How to Boost Your Energy Even on Your Most Exhausting Days

If your typical day is so draining that you're practically comatose by dinner, a great night's sleep might seem like the only remedy. But why not recharge while you are awake, too? That'll help you power through your killer schedule and may even help you sleep better when you finally get the chance.

Try these all-day-energy makeover and power up your days:

Do breakfast right - Skip the French toast sticks and hash browns - a quick rush of simple sugars that can leave you tired hours later - and reach for 6 ounces of Greek yogurt. Mix in a cup of fruits and a few tablespoon of granola for a light meal that's rich in protein and healthy fats.

Fill your water bottle - Staing hydrated fends off sluggishness by moving nutrients through the body. Plus, water has no problem ingredients like sugar (extra calories) or caffeine (a diuretic that can leave you jittery), so make this the first of several fill-ups.

Check in with a friend - Mentally changing focus at least once a day fights brain fatigue. Take a break, once in a while, to call or e-mail a friend. (Don't feel guilty about it.) Try to keep the conversation upbeat.

Select smart carbs - When you are slammed, it's tempting to sub an instant energy candy bar for a real meal. Not so fast. The carbs in sugary foods will give you only a short term bust of energy, instead, try a dose of energizing complex carbs.

Let the sunshine in - Our bodies are synced to the circadian rhythm of daylight and darkness, so taking 10 minutes to soak up some rays offers a natural wake-up call. Even cloud-filtered light can starve off sleepiness. if weather permits, add a brief, brisk walk to get your blood circulating.

Pat yourself on the back - Towards the end of thhe day, it's easy to fixate on unfinished tasks. But beware of "energy thieves" (thoughts that may annoy or disappoint us). Make a quick list of today's accomlishments - even "I got to work on time" counts.

Dodge the couch - The energy-wise will get their 20 minutes (or more) of jogging, strenght-training, or yoga before retiring for the day. Exercise can actually help you sleep well and thhis is the key to starting the next day with power to spare.

Life is good, boost your energy and enjoy it.