WINTER IS COMING. With the upcoming winter days , we tend to curl up like small babies in our bed and staying active is out of question. Resorting to bed is a usual practice when there is barely any sunshine outside and the motivation to wake up is barely low. Humans tend to gorge on caffeine in order to keep the day moving . Also , the staying active part of the daily regime is conveniently disregarded with the expression of “ It is too cold to workout “.
Today we are going to discuss these usual issues in the limelight. People with rigid work schedules and family responsibilities do not have the choice of waking up only after the sun is out. It is difficult to ignore this urge to be in a comfy bed and start with the day anyhow when wind is blowing harshly and sun is barely out. The easy way out for most of us is sipping coffee throughout the day to keep the energy levels high. Caffeine is a swift acting stimulant that targets the nervous system . Caffeine binds to adenosine receptors in the brain. When caffeine intrudes and binds to the receptors, adenosine’s effects are reduced, and we feel restorative. This increased brain activity then encourages the emancipation of adrenaline, which inturn provides us with the big burst of energy and attentiveness associated with a morning cup of Joe as a crutch.
Caffeine in forms of energy drinks or coffee should be consumed in limited amounts only. Excess of caffeine is lethal and it can cause insomnia and restlessness which can in turn boost your stress level. So here are some ways to feel energised on a day you are feeling lethargic:
Start your day with a good breakfast
Having a good breakfast is an essential part of having a good day. As the name suggests , breakfast is ‘breaking the fast ‘ which means that you are breaking the overnight fast after the dinner from last night. When you have a nutrition dense breakfast , it replenishes your body with the supply of glucose to raise your energy levels. It is the most important meal of the day. Include a portion of salad as well. Leafy vegetables like spinach and kale give you a vitamin B boost. Vitamin B is a part of your cells’ energy-making process.
Drink plenty of water throughout the day
Dehydration can be a reason for fatigue as well . You tend to not feel as thirsty in winters but it is as important to gobble up that three gallon water bottle in winters as it is in summer. Drink water throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.
Meditate
Meditation helps the mind become free from agitation, stress and ensures calmness and peace. By doing meditation, you can turn your body into a powerhouse by generating an inner source of energy. Your brain gets tired by not only the physical activities but from the stress and thinking. It needs to be treated as well. Meditation makes your brain feel alive and awakens it. Just do it for like fifteen minutes to calm yourself down.
Stick to your sleeping schedule
If you go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, your body will learn when it’s time to be alert and when it’s wind-down time. You should not give up on the lucrative urge of watching one more episode on netflix in your warm blanket . It is just going to mess up with your incoming day.
Aromatherapy and Massaging
Certain smells can help jump-start your senses and help the body with focus and energy. You can keep scented candles in the gragnances of eucalyptus, lemon, or peppermint in your room or infuse certain smells in your room to feel more awake. You can even massage your pressure points including the temples , the point between your index finger and thumb , below the knee cap etc . Massaging reduces fatigue and helps you stay alert.
Get your body moving
This would sound as the most unconventional way to feel active as cold weather stops you from exercising anyhow but it helps in pumping blood and releasing endorphins. You can use stairs while going places and avoid the elevator to provide your body with some exercise. Going out to a gymnasium feels too much on a chilly day and staying active is out of question. You can try home workouts and create a mini gym at homes with optimum weights and workout bands. If you can , then catch some sunshine as well.
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