A little birdie told me in a dream you might like these tips to stay awake during winter.
The cold season – or the bed weather season – can take a toll on our bodies, especially when it comes to sleep. Who else is a victim of getting home past 5 p.m., seeing everything dark outside and staring at your bed like it’s your hero?
Even though napping throughout the day might feel like the best solution, let’s face it: we can use our time more effectively.
Here are some of the best tips I’ve gathered from students like you, who experience the same sleepy feelings but have found ways to overcome them.
Keep yourself physically active
Student Siddhant Sondkar shared that his secret to staying awake is hitting the gym!
According to the Mayo Clinic, exercise enhances heart and lung health, giving you more energy to handle daily tasks. Whether it’s 30 minutes on the treadmill or a full-body workout, any form of exercise is beneficial.
The best part? You can tailor your workout to your preferences. For example, if you prefer a heavy workout, you can head straight to the weight room. Or, if you prefer something lighter, yoga might be your go-to option.
Create a routine
Jensi Patel’s top tip is to create a daily to-do list. For her, this is a “time to unwind and start the day on a positive note.” She builds an intentional routine, dividing her time between school, work, personal life and extra activities.
By setting a consistent schedule including planning your day, wake up time and bed time routine, you will train your body to stay awake throughout the day and sleep the right amount at night.
Sleep medicine specialist, Brandon Peters, says that sleep restriction is the main reason of daytime drowsiness. That’s why you should sleep at least seven hours per day to stay awake during the day.
Boost your energy with beverages
One of the easiest ways to stay awake is through beverages. We’ve all had those days when coffee is a lifesaver to get through classes. According to Health, caffeine increases alertness and wakes you up.
Student Carla Pineda opts for healthier alternatives to coffee such as tea, matcha, and smoothies to stay awake. She recommends green or black tea for an energy boost.
National Geographic also suggests other caffeine alternatives, such as yerba mate, kombucha and turmeric lattes, which provide energy and boost your immune system to help fight off seasonal flu.
It’s hobby time
A great way to shift your focus from a cozy blanket is to practice a hobby!
Student Felipe Ortiz Huerta suggests staying active with activities like cooking, reading, listening to music or playing video games.
Salem Health highlights the importance of switching tasks to avoid sleepiness. Transform your monotonous routine into a stimulating one by mixing school and work with fun hobbies to keep yourself entertained.
If you don’t have a hobby yet, it’s never too late to pick one! What does pottery, climbing or dancing sound like? To me, they sound like the new version of you!
Practice mindfulness
The most important factor in staying on the move is giving yourself time to reset. Kaelani Do shares that she practices mindfulness by “meditating, maintaining good hygiene and following a skincare routine.”
Based on Cleveland Clinic studies, meditation and staying stress-free help you avoid fatigue and boost your mood—ultimately increasing your energy.
To round out a mindfulness routine, Do recommends practicing self-affirmations and words of gratitude at the beginning and end of the day.
Watch what you eat
Sometimes, the solution lies in what you put into your body!
Gym expert Jaspreet Chawla shares that a great way to fuel your body with energy is by eating high-protein foods and staying hydrated.
Chawla also mentions that she limits her carbohydrate and sugar intake to avoid feeling drowsy. According to Cigna Healthcare, eating sugar when you are tired causes “blood sugar spikes,” which are imbalances of high and low energy that in the end make you more sleepy.
Additionally, you might consider trying an anti-inflammatory diet. This can help regulate your digestive system, balance stress hormones, lower cortisol levels and achieve better sleep quality.
Take some of these tips into action and see how your energy levels change!
As students, it’s essential to strike a balance between hibernating and staying productive. That’s why, you should still give yourself time to relax when it is freezing outside.
And if you’re not ready to give up naps just yet, consider scheduling a quick power nap into your routine!
Feature image courtesy of Kinga Howard on Unsplash.
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