11 Surefire Ways to Good Health
Let’s face it! We can be bad decision-makers. It’s no wonder then, that we choose work over health, and fast food over nutritious meals, because we just “cannot” find time! And yes, we also tend to think of ourselves as people with superhuman energy. We feel, “If I can work for 9 hours, I can definitely work for 2 more!”
We may be able to push the envelope on some occasions, but the apparent “lack of time” and “fitting in more hours” is bound to take its toll!
For this, just taking some simple measures can make sure that you have enough energy to get through the day… and more. And the best part is, none of these tricks take up much of your time or effort, and anyone can follow them easily!
1. Never hit Snooze
Once you decide on a time to wake up, stick to it. Your body tends to adjust its working to the alarm you have set. When you hit Snooze and fall back asleep, you may be indirectly resetting your body clock, and this makes it even more difficult for you to wake up.
Tip: Always keep your alarm beyond your reach, so that you actually have to get up and walk to dismiss the alarm.
2. Detoxify The Natural Way
Have a glass of warm water with the juice of half a lemon and a teaspoon of honey. This potent mixture balances the acidity of your stomach, cleanses and hydrates your colon and is a natural anti-bacterial concoction. Lemon specifically enhances oral health, warm water helps fight constipation and honey is good for your skin.
3. Ease Into Exercise
If you think that the more vigorous the exercise, the more energetic you’ll get, think again. Intense exercise on an empty stomach can sap you of energy and leave you feeling drained and exhausted for the rest of the day.
Tip: Always start small. Begin with an unhurried walk for 20-30 minutes thrice a week. This will awaken your stamina, and then you can gradually increase your speed and intensity, without feeling fagged out.
4. “Break” Your “Fast”
Never skip breakfast. It’s the first real meal you have after you wake up and sets the tone of your energy for the rest of your day. Keep in mind, though, that breakfast shouldn’t be a handful of nuts, 2 slices of bread or a cup of milk. Breakfast should be balanced and on the heavier side. For e.g. you could have a medium bowl of poha, upma, plate of steamed idlis, egg omelette with multigrain bread, etc. Possibilities are endless, but it’s the right food in the correct amount that clicks.
5. Move Between Work
This is especially for people who work sitting on a chair every single day. Your body (and mind) need a break from the monotony of continuous work to minimize fatigue and maintain your energy quotient.
Tip: Instead of emailing your colleagues, get up, walk to their desk and speak to them. This gives you your needed 2 minute break AND gets your work done too!
6. Keep Yourself Hydrated
Keep a bottle of water by your side always, whether you’re at work, travelling or even at home. You need to down at least 2 litres of water by the end of the day. If you aren’t exactly a fan of plain water, you could have fresh fruit juices and green tea.
7. Fight the Afternoon Lethargy
It is absolutely normal to feel slightly sluggish in the afternoons. That’s when all the processes in your body become relatively slow, and can induce a sense of drowsiness.
Tip: Sip cool water continuously. It will keep you awake and alert. Avoid a heavy meal.
8. Have Your Dinner On Time
Make sure to finish your dinner at least 2 hours before you go to bed. This is because your stomach takes up to 2 hours to partially process the food you have eaten and send it forward to the next step of digestion. Sleeping on a full stomach or within an hour of eating food can predispose you to acidity, reflux and sleeplessness.
9. Never Ever Skip A Meal
Just like a car needs fuel on a regular basis and a laptop needs to be charged often, the human body, too needs to “charge” and requires “fuel”. That fuel is food. Research studies have shown that eating small, nutritious meals every 3-4 hours sustains your glucose levels, keeps your energy on the higher side, and even helps to maintain optimum weight.
10. Take A Break
“All work and no play make Jack a dull boy.” If you keep working continuously, and deny yourself much needed rest, you’re in for a physical and emotional burnout.
Tip:Put your feet up and relax on your couch at home. Or listen to some music while travelling from your workplace to your home.
11. Lights Out
Make sure you get at least 7 continuous hours of sleep at night. Your brain and body have been active the entire day, responding to the demands around you. Sleep is the best way to recharge.
Tip: Sleep in a darkened / dimly lit room. Darkness boosts the secretion of the hormone Melatonin that is known to induce good sleep. Studies have also indicated that Melatonin protects against heart diseases, migraines, diabetes and even has anti-aging properties.
Warning: You won’t get the results you expect in a day, a week or even 2 weeks. You need to follow this routine at least for a month before you experience positive changes in your body… and you need to keep it going regularly, unfailingly, every single day.