Whether due to a lack of quality sleep or a hectic schedule, it is all-too-easy to feel drained and exhausted during the day. For those of you who could do with a pick-me-up, here are seven ways in which you can recharge your batteries and gain some extra energy.
Soak Up Some Sun
Research has shown that spending just 15 minutes in the sun can increase your body’s vitamin D levels, which, along with the B vitamins, is key for fighting fatigue. Those who have a deficiency of vitamin D will commonly experience tiredness, stress, moodiness and body aches during the day, so make sure that you are getting your 15 minutes of sunlight each day.
Eat Smaller Meals
Rather than eating three main meals a day, try splitting this up into several smaller meals. These will prevent you from feeling heavy and weighed-down, and will also help to regulate your blood sugar levels, giving you consistent energy throughout the day.
Spend Some Time in Nature
While scientists are still unsure about the exact benefits that spending time in nature can bring, there is no denying the way in which this can boost the mood and reset immunity levels. Spending time in natural surroundings also really stimulates the brain, which will help with any decisions you need to make later on in the day.
Take a Power Nap
A power nap is a great way to improve mental focus and alertness, and only needs to be between 20 to 30 minutes long to have an effect. Alternatively, if you have more time to spare, try a 90-minute nap, as this will be even more restorative. However, avoid naps that are between 30 and 60 minutes long, as this will cause you to wake up during the deepest part of your sleep cycle, leaving you feeling even more tired and groggy.
Get Active
While doing some exercising when you are already feeling exhausted may not sound at all appealing, there are several studies out there that show how important exercise is when it comes to boosting mental focus and concentration. Just a 20-minute session can have a huge impact on your performance and productivity while boosting your memory, mood, and creativity.
Have Some “Me Time”
No matter how full your schedule may be, it is still important to make sure that you are making enough time for yourself. Whether this may be just 15 minutes a day, or one day a week, try to make some time for yourself on a regular basis.
Listen to Music
It has long been known that music has restorative powers, and listening to music can really give you a huge boost. Rather than simply having it on in the background, try actively listening to a piece of music, as this can have an effect on everything from your emotional to your physical to your neurological well-being.
Rather than allowing life to get you down when you are feeling drained, try working on picking yourself back up instead. Everybody is individual, meaning that even if some of these methods do not work for you, others will, so make sure that you try them all out.
