The holidays are winding down: the parties are over, your company has gone home, and the decorations are headed back to their boxes. We give a lot of ourselves during this time of year and now it’s time to replenish our energy by doing something for ourselves. Here are some simple ideas.

Exercise. This doesn’t mean we must go to the gym, but physical activity is key to oxygenating blood cells, helping to increase our energy supply. Take a brisk walk with a dog or friend, bike ride around your neighborhood or start a new class: aerobics, Pilates, yoga, ballroom dancing, Zumba. It’s important to find something you enjoy!

Take a relaxing bath. As the weather cools, a warm bath with herbal bubble bath and Epsom salts calms the mind and soothes achy muscles. Add some candles and your favorite music if you like.

Have a good belly laugh. Laughter releases feel-good hormones into the blood stream and boosts your energy level.

Increase your water intake. If you have found yourself yawning during the day, it could be dehydration which can show up as fatigue. Start your day with a glass of water to hydrate your body after a long-night’s sleep and continue to drink it throughout the day.

Schedule a massage. Massage therapy has been shown to increase circulation, reduce stress, pain and depression, improve sleep and our immune system – all of which make us feel better, more energized and less fatigued.

Arlene J. Norris is a licensed massage therapist in Melbourne. She can be reached at 321-537-9594. (MA17030)