Ten-minute strategies for more energy   Feeling tired and lacking focus? Going cross eyed in front of the monitor while the inbox stacks up? By taking just ten minutes from your busy schedule, you can rejuvenate and revive, making the rest of your day more productive and satisfying. Pick any one or more of the following energy enhancing strategies and enjoy the boost! 1. Make a cup of Green tea By steeping one green tea bag in 6-8 oz of piping hot water you create the nature's most perfect energy producing health-restoring beverage! Studies show that the antioxidant polyphenols in Green tea can protect you from chronic conditions such as heart disease, cancer and diabetes. The small amount of caffeine in green tea will give you an immediate boost while the catechins, a type of polyphenol, assist in burning fat! No tome to brew? No Problem! Good Elements Boost contains the same green tea polyphenols in only two capsules! 2. Take a quick walk There is nothing better than a brisk walk to get the blood pumping to your heart and brain. Natural endorphins are produced during exercise and, if walking outdoors, the sun's rays activate Vitamin D in your body giving you a mood and energy boost. Once you are on your feet and on the go, you will not regret it! 3. Take a B-complex vitamin Taking a full spectrum B-vitamin combination may give you a quick energy boost, especially if you have a vitamin deficiency. Make sure that your B-complex vitamin contains at least 200 mcg of Folic Acid and that you do not take your vitamin on an empty stomach. 4. Eat a protein rich snack When you are hungry and looking for some energy, don't reach for sugar! Sugar's empty calories will give you a temporary "sugar high" but follow it with a "sugar low." This roller coaster of blood sugar levels will leave you more tired than you were before that candy bar. Instead, look to eat a snack that is balanced with protein and complex carbohydrates. Examples include: One slice of whole-wheat toast with almond butter, a handful of nuts with a piece of fresh fruit, yogurt with granola or hummus and olives. 5. Drink water It is recommended that, for optimal health, you drink at least half your body weight in ounces of water per day. For example, if you weigh 160 pounds, 80 oz of water will keep you properly hydrated. Remember, the solution to your pollution is dilution! 6. Breathe Deeply When we are stressed and fatigued, we tend to take short, shallow breaths. Just a few deep breaths will make a big difference in your energy level. Start by taking a nice deep inhale through your nose. Hold your breath for one second and then slowly, deliberately exhale through pursed lips to regulate the release of air. Try to make your exhale last from 7 to 10 seconds. Breathe normally for a few moments and then repeat. 7. Stretch Standing up for a few minutes to stretch is one of the most overlooked workplace essentials. Focus your stretching on the muscles of the shoulders, neck and upper back. Accompany your stretching with a few deep breaths as described in strategy #6. Dulloo AG, Duret C, Rohrer D, et al. Efficacy of a green tea extract rich in catechin polyphenols and caffeine in increasing 24-h energy expenditure and fat oxidation in humans. Am J Clin Nutr . 1999;70:1040-1045. Ernst E, ed. The Desktop Guide to Complementary and Alternative Medicine: An Evidence-Based Approach . Mosby, Edinburgh; 2001:119-121. Heap L C, Peters TJ, and Wessely S. Vitamin B status in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome. J R Soc Med. 1999 April; 92(4): 183–185. Westerterp-Plantenga MS, Lejeune MP, Kovacs EM. Body weight and weight maintenance in relation to habitual caffeine intake and green tea. Obes Res Jul 2005;13(7):1195-1204. Yeung RR. The acute effects of exercise on mood state. J Psychosom Res. 1996 Feb;40(2):123-41.