Did you know that the key to happiness lies in your energy level? Studies have shown when you feel more energetic, you feel better about yourself. But that also works the other way. If you are feeling exhausted, you are much more likely to feel down or blue. This means when your energy is up, you can find fun in even the most mundane tasks, but if you are lethargic, even doing your favorite activities can feel overwhelming.

Here are eight easy tips to boost your energy:

1. Exercise! Anything helps; even a quick ten-minute walk will increase your energy and boost your mood. This really works!  And exercise is a great way to jump start your day, or let you work out the day’s frustrations before bed.

2. Listen to lively music. You need something with a good beat, the lyrics don’t really matter. It is the rhythm that will help. Perhaps pick some songs and have an “Energy” mix on the MP3 player.

3. Get enough sleep. If the alarm startles you out of a sound sleep every morning, you’re not getting enough, and it matters. When you start the day tired, how are you ever going to feel energetic?

4. For some people, taking a 10-30 minute nap is a big help. Sometimes I wish our lives were more like Kindergarten, where we all had our cots and blankets for an afternoon nap. Don’t you think you would do better in the afternoon and evening if you had a quick nap about an hour after lunch?

5. Act energetic. Research shows that when people move faster, their metabolism speeds up. Acting energetic will make you feel more energetic.

6. Talk to friends. Your friends are a great resource. When you are feeling run down, talking to a friend can instantly recharge your batteries. So reach out if you need a boost.

7. Get something done. Crossing a nagging chore off your to-do list provides a big rush of energy. For a huge surge, clean out a closet. You’ll be amazed at how great you feel afterward.

8. Do NOT use food. It’s tempting to reach for a carton of ice cream when you’re feeling listless, and you might feel inclined to treat yourself, but in the end, all those extra calories will just drag you down.

Energy (or lack of energy) is contagious. If you feel energetic, you’ll help the people around you feel energetic, too. And that makes them feel happier, too. In fact, studies show that being an energizer was one of the strongest predictors of a positive performance evaluation at work.