1. You are what you eat.

This one is pretty simple: If you eat badly, you’re going to feel badly. Steer clear of energy-zapping refined carbohydrates like white bread, white rice, spaghetti, potatoes, and sugary drinks and juices. These foods do a number on your blood sugar, and you’ll find yourself feeling better by opting for whole grains instead.

2. Use caffeine sparingly.

You wouldn’t ingest a large cup of sugar in the morning and expect it to keep you energized throughout the day, and the same goes for coffee. Studies show that drinking coffee frequently in small amounts is much more effective in sustaining energy levels than having a free-for-all with your coffeemaker in the morning. This is where the beauty of the microwave comes in: You can either purchase a large-sized coffee or brew a large pot in the morning and reheat small portions throughout the day to manage your consumption and keep your java tasting fresh.

3. Behold the awesome power of chewing.

While you may not think twice about the importance of this seemingly mundane activity, it has more value for your body than just your energy levels. Taking smaller bites and chewing more slowly will allow the digestive enzyme analyse, present in saliva, to do its job. Keeping your digestive system functioning properly is important not only to sustain energy but also to help prevent health problems such as abdominal pain, arthritis, inflammation, irritable bowel syndrome, yeast infections, and allergies.

4. Just move.

Many people who find themselves dragging through each day are skipping daily exercise essential to one’s health and positive well-being because they are simply “too tired.” If you can ignore that initial thought and ease yourself into doing some form of exercise, you’ll thank yourself later. Don’t get overwhelmed; this doesn’t mean you have to go out and run five miles. Doing something as simple as taking a 10-minute walk around your office building or dancing around the living room with your kids will not only increase your energy but improve your overall mood as well. It doesn’t matter how you do it; just move.

5. Live. Laugh. Love.

This is a relatively popular mantra that you may have heard before, and, as is true of most clichés, it works for virtually every aspect of one’s life, especially in regards to the salvation of one’s energy levels. We all lead hectic, busy lives that cause us to lose sight of what’s really important. This is why it is essential to take at least 10 minutes out of your day to just be. For this brief period of time, let go of all the stress and negative thoughts bogging you down and focus on everything you appreciate in your life. Reflect on fun times you’ve shared with friends and family. Pick five loved ones – it is especially helpful to pick loved ones with whom you’re currently at odds with or to whom you’re not feeling ideally connected – and write down at least five things you love about them. Accentuating the positive will surely give you a surge of energy and boost your motivation to face the rest of the day.

These are just a few of the dozens of ways you can increase your energy levels. So, be creative and don’t be afraid to try different things. Taking care of yourself from the inside out will do wonders for your energy as well as your peace of mind.

Rachel Kingstrom is a recent graduate of Alma College in Alma, MI with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English. She is just beginning her professional writing career and currently pursuing job opportunities in the Chicago area.