Long days are rewarding, but there’s no doubt they can take it out of you. The key to re-energizing after a long day — whether you want to harness extra energy so that you get more done after work or want to give your body an added boost for a better night’s sleep — is to give yourself a little bit of calming revitalization.
There are simple, everyday changes you can make (like cutting down on caffeine and drinking more water) as well as enjoyable, relaxing activities in which to partake in order to help the body and mind revitalize after a particularly stressful day, week or month. Follow these tips and tricks for some serious re-energizing so that you get the most out of your daily routine.
Re-Energize with a New Self-Care Routine
Taking some time at the end of a stressful day to decompress with energizing skin care and bath products can do wonders for revitalizing your sense of purpose. Your self-care routine should also include energy-conserving and energy-boosting tricks — drinking enough water, for example — that help you avoid the desire to crash after a stressful day.
1. Finish the Day with a Power-Packed Face Mask — Long days don’t just take it out of you physically; They can also be detrimental to your skin. Revitalizing with a renewing antioxidant mask, like Farmacy Honey Potion, can help refresh your skin after a day of exposure to pollutants that can compromise your healthy glow. An invigorating face mask will also inspire a glowing, smooth complexion so that you look and feel more energized.
2. Ensure That You’re Drinking Enough Water — It’s no secret that proper hydration is a big component to maintaining your energy levels. In fact, studies have shown that even mild dehydration can cause fatigue (not to mention moodiness and headaches), so staying hydrated is a great way to re-energize. A glass of water before bedtime can help you wake up feeling more refreshed, as it can assist in dispelling waste and cycling through toxins that weigh you down and make you feel sleepy.
3. Skip Heavy Snacks and Enjoy Lighter Dinners — If you find yourself consuming high-carb or high-sugar meals before bedtime, you may be compromising your ability to get a good night’s rest. Consider swapping out extra-starchy side dishes for leafy greens and extra portions of protein in order to keep the body alert and engaged post-dinner. Adding energizing foods like almonds, avocado, chia, hemp, flax seed and coconut oil to your diet can help combat evening fatigue and prepare you for a productive evening.
4. Add at Least 20 Minutes of Moderate Exercise After Work — We know it sounds counterintuitive, but exercise can actually significantly improve energy levels. Healthy adults should spend 2.5 hours per week engaging in moderate exercise in order to help combat fatigue and encourage a good night’s rest. You don’t have to get into an all-consuming exercise group to boost energy levels. Beginners can start with 20-minute walks, casual bike rides and even a trip to the batting cages or neighborhood basketball court.
Finding Time for Pleasure: Relax to Re-Energize
Did you know that relaxing can actually help you be more productive, more well-rested and generally more alert and engaged? It’s true, so bust out your favorite pair of pajamas and a comfy throw blanket! The right amount of daily relaxation can calm the mind, fight the blues and get you excited about life. However, it’s important to note that too much relaxation can cause despondency and depression, so — like everything in life — moderation is key!
1. Ditch TV and Movies for Something More Stimulating — If you’re like most of us, you’re probably tempted to snuggle up and veg out after a long day of work. One of the simplest ways you can re-energize and fight those fatigue-filled moments is to avoid the urge and instead focus your attention on something that provides mild mental stimulation, like a good book or a crossword puzzle. You can also try swapping out those TV shows and movies that cause you to zone out for something a bit more engaging, like a documentary or a biopic.
2. Take a Break from Social Media and Technology — A little bit of stimulation goes a long way when it comes to re-energizing, but too much digital time can really wear you down. Consider giving yourself one night a week or more where you shelf the cell phone and tablet until you wake up the next day. Studies consistently show that too much “screen time” before bed can compromise your ability to sleep, so take a night or two off to preserve that energy. When you fall asleep easier, you’re more likely to stay asleep, so you’ll wake up feeling extra-refreshed in the morning.
3. Do Everything You Can to Get a Good Night’s Rest — Besides ditching your cell phone before you fall asleep, there are a number of things you can do to ensure that you’re prepped and ready for a re-energizing night of rest. Make sure that you’re not consuming any stimulants — caffeine, nicotine, alcohol or too much sugar — at least four hours before bedtime. You can also use meditation techniques and do restorative yoga before bedtime in order to prepare for a beneficial night of sleep.
4. Pare Down on Commitments — You may have heard that old (and outdated) myth that multi-tasking makes you more successful. However, studies have shown that quite the opposite is true, and taking on too many tasks can actually cause you to increase the time you spend on any one project. When you pare down your evening responsibilities and commitments, you’ll have extra time to rest and re-energize after particularly energy-zapping days.
