What is your first thought after you wake up? Do you sigh, thinking about how long the day is going to be? Well, you are not alone! The stress and innumerable duties of our daily lives can really leave us exhausted and unenthusiastic. After all, we barely have time for any relaxing activities with so much on our plate.
And it’s not just the exhaustion that you have to deal with it. If this continues, you could give yourself burnout. And that, in turn, would lead to other health issues like high blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.
Here are some natural ways you can recharge your batteries and feel rejuvenated and healthy:
A relaxing warm bath
Why a warm bath? Because it relaxes your muscles immediately. Either you can stand under a shower that sprays warm water or you can soak yourself in a hot water tub. Sprinkle in Epsom salt into your bath because it contains a specific chemical that can detoxify you. Use aromatic soaps or body washes that contain essential oils. Essential oils instantly infuse you with energy and positivity.
A warm bath can also reduce inflammation. People with muscle ache and arthritis will really benefit from a soothing warm shower.
Don’t forget to use body scrubs once a week. Scrubs that contain natural ingredients like gram flour, oats or salts not only remove stubborn dirt but also improve blood circulation to all parts of your body. Enhanced blood circulation means higher levels of energy.
Tweak your diet
Throughout the day, we munch on unhealthy foods (chips, cream biscuits & wafers) that drain us of energy. People who eat too many complex carbs (like whole grains), deep-fried foods, too much of glucose (sweets) and proteins find themselves feeling lethargic all day, especially after meals.
That is why dieticians recommend a healthy mix of all the right nutrients in the right quantities.
Here’s what you can do to keep your energy levels high –
- Your meals should not comprise chiefly chapattis or rice, instead fill your tummy with vegetables.
- Keep your portion sizes small.
- Eat fruits and nuts as snacks between meals.
- Do not consume protein with every meal.
And remember, cook with minimal oil and spices otherwise it would result in indigestion.
Train everyday
Exercise to fight off weariness? Yes, you read that right! When you exercise, your heart pumps more blood and your circulation improves too. This means all your muscles, tissues and cells get plenty of fresh oxygen from the blood. This rejuvenates them.
There’s another plus side of exercise. It will make you feel happy! Exercise releases endorphins or happy hormones in the system.
How long should you exercise? Half an hour of daily exercise is enough.
Stretch
Do you know what is one of the basic causes of exhaustion? Your muscles! They tense up and become stiff. When your muscles are tired, you are more likely to injure yourself. So to ward off exhaustion and minimise injury risk, you can stretch them. Stretches help your muscles to relax and increase the mobility and range of motion of your body.
Which stretches are good for you?
- Side stretches
- Leg lifts
- Lunges
- Single leg stretch
When is a good time to stretch? You must do them first thing in the morning. At other times if you think your muscles feel tense, stretch!
Sleep for 7-8 hours daily
Are you sleeping for 7 hours every day? If not, then you are bound to feel tired. Why? Because when you sleep, your body repairs and rejuvenates itself. If you cut down on your sleep, naturally, your body will suffer.
How about mental relaxation?
It’s not just your body that feels tired, your mind too needs to be uplifted. Physical wellbeing depends on mental wellbeing.
Here are a few techniques to help you calm your mind-
- Practice deep breathing. It relaxes your mind instantly.
- Read. Science has proven that reading can reduce your stress levels by as much as 68%.
- Perform activities that you like such as cooking, baking, gardening etc. – this will release endorphins.
- Practice yoga.
- Take time off from your phone. Social media can spike up your stress levels.
- Count your blessings. Be thankful for the good things in your life and focus on them.
- Spend quality time with people who love and care for you like your family and friends.
The key to a lively and energetic you lies in making the right lifestyle choices. You can implement the suggestions listed above and watch your energy levels soar while your stress levels drop drastically. So what are you waiting for? Incorporate these changes and welcome a new you!
