People with depression often feel low on energy and tired all day, most days. It’s on such days that you need a positive boost of energy just to get out of bed.

I have gone through years feeling that way, but not recognizing it as a problem. It had just become normal for me. I blamed myself for it, thinking it was because I don’t have a passion or motivation for anything. 

It was much later that I realized that I was dealing with mild, chronic depression for years. And it took me years to learn how to get out of bed on those days when I just don’t feel like doing anything.

So I started this series to help out people who are facing similar challenges and are dealing with these problems on a daily basis. 

For all of you who feel drained of energy and need some motivation to keep going, below is a list of all the tricks to give you a positive boost of energy.

5 Scientifically-Proven Ways to Boost Your Energy Levels Instantly

Here are five tried-and-tested ways to give yourself a positive boost of energy on days when you don’t even feel like getting out of bed.

Of course, you’ll need to take that first step and will yourself into doing one of these, for it to work. I leave that part to you, because I know you’re strong and want to feel better.

The best part is that some of these don’t even require you to get out of bed. Start with those and then move to the more active exercises.

1. Listen to Happy Songs and Sing Along

It’s not news to your years that listening to music instantly uplifts the mood.

But did you know that singing out loud is even more effective in giving you an instant energy boost?

Scientific research confirms that listening to music provides pleasant experiences and releases dopamine. 

Singing along simply makes the experience more active than passively listening and that’s the secret to getting yourself energized and not just feeling positive.

So, the next time you’re feeling low and need a dose of positive energy, put on your favorite song and sing along. 

2. Make Yourself Laugh

I know, it seems odd that I’m asking you to laugh when you’re feeling low, but trust me it works. 

This research study proves that laughter has both psychological and physiological benefits. In fact, the body can’t tell the difference between spontaneous and intentional laughter. So, even if you’re not genuinely happy but make yourself laugh, your mood will be uplifted,

Of course, you probably can’t just break out into laughter without any prompt. So, do this instead:

• Watch a funny TV show or movie that always cracks you up
• Listen to your favorite comedian
• Watch funny videos on YouTube, preferably the ones with cute animals
• If nothing works, simply force yourself to smile

As they say, “smile and the reason will follow”. That’s the beauty of a good laugh, it can lift up your mood even when you feel like there’s no reason to be happy.

3. Connect with Nature

Being around nature makes us feel more alive and positive than we’d feel cooped up in our homes or other closed spaces.

According to a recent study published in the BMC Public Health Journal, people with access to more green spaces have greater well-being than those who don’t. Another study confirms this by stating that nature connectedness positively correlates with a person’s well-being.

Being close to nature can be anything from walking on the grass barefoot, taking a stroll on the beach, or just sitting under the shade of a tree.

Spending time in natural environments can not only uplift your mood but also has positive effects on your physical health.

But how can you be in nature when you live in the middle of the city with no parks nearby?

Simply get out of your house and go for a walk. You don’t need a park to get fresh air, you simply need to get out of your couch and go for a walk. It’s that simple.

4. Move Your Body

Physical exercise directly affects our mood and can provide an instant boost of energy when feeling low.

Exercise can uplift your mood because:

• When you occupy yourself with exercise, you break your negative thought loops
• It produces chemicals like endorphins that reduce stress and improve your sense of well-being
• Moving your body also makes your mind more alert and increases your energy levels 
• Physical activity is a great way to vent out your frustrations and anger

Research shows that exercise is also beneficial against anxiety and depression, and has overall physical and mental health benefits.

Does this mean you should go to the gym every time you feel low? Absolutely not!

Just get up and start moving your body wherever you are. You can stretch your body, do some yoga, or simply dance. 

I’d actually recommend playing energizing music and dancing to it, even if it’s the last thing you feel like doing. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.

5. Take a Shower

This is a well-kept secret that few know and use. Taking a cold shower can instantly energize your body and mind, and make you feel so much better. This study proves that taking cold showers results in higher energy levels.

But that doesn’t mean that hot showers are any less effective. In fact, if you want to relax and feel calmer, then hot showers are the way to go.

Taking a shower, hot or cold, will get you out of your bed and help you feel better. The choice is yours whether you want an instant boost of energy through a cold shower or a more relaxed and calming hot shower. 

My two cents: take a hot shower like you normally do, but end it with 10 seconds of cold water. This will solve both purposes and give you a positive boost of energy.

Ready to Beat the Blues?

We all have those days when we just want to crawl back into bed and do nothing. But most of us have to force ourselves to get out and do our daily chores and we often end up dragging ourselves through the day.

These tips that I’ve listed above will help you deal with depression and feel more energized. And if you don’t trust me, trust the science that backs these claims.

Go ahead and try these for yourself and see the difference it makes. All the best!