I used to get pretty tired right around 3 PM every day. Since taking a nap isn’t an option, I often reached for coffee or sugar. Both would backfire. Sugar would cause me to crash a very short time later and caffeine would leave me tossing and turing later that night.

So here is what I do now:

1. Eat better. The saying, ‘You are what you eat” truly is on the money. Eating processed and fast foods do not provide the vitamins and nutrients that your body needs, so you are left feeling sluggish. By having super foods like whole grains, lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, nuts, beans and other healthy foods - you are fueling your body for success.
2. Drink water. Often we begin to feel sluggish when we are slightly dehydrated, sometimes (for me) I’m just not thirsty and I have to remember to drink water.
3. Move it. Sure, when you’re ready to take a nap the last thing you feel like doing is exercising but believe it or not, exercise can turn your sleepy self right around! Case in point, my four year old decided to wake up at 2AM on Friday night! He had us up nearly all night. I had an early morning run scheduled on Saturday morning with a few friends and didn’t want to bail. I yawned and cursed all the way to the park, I was so sleepy! However, as I ran I began to perk up. Afterwards I felt alert and much better than I did before.
4. Juice! I have found that strategically making a juice helps me to full-fill those vitamin and nutrient requirements needed to maintain energy. Below is a power juice specifically created to boost your energy.

Wheatgrass Energy Drink

1 handful of wheatgrass

1 handful of spinach

1 pineapple spear

Juice all ingredients and enjoy!