Tips to boost energy
Feeling tired after a bad night’s sleep is something everyone understands, but several other factors can come into play and leave us feeling exhausted. Some of those include stress, daily habits and having a poor diet. The good news is that by making small lifestyle changes, you can adjust your energy levels and feel better overall.
Cope with stress. Stress is draining, so naturally, finding ways to ease your stress will help you feel less tired. Practice incorporating relaxing activities like yoga, listening to music or spending time with loved ones into your day.
Stay active. Perhaps exercising is the last thing on your mind when you are tired, but regular activity can give you an immediate energy boost—and increase your energy over time. Start small with a 15-minute walk and challenge yourself to get moving for a few hours each week.
Develop healthy sleep cycles. Busy schedules do not always feel conducive to a good night’s rest, but sleeping well has a huge impact on health and well-being. Try going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, avoiding naps and winding down away from screens before you go to sleep.
Eat regularly. It sounds counterintuitive, but eating healthy snacks and meals every couple hours is a great way to keep your energy up. The key is to enjoy smaller, more frequent meals instead of large, infrequent ones.
Decrease your alcohol intake. While drinking a glass of wine in the evening may help you fall asleep, it will also keep you from sleeping deeply. By decreasing your alcohol intake before bed, you can improve the quality of your rest and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Hydrate. Dehydration can leave you feeling extra tired, especially in the summer heat. If your energy levels are low, reach for a glass of water for a pick-me-up.
If you try these tips and still feel tired or fatigued, reach out to a medical professional for further assistance. A primary care physician or mental health practitioner can help you identify or rule out the potential underlying medical issues that could be contributing to your tiredness.
You can also take advantage of Dallas ISD’s free Employee Assistance Program by LifeWorks. The confidential, secure online platform has counselors on call 24/7, as well as countless other resources and wellness tips. Reach out to LifeWorks at (972) 925-4000 or visit www.dallasisd.org/benefits and click on Benefits Resources to access online EAP information.
Source: National Health Service
