While many of us are enjoying the cooler temperatures and bright fall colors, few of us are enjoying the decrease in day light hours. Suddenly, it is dark when we wake up and soon after we arrive home for the evening. This can have a serious impact on energy levels. This is especially bad when coupled with fall allergies which can lead to chronic headaches, stuffiness and sluggishness. While nothing can be done about the shorter days, there are a few things you can do to help keep your energy level high.
1. Keep a regular sleep schedule. Studies show that going to bed and getting up at the same time each day improves the quality of sleep.
2. Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bed. Again, this helps improve the quality of your sleep.
3. Get some sun. Sun exposure elevates mood and increases energy. Try to get outside for 15 to 20 minutes a day whenever possible.
4. Take a Vitamin D supplement. This helps with calcium absorption, mood and immune function. The supplement can help counteract the natural decrease in sun exposure that comes with shorter, colder days.
5. Drink lots of water. Dehydration decreases energy.
6. Get regular exercise, but not right before bed. Exercise helps keep energy levels high and improves mood. It also decreases stress and helps ward off winter weight gain.
7. Turn some lights on right away when you wake up. No, it isn’t the same as sunshine, but you will feel more awake if the house is bright.
8. Eat breakfast. A healthy, balanced breakfast that contains some protein and minimal sugar is best. Fruit, not fruit juice is good for energy too.
It is easy to go into “hibernation” for the winter, but it certainly isn’t healthy! Don’t settle in and wait for spring, get out and enjoy winter. It isn’t ALL bad!
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