Many of us have been working from home during this time, and if you’re one of them—trust us, we know how challenging it can get! Have you been struggling to get up in the morning or find yourself staring at the painting on your wall? When you’re sitting in the same spot all day in isolation, it can start to feel difficult to stay motivated. Here are some ideas to stay energized throughout the day.
1. Let in the sun
Start the day by opening your blinds or drinking your coffee on your porch. It’s a great way to start the day for many reasons. Melatonin, the hormone which induces sleep, will decrease in response to the sunlight. Getting some sun lets your body know that it’s time to wake up and get going.
2. Start the day with protein for breakfast
Eat a breakfast that will help keep your energy levels up for longer. Choose foods that are rich in protein, like eggs, yogurt and nuts. Protein and whole grains take longer for your body to break down into energy. This helps prevent a crash later in the morning like that caused by a breakfast full of simple carbohydrates and sugar. Plus, protein boosts your ability to concentrate and be productive. Eating foods full of protein for snacks, and throughout the day, also help keep you feeling invigorated.
3. Get outside and exercise
When you start feeling sleepy in the afternoon after lunch try getting up and moving around. A quick walk around the neighborhood or in the park is the best way to wake your body up and recharge. Exercising in fresh air and sunshine boosts mood-lifting endorphins, the immune system and the metabolism.
4. Stay hydrated
Fatigue can also be caused by dehydration. Be sure to drink water. Doctors recommend eight glasses of water per day. Keep a water bottle on hand as a reminder to stay hydrated and drink a big glass of water before each meal. This will give your body more energy throughout the day.
5. Get plenty of rest
If you don’t get a good night’s sleep, it’s not possible to feel good during the day. Try getting the recommended seven to nine hours of sleep. You will be surprised how much better you feel. Here are some other sleeping suggestions:
- Go to bed and get up at the same time every day.
- Set up a nightly routine which will help you relax naturally at the end of the day. Consider a warm bath, relaxing stretches, meditation and reading a book.
- Avoid electronics and screens for 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime.
- Make your bedroom a sleep-inducing environment; it should be dark and cool.
Dr. Oz has some great suggestions for how to be alert all day long. Watch this video for more ways to increase energy.
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Source: Sleep Health Solutions