Getting enough sleep and having energy for all the things you have to do every day is a challenge for most of us year round, but especially during the holidays when our calendars fill up with travel plans, holiday parties, visits with family and friends, shopping, shipping, and cooking on top of all the regular stuff.
Need an extra boost of energy? If coffee won’t do (or if you’ve already had your fill for the day) here are a few ways to pep things up:
Wear something bright. Colors like red, yellow, and orange act as stimulants for the brain and have been shown to help boost moods. Dress in a colorful sweater, holiday dress, or even just your favorite bright shade of nail polish.
Turn on a light. It can be gloomy in November and December, so even if it’s the middle of the day turning on a lamp can help brighten things up and can send your brain a message to “wake up!” Or, if you work in an office with no windows and feel drowsy in the afternoons, take five minutes to step outside on a sunny day.
Stretch. Several times a day, or whenever you feel you need it, take a few minutes to stretch your arms and your chest up and out while taking deep breaths. Stretching and deep breathing encourages increased oxygen flow to your muscles (and the rest of your body) and you’ll feel invigorated as a result.
Go for a walk. Even just five minutes of brisk walking can significantly boost your energy level for up to two hours.
Have Sex! This, clearly, is an option that will only work under certain circumstances, but that doesn’t make it any less viable. Sex, after all, releases ‘happy hormones’ and increases blood flow. And if your circumstances don’t make “getting it on” possible, then the next best thing is daydreaming — it has the same effects (albeit on a smaller level).
(Photo courtesy of Mattox on stock.xchng)
