Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the world
Have you felt the shift? Our energy levels tend to rise and fall with the seasons. The change in sun exposure in the Northern Hemisphere might have you feeling a little more fatigued, as daylight hours slowly shorten. So to set yourself up for winter, why not try to build good habits now, so things become a little easier as the darkness sets in?
Need a jolt of motivation? Click on the following gallery to learn energy-boosting tips to help you thrive as fall descends.
Cats stretch upon waking for the same reason we should: to get blood flowing. A stretch at any time of the day can help alleviate stiffness and see you feel more refreshed.
Cold exposure has been proven to raise dopamine levels. We need dopamine for motivation and to feel good. Wild swimming, an ocean dip, or a cold bath or shower can give your energy levels a boost.
Many mushrooms have energy-boosting properties. Supplements like lion's mane, chaga, reishi, and cordyceps promote a healthy immune system and increased energy levels.
Stay as close as possible to natural daylight, fresh air, and a view to help keep yourself more alert throughout the day.
It's easy to turn up the thermostat too much as the temperatures outside drop. But being too warm while you work can make you sleepy. After dark, a cooler room is better for a deeper night's sleep.
Electrolytes help hydrate the body. They work to mineralize water, by forming an electrical charge with fluids to contribute to a well-functioning nervous system, which includes the brain.
Mindless scrolling can eat into your evening, leading to lethargy. Enforce a phone curfew from 8 pm and dedicate your remaining waking hours to winding down well.
Try going to bed 15 minutes earlier per week for a few weeks. In summer, when there is more light, we tend to naturally go to sleep later and wake up earlier. Adjust to the reduced daylight and feel better rested by resetting your sleep time.
Essential oils can give give a zingy boost. Try peppermint or rosemary to uplift your mood and help you stay more alert during the day. Dab a little on your wrist or diffuse a scent where you work (assuming you work remotely, or that the scent doesn't bother your colleagues).
Don't skip breakfast! It's the most important meal of the day for a reason: it helps boost your alertness. Another tip is to also prioritize protein if you want to keep from feeling a mid-morning energy crash.
Laughter increases your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulating your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increasing the endorphins that the brain releases.
A power nap helps your brain recalibrate, and you'll feel an energy boost afterwards. Just make sure it's no longer than 20 minutes!
Take an immune- and energy-boosting walk outside during the fall. Not only is it a beautiful time of year, the fresh air will provide a pick-me-up.
Have a power snack at the ready when you feel your energy levels begin to dip. Healthy fats and protein are a great choice, as the slow release of energy will provide steady fuel without a crash.
Taking the time for a coffee break or lunch, where you catch up with a friend or colleague, will help give you a boost of energy during the day.
Singing out loud has been proven to lower stress levels, decrease pain, and improve mood. Sing your heart out in the shower, for instance, for an energy boost.
Magnesium helps with the proper functioning of the nervous system. Every cell in the body needs it to function, and its key function is helping convert food into energy.
Avoid the afternoon slump by working out in the middle of the day. You'll have plenty of motivation to continue working when you return to your desk.
When alcohol is absorbed through the stomach and small intestine, it disrupts the ability of your body to produce ATP, the muscle's source of energy. Put the bottle down to save energy in fall.
To use your energy more effectively during the work day, try the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for 25 minutes, taking a five-minute break afterwards. After three or four rounds, take a longer 15-30 minute break.
Playtime isn't just for kids! It helps to release endorphins for an energy boost. You might even find new solutions to problems will emerge as you settle into a state of play.
Fresh food delivers a nutrient-rich, energy-boosting punch. Avoid processed, high-sugar, and high-carbohydrate foods that can cause energy levels to crash on dark winter days. Winter soups are a great way to eat more nutritious vegetables.
Being slumped over can drain your energy. Become mindful of your posture during the day, especially if you start to feel fatigued.
There's no need to go overboard: a little caffeine can go a long way. If coffee is too strong for you, try a matcha for a gentler pick-me-up.
Try to keep hydrated throughout the day with water. When you feel fatigue strike, reach for a glass or two of water first and foremost!
Turn the volume up on your favorite upbeat music for a fun boost of energy.
There are numerous benefits to standing up to work. It improves your posture, first and foremost, as well as mood, focus, creativity, and energy levels.
Flipping on the lights will help you stay more alert, no matter what time of day. In fall, we might not notice light levels dropping as the day goes on, leading to sleepiness.
Deep, yogic breathing helps fill the body with oxygen, so nutrients can reach your cells more easily. Your brain and muscles function better when they are optimally oxygenated.
Elevating your legs allows for better fluid drainage in the body. It increases circulation, bringing blood back to the heart for better energy levels.
Sources: (Best Health) (Everyday Health) (Mayo Clinic) (Aroma Energy) (The Guardian)
Energy-boosting tips for fall
How to stay productive, as daylight declines
HEALTH Autumn
Have you felt the shift? Our energy levels tend to rise and fall with the seasons. The change in sun exposure in the Northern Hemisphere might have you feeling a little more fatigued, as daylight hours slowly shorten. So to set yourself up for winter, why not try to build good habits now, so things become a little easier as the darkness sets in?
Need a jolt of motivation? Click on the following gallery to learn energy-boosting tips to help you thrive as fall descends.