56 | December 2011 | woman this month Wellbeing Alison Coldridge There probably isn’t a person on the planet who doesn’t find it hard to get back into the swing of things after the New Year. The festive season comes hand-in-hand with a lovely period of rest and time off work and school, making it difficult to get that ‘buzz’ back. The easy option is to turn to caffeine to keep those eyes open and avoid embarrassingly nodding off in early morning meetings, but quick-fix bursts of energy can potentially lead to a heart attack, which is not something any one wants! Conquering drowsiness before it overwhelms your mind can be quite a challenge, so it is definitely worth exploring the natural options. You will find that there are many ways to feel energised all day long. If you consider the ways you can help yourself before you sleep, whilst you sleep and when you wake it’s easy to maintain a feeling of vibrancy, which is definitely better than feeling lethargic and drained all day long! Try out some of these and see if you find yourself more energised. You will probably also find that you feel happier and able to work much better and faster — which is great news for your boss! Before bed There are a number of things you can try out before you go to bed, as it will encourage your body to sleep more soundly meaning far more energy when you wake. Go to bed happy An argument, especially if it’s with someone you care for, will unsettle you emotionally and you’ll stew over it all night long instead of sleeping. If you settle your differences before you head to bed, you’ll undoubtedly experience a much deeper and restful night’s sleep, making it easier to get up come the morning. Avoid chocolate, coffee and red wine According to scientific studies, all of these products are difficult to digest. The digestion process will keep you awake or at the very least will cause you to endure a light sleep. If possible, it is best to avoid these items after lunchtime to ensure they are completely digested by the time you sleep. Go to the toilet Being woken up by a full bladder is something we have all experienced. Then you face the cold, dark and silent stumble to the bathroom whilst you wish you were still asleep. It’s such a little thing, but by relieving your bladder before you sleep you will — hopefully — be ok throughout the night. Tidy up Anyone who abides by Feng Shui rules will believe that a messy room causes disruption to your life. Although there may be some truth to the principles the belief upholds, on this occasion there is probably no need to rearrange all your furniture for a calmer ambience. Simply tidying up before bed can help you rearrange your mind. The post-New Year festivities come-down can be difficult to resurface from. Feel energised, refreshed and awake without resorting to caffeine by following simple steps. Up! Wake Me
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