Let’s be real—summer is supposed to be energizing, right?
Longer days, more sunshine, maybe even some vacation time.
But for many people I work with, summer feels… off.
Exhaustion. Brain fog. Low motivation. You’re not alone.
Whether it’s the heat, the disrupted routines, or just life in general, here are 4 quick, effective practices to help you get your energy back—no caffeine required.
1. 🔥 Try Bellows Breath
If your brain feels foggy or you’re dragging through the afternoon, this breathing practice is like a shot of espresso—for your nervous system.
How to do it:
- Sit tall or stand with your spine straight.
- Make loose fists and bring them to your shoulders, elbows bent.
- Take a fast, strong, audible inhale through your nose as you sweep your arms straight up overhead.
- Follow immediately with a fast, strong, audible exhale through your nose as you bring your fists back down to your shoulders.
- Keep the movement powerful and rhythmic—like you’re pumping energy up and out.
- Repeat 10–20 cycles, then pause, breathe normally, and notice how you feel.
Why it works: It boosts circulation, energizes your brain, and activates your sympathetic nervous system. (Translation: it wakes you up.)
2. 🌀 Shake It Off (Literally)
Sometimes the energy is there—it’s just stuck. Shaking helps release physical and emotional tension in minutes.
How to do it:
- Stand up
- Start gently bouncing your knees
- Let your arms, shoulders, and hips move
- Shake your body for 1–2 minutes to music or silence
- Then pause, breathe, and notice how you feel
Why it works: It’s a somatic reset that gets your energy flowing again—especially after sitting for hours.
3. ❄️ Splash Cold Water on Your Face
This one’s so simple, most people underestimate it. But trust me—it works.
How to do it:
- Splash cold water on your face
- Or hold a cool, damp cloth on your cheeks and forehead
- Bonus: Try a quick face dunk in a bowl of cold water
Why it works: It stimulates your vagus nerve, increases alertness, and gives your nervous system a jolt—in a good way.
4. 🌙 Audit Your Sleep to Boost Tomorrow’s Energy
Energy doesn’t start in the morning—it starts the night before.
Ask yourself:
- Are screens keeping me up later than I’d like?
- Is my room dark and cool enough for deep rest?
- Do I wind down or go straight from work to bed?
Try this tonight:
- Shut off screens 60 minutes before bed
- Do 5 minutes of slow, deep breathing (4-7-8 breathing works great)
- Keep a consistent bedtime—even on weekends
Why it works: Quality sleep is your energy insurance. Don’t overlook it.
🌟 Final Thought
Your energy is sacred—and it’s not something you need to “push through” to find.
You can reset it, restore it, and reclaim it—in just a few minutes a day.
Which one of these will you try first?
👇 Drop a comment and let me know how you’re getting your energy back this summer.
Zee Clarke is the author of the book, Black People Breathe (Penguin Random House). She has been featured in many leading publications including ABC, Fortune, Forbes, CNBC, Ebony, Essence, and Fast Company.
She is a Harvard Business School graduate who applies holistic healing practices to corporate environments. Zee leads transformative workshops on mindfulness, breathwork and stress management tools at organizations such as Google, Visa, AMC Networks and more.
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