Our fitness expert Mary Sheppard takes a look at how best to get your energy levels rising.

At this time of the year, our energy levels should soon be rising.

We were programmed to hibernate - tucking up warm and cosy in the dark winter months.

But now, as the clocks go back, we should naturally begin to feel more alert and alive. However, March can be a funny old month - snow one minute, high winds the next and rain the day after.

The other day I walked into a friend's office and, as soon as I stepped inside the door, I could feel the atmosphere was a collective low.

My friend had her head in her hands, her colleagues were struggling with mounds of paper and managed to acknowledge me - but there was no smile. "What's the matter?" I asked. "The computer has a virus, we have to get everything ready for an event at the weekend, the photocopier keeps jamming. Do you want to hear more?," my friend said in a very challenging voice. "I suppose you're going to tell me that exercise helps with stress and clears the mind," she said, cynically.

The IT man was in the same state.

There was a lot more enthusiasm when I suggested something to eat. However, my plan was to make them walk at least half a mile - so they could get some air into their lungs and brush away all the frustrations of the morning.

There was some residual whining, but during the walk, you could feel the tensions ease and life move back into perspective.

On the way back, there were even some great suggestions with how to cope for the next two days if the system was still down.

As we got back into the office, the IT guy was already back. "I thought you were exercising" said my friend, obviously pleased she'd caught him out. He looked up "Just a quick stress buster and a very quick bite to eat. I'll have that bug fixed in no time" he smiled. At least everyone was a lot more cheerful and optimistic!

It is so easy, especially when we are stressed, to get so involved in the problems, that we don't think about ourselves and how this can be draining for us.

I am one of the world's worst, when it comes to long hours at the desk. But I do know that I will have a chance, before and after work, to get my body working and that will help to bring some oxygen to the brain. Some of my best ideas come when I am out in the fresh air - in the garden, out for a walk, or jogging home after a long day at the office.

Here are some other ideas to get you started - experiment with these and anything else you can think of until you start to feel a steady rise in your everyday energy levels.

Note when you find your energy regularly dips (middle of the afternoon for instance).

Deliberately do something different and see if they helps. Maybe eat something light a little earlier than usual and take a brisk walk afterwards.

Whenever you feel tired, try a little exercise or activity. It might be cleaning the house or putting on some music to lift your spirits.

Notice what triggers you to generate negative energy or stress. What would happen if you worked out or took a short exercise break at these times? Just a walk up and down stairs and a few deep breaths can help.