Are you suffering from pandemic blues? If the answer is yes, you are not alone. Waking up to sluggish mornings, living with a feeling of constant dread, and seeking comfort in alcohol, substance abuse, binge eating, and other distractions have become something like a norm.
Has the consumption of caffeinated beverages lost its effects to get you through the day? You might also be struggling with alcohol, and try your best to quit drinking. If such scenarios sound familiar, it is time to make some essential lifestyle changes, become more energetic, and turn your life around for the better.
Understanding the Importance of Energy Management
Similar to time, energy is a limited resource – you don’t have an abundance of it. If you want to make the best of your day, you need to incorporate effective energy management. Depending on people’s health and age, their energy level differs from one person to another. Your energy level also depends on your stress level and lifestyle. Several factors come to play that can potentially deduct your energy, which is why you need full control over where you want to invest your energy. Assess the situation and decide whether it is worth your energy investment or not.
Here are five tips for a happier, productive, and healthier lifestyle:
1. Consume Less Sugar & Salt
People who love sugary diets need to refrain from over-indulging in them. Those who consume more sugar and salt are at a higher risk of getting heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, etc. You should consume less than one teaspoon of salt per day. Also, avoid overindulging in salt, soy sauce, and high-sodium ingredients while preparing meals. You should also avoid snacking on salty snacks and prefer consuming veggies and fruits as snacks.
On the other hand, consuming excessive sugar can increase the risk of tooth decay and unhealthy weight gain. Instead of over-indulging in sugar, you should opt for natural sweeteners. If you have a sweet tooth, we recommend opting for dark chocolate, which is also considered a healthy snack.
When it comes to fats, you should know the difference between healthy and unhealthy fats. Food sources of healthy snacks include soymilk, tofu, flaxseed, fish, walnuts, sunflower seeds, etc. Avoid processed food at all costs, such as frozen pizza, biscuits, sausages, and pre-packaged food.
2. Stay Active – Go Out!
If the lockdowns have been lifted, you are all set to go out and hit the nearest part for jogging. Physical activity has been associated with uplifting one’s mood and ending pandemic blues. During remote work, it is essential that you get up after every one or two hours, and engage in some sort of physical activity, even if it is a simple task, such as getting up, going to the kitchen, and getting a glass of water.
By engaging in recreational activities, such as planning trips, exploring new places, and having some “me time,” you can boost your quality of life. The amount of physical activity that one needs depends on their age group – it has been estimated that adults need at least 2 to 3 hours of moderate to intense workout sessions in a week.
3. Eat Healthily
We all grow up with the understanding that nourishing food is good for our physical and mental wellbeing. Typically, people look at healthy food as a vital resource for weight loss. However, according to numerous research, a balanced diet that comprises fresh veggies, fruits, low-fat dairy, protein, and whole grains can also boost your mental health and overall wellbeing.
You might have heard the phrase before – you are what you eat, which is why you should be mindful about what you are putting inside your body.
4. Get Plenty of Sleep
Many people are suffering from sleep deprivation, which is also one of the top reasons that people feel lethargic, anxious, and frustrated the entire day. That said, make sure that you shut off all your negative thoughts, think about a positive incident, and shut your eyes to welcome a goodnight’s sleep.
If you have been experiencing trouble falling asleep, you ought to understand the root cause of insomnia and get it treated. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious mental health conditions, which negatively impact the mood. Resultantly, you cannot help but feel depressed and lethargic.
5. Surround Yourself with Positivity
For a happier lifestyle, it is essential to surround yourself with positivity and positive people. And while you are spending time with positive people, make sure that you stay present in the moment instead of wondering about your thoughts and letting them roam in the past and worry about the future.
Also, avoid socializing with toxic people with a negative outlook on life. If you have a complainer in your circle, you will be naturally inclined to feel stressed, which is why you need to be selective when it comes to making friends.
Final Thoughts
Your thoughts and habits have a major impact on your lifestyle, which is why you must ensure to keep your thoughts clean, get regular exercise, stay free from tobacco, alcohol, and keep a positive outlook on life.
