Do you feel lethargic all day?
Is it difficult to concentrate on your daily chores?
Ever thought what could be draining your energy?
Healthy sleeping habits can make a big difference in the quality of your life. Lack of sleep at night can prevent the immune system from rebuilding itself, resulting in decreased number of T cells in the body. People who do not get enough sleep end up with a weak immune system due to which they constantly feel exhausted and fall ill frequently
A healthy bedtime routine plays an important role in making you feel fresh to face but did you know that certain lifestyle practices could be making you feel sluggish and tired all the time
Let’s discuss these factors in brief
- Skipping breakfast – After a good night’s sleep, your body has to be fuelled to go through the rest of the day. This fuel can be provided in the form of a wholesome breakfast like cereal and fresh fruits. Never skip your breakfast as doing so slows down the metabolic process and keeps your energy levels low
- Not drinking enough water – Approximately 60 to 75% of our body mass is water. There is no better health drink than Water because it is fat-free with zero cholesterol and no calories. When your body is dehydrated, it causes reduced blood volume which decelerates the speed at which oxygen and essential nutrients reach your body.
Make it a daily habit to drink 500ml of water before breakfast. If you are sufficiently hydrated, you will have more energy, mental clarity and an improved digestive system - Missing out on exercise – It is essential to strike a perfect balance between food and physical activity. In order to keep your immune system active and functioning properly, it is essential to participate in some or the other form of physical activity for a minimum of 30 minutes – 5 days a week. Walking is considered as the best and safest form of exercise for people of all ages. It not only helps you burn calories but also improves your strength, stamina and endurance.
If you exercise daily in moderation, it will not only boost your blood circulation and energy levels but also help you shed those extra kilos - Going overboard with caffeinated drinks – In addition to keeping you awake caffeinated drinks can also disrupt a person’s sleeping cycle. What’s more…Caffeine has a diuretic effect that draws water out of the body thus making you feel less active throughout the day
- Worrying too much – Don’t let Stress get the best of you. People with chronic stress and elevated Cortisol (stress hormone) levels are much likely to skip work and gradually end up losing their productivity. When stress becomes a part of your daily life, your body is bogged down with toxins and anxiety that affects your energy and performance levels.
- Smoking & drinking excessively – Both, alcohol and nicotine are known to cause severe damage to the blood vessels which automatically doubles the risk of atherosclerosis and blood clotting. What’s more…Experts believe that having an alcoholic beverage before bedtime creates a sudden surge in your adrenaline system thus interfering with your natural sleep cycle. If you are awake at night, you’ll certainly feel tired during the day.
- Gadget Addiction – Do you spend most part of your waking hours checking your mobile phone and emails for new messages?
Too much screen time throws your system off track and interferes with your sleep, making you feel lethargic. - Reduced Iron intake – In addition to anemia, insufficient iron intake can also cause fatigue and depression. Inadequate iron in the body results in less oxygen supply to the muscles and cells. Keep your energy levels high by chowing down on iron rich foods like cereals, eggs, green vegetables, nuts, legumes, citrus fruits, broccoli, dry fruits, tofu etc.
