1. NEVER SKIP BREAKFAST!

The key to steady blood sugar, and sustainable energy, is to start the day with a breakfast that includes complex carbohydrates (whole-grain breads or cereal, such as oatmeal), protein (one egg, cottage cheese or soy powder) and a small amount of fat (such as a few nuts or a pat of butter). Combining carbs, protein and fat allows blood sugar to rise gradually over several hours and keeps it from dropping suddenly. The combination is conveniently available in bars and shakes.

2. LIGHTEN YOUR LOAD

Doing less is not always easy, but over-scheduling is a primary cause of fatigue. Look over the activities of your day or week and you may find some things that may not be necessary or enjoyable. Take a look at the non-essentials. Perhaps some should move into the rest and pleasure part of your life? Take charge of your life.

3. GET MORE SLEEP

A good night’s sleep is the body’s natural, simplest and most efficient way of refreshing itself. Go to bed an hour earlier every night. Take short naps whenever possible. To get your body primed for sleep, refrain from surfing the Web, checking e-mail or watching television for half an hour before bed. Cutting out such stimulation will give your brain a chance to wind down.

4. STAY POSITIVE

Every thought in our heads is accompanied by a cascade of biochemicals called neurotransmitters. In general, thoughts that are optimistic, grateful and loving result in "feel good" neurotransmitters called endorphins. The same "feel good" chemicals are produced during exercise and meditation. By contrast, thoughts that are fearful, angry or hopeless increase levels of stress hormones, which make us feel tired, anxious and irritable. Learning to focus on the positive can do wonders for energy levels as well as improve health and longevity. It can provide the same kind of benefit as exercise, not smoking and having healthy blood pressure, cholesterol and weight.

5. LIMIT YOUR CAFFEINE INTAKE

Many people rely on their morning cup of coffee or soft drinks to gain the energy needed to get through the day. If you’re one of them, what you may not realize is this creates a vicious cycle and an unhealthy dependency that can make you more tired and lethargic in the long run! Caffeine can increase stress, cause energy levels to plummet after a time, and interfere with your sleep. Replace coffee with decaffeinated green tea. The antioxidants are great for your health, and you can still sip a comforting tasty drink. Drink plenty of water! Because caffeine is a diuretic, consuming large quantities can cause dehydration. Water will quench your thirst, keep you hydrated and improve your overall health.

6. EXERCISE

Exercise gives you energy to accomplish things and helps relieve stress. An exercise regimen can improve overall health in important ways allowing you to potentially live longer. Several mini-workouts are nearly as effective as one big one. If you have a busy schedule, it may be easier to work out in smaller chunks. If your work day is long, breaking up the day with several 10-minute workouts can wake you up and increase productivity.

7. REDUCE CLUTTER

Believe it or not, you can have more energy by reducing clutter in your house and workplace. Not being able to locate anything in unorganized piles is very stressful. Clothes you never wear, papers strewn all over the place, and useless things you just don't feel like throwing out can invade your space and take over your life. Clutter causes stress and depletes your energy. So, dump all unnecessary stuff in the garbage, and breathe easy as you will have more energy for important things.

8. TAKE A WALK

Sitting in a chair all day can make you feel stiff and tired. In turn, you don't feel like getting up. This creates a vicious cycle of inactivity. So, create the habit of taking a walk every day, and your energy level will increase. Better yet, take a short walk every hour. Just five minutes will clear your mind, improve your circulation, get you away from work, and help you return feeling refreshed and energetic.

9. HEALTHY SNACKING

For a quick burst of energy, opt for fruits that are high in sugar (without the fat). Grapes, raisins, bananas, cantaloupe and watermelon are good choices. These fruits supply the quick burst of energy you need without adding any of the extra fat you do not need.

10. LET IT GO

It takes an enormous amount of energy to remain stuck in chronic grief, resentment or sadness. Often, we try to resist these genuine emotions by keeping a stiff upper lip or a cheerful demeanor when we’re really seething inside. What we resist persists. Instead of talking yourself out of how you feel, harness the courage to acknowledge uncomfortable emotions. Accept your regrets, anger or sadness without remorse. Just let it be. Then let it go. Not only will your energy resurface, but you will find sensible solutions to many of the dilemmas in your life.