world.com/artman/publish/vitamins-minerals.shtml
http://www.5hourenergy.com/QandA.asp

Labels: Energy Tips from the 5-Hour Experts