Office Energy Boosters

Raise your hand if you feel sluggish come midmorning. Do you get tired after a big lunch? Do you use caffeine – such as through a cup of coffee or a can of soda – for a quick "pick-me-up" when those hours seem to drag on?

By Matt Krumrie, Star Tribune Sales and Marketing

Last update: July 9, 2008 - 3:27 PM

Chances are most of us can relate to at least one of these scenarios.

However, there are more natural and effective office energy boosters that just about everyone can benefit from. If you have an office gym, use it. Even a short workout is a great energy boost, especially midday. Choose a combination of aerobic exercise (hop on the stair machine) and weight lifting to get the best boost.

But you don't need an office gym for an energy boost. If you're feeling drained or stressed, and you just don't seem to have the energy to concentrate on the job, here are a couple tips from Mary Kay DuChene, life coach with SuperiorTrek, Inc. (www.superiortrek.com).

• Take a walk: Get a change of scenery. Even a walk down to the cafeteria can provide a change of scenery, but if you can, take it outdoors.

• Take slow, deep breaths: Focus on your inhale and exhale. You'll find that the boost in oxygen along with the refocusing of your mind will help you center yourself.

• Stand up and stretch: Stretch like you're getting up in the morning. Get on your tiptoes, reach for the sky, and tighten every muscle in your body. You'll feel awake again and ready to face the office.

• Climb the stairs: Don't take the elevator. Walk up and down the stairs a few times to get the blood pumping. That will actually produce more energy, even if you are tired.

• Do push-ups in your office: If you have the privacy or if you feel comfortable, a few sets of 5 to 20 push-ups can get the kinks out, and get the blood flowing.

• Do wall squats: You can also lean up against a wall, with your back straight, and do squats. Getting the blood flowing in the legs will help throughout the body.

While it may seem awkward exercising at work, it's better than the alternative, which is always feeling tired and sluggish.

Matt Krumrie is a freelance writer from Inver Grove Heights, MN, and has seven years of experience reporting on the employment industry. The first Sunday of each month this column will answer readers' questions. E-mail questions or subject ideas to askmatt@startribune.com.

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