Wipe Out Winter Fatigue

Do you feel a little tired? It’s no surprise. It always seems tougher to roll out of bed when the temperatures drop and there is less daylight. There are ways to fight this winter fatigue. A few changes to your daily routine may be all that you need to feel more alert and active. Here are five suggestions to increase your stamina and strength this winter:

1. EAT SMART – Mom says breakfast is the most important meal of the day and she is right. Start the day with a breakfast of fiber, proteins and complex carbohydrates. Blood sugar and energy levels drop if you go too long without food.

2. EXERCISE – Find time for exercise during your busy day. Regular exercise gives you more energy so you feel less tired.

3. CONNECT WITH OTHERS – Improve your energy by feeding off the energy of others. The more you relate with friends and co-workers the more you feel energized by your surroundings.

4. REDUCE STRESS – Stress burns a lot of energy. Reduce some of that stress by assessing your priorities. Put them in order of importance and decide which ones can wait. You can also fight stress with a relaxing activity. Whatever relaxes you will improve your energy.

5. SLEEP SMART – Create a bedtime ritual so that your body knows it’s time to relax and sleep. That includes setting a bedtime for yourself, turning off your electronic devices at least 20 minutes before going to bed, and keeping your room dark. Darkness increases melatonin levels which helps bring on sleep.