I went on a kick ass canoe trip a couple weeks back.

For six days my wife and I were in the back country, paddling on the water and portaging on the trails.

Our menu was excellent (message me if you need ideas for incredible camping food!), but wasn't as clean as we normally eat. We slept well (check out the "Windcatcher Air Pad" - it's pretty fantastic!), but truthfully not well or for as many hours as I normally do.

Yet, despite this, we both felt fantastic - full of energy all day long.

Why?

1. We were outside in the sun each day. You can't underestimate how important this is!

2. We were doing something physical throughout the day, instead of being inactive. When you're inactive, you tend to feel lethargic. 

3. We were excited to be there and had a mission for each day. We had to move if we wanted to get to our next campsite. And personally, even though I hadn't been camping like this since I was about 15 years old, but I still felt the same thrill and awe that I did as a youth. It was exhilarating.

After all, it's hard not to be inspired when this is where you're eating lunch [play the video below]...

How can you use these ideas to improve your day to day life?

1. Get outside every day, rain or shine, as often as you can. There's nothing that sucks your energy more than being holed up inside, living in front of a computer screen all day. We're meant to be outside, and this gives us energy. 
   
   Coach Leah from our gym in Toronto, Quantum CrossFit, always recommends taking even a few minutes each day to walk around the block, eat lunch in a park, or whatever you can to get out there. You WILL feel a difference. 
    
2. Move and be active. Often. Of course you could have an amazing workout routine at Quantum CrossFit. But you could also go on a bike ride after work. Have active hobbies. Do something, even a little bit, just about every day. Can you block 5-10mins to run around the block a few times? 
   
   I also recommend trying to find ways to be more active in the morning and at small intervals in the day. Walk up stairs. Go for a run at lunch. Whatever you can do. Exerting yourself during the day will keep your energy up when you get back to work. Exercise is a powerful natural stimulant. This is one of the best ways to combat the mid-day slump or general feelings of lethargy.
    
3. Have something to look forward. The best way to be energised is to be legitimately excited about the things in your life. If you don't have anything like this, it's time to ask some deep questions of yourself and find something to give you drive - no matter how big or small.  

Until next time. Rock on!