Re: (OT) How do you relax and "recharge"?

[xdg]

Exercise is often touted for stress relief and increasing energy (though not in the minutes directly afterwards). I'm not very good about consistently exercising, myself, but in the past, when I have been on a regular workout schedule, I usually found that my overall energy and focus improved.

As for other approaches mentioned, most energy drinks are sugar-heavy, which will give a short-term pop and then a low-blood sugar crash. I personally find that eating consistent with the Zone Diet to be very effective at helping maintain energy levels through the day. (It recommends balancing carbs, protein, fat at 40%, 30% to 30% of calorie intake and having a balanced snack between meals and at bedtime to moderate hunger swings).

And as much as we all love our coffee (myself included), caffeine is a drug. Consistent, heavy use of caffeine can lead to insomnia and generally less-restful sleep, which only reinforces the "need" for caffeine the next morning. You may find that reducing/eliminating your coffee dependence leads to an increase in overall energy (after an admittedly awful withdrawal period with which I am quite familar).

Do I always practice what I preach? No. Do I feel better and more energetic when I do? Yes.

YMMV.

(Aside: For weight-loss, I highly recommend The Hacker's Diet by John Walker. I lost almost 50 pounds following its principles and the Zone diet calorie ratio.)

[Anonymous Monk]

Exercise is often touted for stress relief

Read http://www.wsba.org/lawyers/services/lapstress.htm about stress, its very informative.