Beating Fatigue at its own Game
By Donna Stark
There is nothing worse than dealing with that dreadful bout of fatigue that hits you during the middle of the day, is there? And if you are like most people, your first instinct may be to reach for a sweet snack, another cup of coffee, or some type of energy drink. However, deep down, you know that burst of energy you will receive from doing so won't last for long and it may even make you feel even more tired once it wears off. But what else is there? What can you do to feel better for longer?
Beating Fatigue at its own Game
If you are interested in replacing your bad habits with healthier alternatives and are looking for better ways to combat your afternoon fatigue, you're in luck! Take a look at the suggestions below.
- Eat breakfast - It's been shown that people who eat breakfast have less fatigue throughout the day than those who choose to skip it. But there's a catch. Your breakfast shouldn't consist of donuts, croissants, and decadent coffee drinks. Instead, fill up on plenty of fruit, yogurt, protein, and whole grains to maintain energy and satiety.
- Get moving - If fatigue is diminishing your productivity, concentration, and creativity at school or work, you may want to get up and get moving! A quick walk around your building will increase blood flow and clear the brain fog just enough to get you through the rest of the afternoon.
- Sing - Whether you can carry a tune or not, singing is a great way to wake the body up. It opens and stimulates specific pathways in the brain which will make you feel more alert. Just make sure it is appropriate to do so! Fighting drowsiness while driving is a perfect example of when singing would be OK.
- Drink water - Many of us are in a constant state of dehydration and we don't even realize it. We also don't realize that dehydration can leave us feeling extremely fatigued and tired. This is an easy battle to win though. Just be sure to carry a bottle of water around with you and drink the recommended amount every single day.
- Have a healthy snack - Your instinct to grab a snack isn't necessarily wrong, but the snack that is nutritionally devoid is. So, instead of hitting the vending machine for a bag of chips or candy bar, bring your own snacks to munch on throughout the day. Fresh fruit, peanut butter, or vegetables and hummus are far better for you and your energy levels.
Getting Through the Day
It's time to put down the caffeinated beverages and sugary snacks. As long as you are getting the recommended hours of sleep, making it through your day with higher levels of energy can be easily achieved by following the suggestions above. Are you ready to give them a try?
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Edmond, Okla.