It's now time to get the brain engaged - not only will you feel more mentally alert, you will feel more positive and less stressed - and that means more productive.

Laugh

You will be amazed how a quick laugh will both cheer you up and increase your energy. If you can't take a break to watch a comedy, keep a file of jokes on your computer - all those ones you never get time to read. Or just pick up the phone and chat to someone you know is funny. Laughter has been proven time and again to be the best therapy for depression and lack of energy.

Cold Water Splash

Start every day with a refreshingly cool splash of water on the face - before your exercise and/or shower. It wakes you up and gets your brain engaged. Surprisingly, even dangling your feet in cool water will refresh your whole body. Just watch the press and police if you get carried away and start dancing around the fountain!

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy has been used for centuries as a therapeutic aid for weakness, sleep deprivation, depression, and other psychological ailments. Even truck drivers use the scent of oranges to stay awake during long drives. There’s something in that zesty scent that keeps them mentally alert. More on aromatherapy.

Change of Task

The old saying 'A Change is as good as a rest' actually works. I will often find that after working on the same task for several hours, my brain goes into a tantrum and just will not concentrate on it any longer. But change to another task and I am instantly alert again. Anything will do, but keep it to something you can complete in less than 30 minutes. Completing something is a mental boost - but you still have to get that big hairy task finished.

Power Nap

Did you know that 85% of mammals fulfil their daily sleep requirements using naps during the day and night. It's only us humans and a few other species that seem to want to take it all at once. I envy those that can power-nap. It's never been something I have mastered, but for those that have, a well-timed nap does wonders for their energy levels and productivity. After lunch is an ideal time - as long as you haven't eaten too much. It will help with digestion and stress control for the rest of the day. So, take off your shoes and put your calls on hold. Avoid napping for too long - 15 minutes is all you need.

Meditation

For many that cannot power nap, meditation is an alternative. Once you master this energy boosting - mind relaxing technique, you will find that even a 10 minute session can totally reinvigorate both your mind and body.

Chat With Someone

Sometimes we just need to engage our brain in a totally different way, and a casual chat at the photocopy machine, may not only give you a refreshing break, but a chance to tap into that ever powerful informal grapevine. A friendly conversation can make the day go faster, and having a few laughs together can improve everyone’s mood.

Think positive

Attitude is a powerful influencer on how we feel. You can bet the tasks you detest and are ones that make you feel tired. Try slicing them into bits with a reward at the end, or if there is something you really WANT to do, make yourself do a chunk of a boring task first. You get the feeling of satisfaction and before long you have finished that task.

Plan A Fun Break

Write down your remaining tasks so that you can clearly see at what time you’ll be leaving. Take a moment to think of what you’ll be doing in the evening so you have something positive to think about. This could be picking up your spouse to go see a movie or simply getting together with buddies for a few beers. Whatever it is, it’ll help you get out of the rut. In return, knowing that you have to leave work at a certain time will likely help you be more productive.

Early Night

Chronic insomnia could be a symptom of a bigger problem and will cause you to drag in the early afternoon. Too much partying can have the same effect. Try to get the amount of sleep your body needs and you’ll be better able to stay alert all day.

Reduce your stress.

Your constant exhaustion might result from dissatisfaction with your job, your home life or yourself. It could also be a sign of depression. And while short-term stress produces adrenalin in your body, making you more alert, long-term stress, longer than a few hours, will wear away at your body’s natural defences and leave you feeling over-tired. Be honest with yourself and take some action to reduce the stressors in your life so that you feel better all day, every day.

NEXT: Energize Your Environment