The keys to getting energy, and keeping it!

It's so easy, and so common, to feel run down and fatigued midway through the day. But instead of chugging coffee and Red Bull all afternoon, try some of these simple tips to stay energized:

• Know your own energy cycle. And then, of course, plan accordingly by doing challenging tasks when you feel the brightest, and routine ones when you're more mellow.
• Take care of yourself, and know what you need. Give yourself what you need, whether it's an early lunch or a walk around the block mid-afternoon. Do whatever you can to make it happen.
• Get enough sleep!
• Avoid stress when possible, and when it isn't do what you can to minimize it. Stress is one of the fastest ways to drain all of your energy.
• Get regular exercise
• Eat breakfast.
• Eat something every three hours.
• Include some protein at every meal.
• Limit sugar, caffeine, and alcohol.

And if no matter what you try you're still having problems then it may be time to consult with your doctor. Some physical conditions such as sleep apnea, hypoglycemia, heart problems, etc, can be very serious and cause feelings of low energy and fatigue.