Feeling Sleepy? Here are 10 Ways to be More Alert

There’s a sizeable chunk of the population that has trouble sleeping. They toss and turn in bed, and they’re tired, but unable to sleep. And then there are people who feel sleepy all day. Sometimes even when they’ve had enough sleep. They feel drowsy and lack energy. If you’re one of those, and are experiencing trouble with your productivity because of the constant sleepy feeling, here’s your ultimate solution(s)!

We’ve got you 10 super effective ways to be more alert and active and make the most of your day.

 

Get Whole Grains

Whole grains are a big yes when it comes to improving your concentration levels. If you’re one of those who tend to feel the brain fog during work, starting your day with a breakfast rich in whole grains can work wonders, and can make you feel much more alert and sharper than you would expect.

 

Keep Moving

If you’re feeling sluggish and inactive, one of the best ways to be more alert instantly is to keep moving. Take out 10-15 mins out of every 2 hours to just walk around and stretch for a bit and get the blood flowing. Engaging in regular physical activity will also help you and your body in many other ways.

 

Take a Power Nap

Power naps are seriously underrated. Sneak in a small 20 minute power nap during the day to feel more fresh and energetic than you were before. While power naps can definitely not compensate for the lack of sleep everyday, they can give you that little energy boost to keep you going.

 

Get More Fiber

Consuming more fiber rich foods has many benefits. First, its helps you feel full for a longer time, which is why, you can easily beat those unnecessary food cravings. Secondly, this ‘full’ feeling can help you stay more focused and give you an energy boost that is consistent and that keeps on going throughout the day.

 

Add More Greens

By greens, we don’t mean green leafy vegetables- we mean plants, especially if you live in a city area. Having a houseplant or a small garden can literally clear out all the toxins and pollutants from the environment you live in- some of which have been found to have energy-draining effects on the body.

 

Get Out

Being in touch with nature has many benefits, and one of the most important ones is that it will help you feel more alive, fresh and relaxed. If you’re feeling sleepy, it’ll make you feel full of energy. Sounds too good to be true? Just take a short walk barefoot on the grass and you’ll find out.

 

Take a Deep Breath

The power and importance of deep breathing is often overlooked. Make it a point to practise deep breathing throughout the day for a few minutes. This simple act takes literally nothing, but it can literally recharge your brain and help you tackle stress super effectively. The next time you feel low in energy, just take a couple of minute to take long, deep breaths and see the instant shift in your mood and energy levels.

 

Drink Up

When you’re stuck between a pile of tasks to perform, remembering to drink enough water can be a problem. Studies have found that even being mildly dehydrated can cause you to feel more sleepy and sluggish, and conversely, keeping yourself hydrated can make you feel fresh and active.

 

Be Social

Experts believe that people who are less social tend to have more anxiety and stress, and sleep more too. So the next time you’re feeling sleepy, strike up a conversation with a colleague or chat with an old friend or whoever it is that you want to talk to. You’ll be surprised at how amazing you end up feeling afterwards.

 

Get More B

Try to get more of vitamin B in your meals through food, especially vitamin B6 and B12. B vitamins are known to help boost your energy levels and keep you more focused on whatever you do. They are also crucial for the development of WBCs which keep the immune system strong, and a strong immune system is exactly what you need to feel more active throughout the day.