Five Ways to Recharge Your Personal Batteries
Five Ways to Recharge Your Personal Batteries
Don't let yourself shut down this holiday season.
With its mask-wearing, economic-busting, rituals-killing, worry-inducing power, the pandemic is wearing us all out.
At the risk of sounding repetitive, we’re tired.
Much like our phones, when our brightness is turned up too high, when we’re too far from our power source, when we’re constantly multitasking, our battery drains — forcing our mind, body and soul to shut down if only to save themselves. (#pandemicmetaphor)
It’s time to plug back in and recharge your own battery. Here are our best Beatles-inspired tips for just how to do that:
I’m so tired, I haven’t slept a wink.
It’s tough, but not impossible, to get through the day after a bad night’s sleep.
Get some natural sunlight by sitting near a window or better yet, going outside.
Stay active.
Prioritize balanced, healthy meals and snacks and stay away from sugar, carbs and processed foods (which might give you quick energy but then cause you to crash).
Drink caffeine but in moderation.
I’m so tired my mind is on the blink.
Sleep serves a big function: it allows your brain to extract waste, learn and secure memories.
A sleepless night can not only render you moody and irritable, but it can hurt your overall brain health.
Give your impaired brain function a break, and avoid making important decisions, digging into a new mind-taxing project and even driving, if possible.
Sleepy in the middle of the day? Take a quick nap.
I can't sleep, I can't stop my brain.
Need a bit of self-soothing?
Try meditating. I like the Calm app when I lay down to sleep at night (even sometimes during the day for a timeout meditation quickie).
Deep breathing helps, too. It takes the focus off runaway thoughts and redirects the brain to think about something else.
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink.
Sales of booze have risen during the pandemic and it’s no wonder. But try something else to unwind first before pouring a big glass of wine.
Exhaustion slows down your mental processes and if you add alcohol (which is a sedative) to the mix, it’ll slow them down even more. You’ll likely feel more drunk and dopey than you really are.
If you want to boost your energy, reach for plain water instead, or even foods high in water (like soup, fruits and veggies).
For more tips, read our roundup: 5 Ridiculously Easy Ways to Boost Your Health.
And finally, realize that it’s okay to feel like you’re not okay with pandemic life — and know that we completely agree with you.
For a Pause…
Remember that feeling as a kid of picking up a crayon and going at it? Here’s an adult version of going at it with intense coloring — and swear words thrown in for a bit of extra color.
We’re all cooking more now. Why not cook up some healthy lunches (or even dinners) with these easy recipes? We love the way they bring on the protein, veggies and grains to check all the nutrition boxes.
Not a water drinker? Sometimes you have to just tweak it. Here are 22 ideas that will get you imbibing in a good way.
Family gatherings should still be on pause while the pandemic rages. A quick look at this map will make it clear why we all need to be extra careful this holiday season.
One More Thing
You know times are odd when a singing candlestick is the voice of reason.
Until next week, stay well. Stay healthy. Stay safe.
See you next time!
xoSheryl&Jennifer
I’m so tired, I haven’t slept a wink
I’m so tired, my mind is on the blink
I wonder should I get up and fix myself a drink
No, no, no.
— I’m So Tired, BeatlesKnow someone who could use a Pause? Why not share us with them? Thanks so much!
Got a question or suggestion for thePause? Interested in contributing to or supporting thePause? Reply to this email and let us know!
You can follow and chat with us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram too.Copyright © 2020 thePauseNewsletter