6 Simple Steps to Make You Feel More Awake
Photo by Miriam Alonso
Ever feel like you run out of energy before the day is even over? Being a mom can be draining, but that doesn’t mean you should feel exhausted at the end of every day. Implementing small practices into your daily routine can help energize you so you can feel your best!
Here are 6 simple ways to help make you feel more awake:
1. Nap (Responsibly)
Didn’t get enough sleep last night? Sometimes all you need is a good power nap! But be careful to listen to your body and don’t overdo it. If you nap for too long or too close to bedtime you’ll risk having trouble falling asleep at bedtime.
Napping for just 15 to 30 minutes has been proven to help improve mood, focus, and attentiveness. But even if you can’t fall asleep, resting with your eyes closed for 10 minutes can help increase alertness!
2. Exercise
Truly nothing is better for improving alertness than a little movement! Any type of physical activity increases blood flow, pumping oxygen through your brain for hours of increased energy. The endorphins that our bodies release during exercise can also reduce stress and improve our moods.
You don’t need hours every day to find time to move your body either! Any movement is a good movement. From workout classes to runs, find a form of exercise that doesn’t feel like a chore. Even just a short 15-minute walk in the morning or during your lunch break can help fight your daily fatigue.
3. Drink Water
Dehydration is one of the most common culprits of consistently low energy. Research shows that not drinking enough water can cause fatigue and negatively impact your cognitive functioning. So next time your energy is feeling low try reaching for a glass of water before the coffee!
4. Get outside!
Since our circadian rhythms greatly depend on daylight it’s important to make sure our bodies get outside! Spending at least 30 minutes outside in natural sunlight will help to regulate your sleep-wake cycle. Constant artificial light just doesn’t cut it. Try combining that daily exercise walk with your 30 minutes of sunlight and watch how your energy levels improve!
5. Maintain a Routine (& Mix it Up!)
When you establish consistent habits your body knows what to expect from day to day. These consistent routines can help maintain your energy levels! While no one day is the same as the last, try maintaining a few things that you can control, like your bedtime rituals and exercise habits.
Also, keep in mind that sometimes our minds can get tired of going through the motions of a mundane routine. If you have a simple routine that you’ve stuck to for years, try mixing it up! New patterns may excite your brain to help you feel more awake throughout the day.
6. Aromatherapy
Immersing our senses in positive experiences can help shift our energy levels. Essential oils specifically have been shown effective at boosting energy, increasing alertness, and keeping you awake.
From oil diffusers to diffusing jewelry smelling new natural scents may help improve your mood and mental alertness! Some of my favorite essential oils include peppermint, orange, and eucalyptus.