7 Proven Ways to Increase Your Energy Levels

Wouldn't it be nice if there were little things you could do right now that would result in huge increases in your energy level and the motivation you have?

Wouldn't it be great if there were was some magic pill that you could take that would keep you on track with your training and ensure that 365 days of the year, 24 hours a day you are totally focused on becoming the best boxer you can possibly be?

Well, I'm not aware of any magic pill, but by implementing the following recommendations into your life, you can use the energy you do have a whole lot more efficiently and will notice the benefit. I'm not going to cover the eat right and exercise lines - by now I'm hoping that you understand those as givens. Instead:

1. Chew your food at least 30 times. The human body has a finite amount of energy that is divided up among the major processes in your body. Your brain requires between 20-25% of your resting metabolic rate (RMR). It is going to get less of that energy if it is tied up in other processes like digestion, and digestion is a huge user of energy. By chewing your food more, you make it more easily digestible and free up energy that would otherwise need.

2. Drink more water. How much water depends on the person and how much exercising you are doing. But the key is to ensure you are not dehydrated. Dehydration will sap your energy.

Having to pound back 8 glasses of water a day is a myth. In reality, it could be more or less, but start with 1/2 glass or glass every hour. The key is to make it regular. If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated.

With increased water consumption, you will deplete your electrolytes. To combat, don't go out and buy Gatorade, but instead throw a pinch of sea salt into every gallon of water and you'll get more than enough.

3. Sleep in the dark. Human sleep cycles are regulated by light. Sleeping with lights on, during the day or with night lights will decrease the secretion of melatonin. Melatonin is required to induce sleep cycles, so the decrease will mean diminished sleep, less restful sleep and eventually sleep deprivation. That all leads to less energy.

4. Treat sleep as part of your training schedule. The first thing to go when we get busy is usually sleep. It is seen as a waste of time. If you are sleeping, you aren't training, you aren't getting better, or you aren't out having fun. But, if you are serious about your training, your energy levels are going to be regulated by the amount of sleep you get.

The amount you require is different for everyone. Generally speaking if you aren't nodding off during the day, falling asleep as soon as you hit the pillow and can wake up without an alarm clock, then you are getting enough shuteye. That could mean 5 hours for one person and 9 for another - it depends on you.

5. Get the crap out of your head. Anxiety, sluggishness, and a general feeling of overwhelmingness (is that a word?) are the results of stress in your life. Stress will mess you up and slow you down. If your brain is constantly wasting its energy on worrying and sorting through the mess in your head, that is energy that is not aimed to more productive things.

So, get it out, write it down or start using some type of system to get all of the tasks out of your head so you can focus on things that really matter. Focusing your energy will lead to less wasted energy which in turn will feel like more energy.

If you simplify your life, you will immediately notice the benefits. Take stock and get rid of the crap.

6. Do something. No matter what it is, do something. Ever notice how little kids seem to have endless amounts of energy. They run all day and then fight when it is time to go to bed. It's because they are doing something. They have engaged their mind and their bodies and that affects their metabolism. Their metabolism is running at full throttle.

As we get older, sitting in front of the TV starts to get more appealing. When you sleep, the first stages of the sleep cycle slow your body down, decreasing your core temperature, and shutting down your muscles. The same thing happens when you relax in front of the tube. Your body gets the signal to shut down. Instead, fuel your energy levels by doing something and that will lead to more somethings until eventually you'll be the envy of everyone because of all the somethings you can do in a day.

7. Get rid of the idiots in your life. If you have bad relationships or friends that you seem to be constantly at odds with, then maybe you shouldn't be friends or have relationships with these people. The stress these people cause you increase your cortisol levels (a direct result of stress) that causes your body to use its energy to fight the stress meaning energy is unavailable for use elsewhere.

A better option is to hire the idiots as sparring partners - then you kill two birds with one stone -- you get the chance to fight the idiots and you are exercising at the same time.

Remember, that the amount of energy you have directly affects your focus, concentration, and intensity of your training. Any small improvements you can make in these areas will be beneficial in your overall boxing and fitness preparations.

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