How to Get More Energy When It’s Dark Outside
When the days get shorter and the dark hours multiply, many of us feel less motivated to do our daily chores. We often feel like we never have enough energy.
So, is there something that we can do to feel a little bit better during fall and winter? What steps should you take and what should you focus on? In this article, we’ll give you 7 simple tips that can make the darker days a little brighter.
1. Sleep an hour longer
Just as you have to prioritize eating, one should also prioritize sleep. Sleep research shows how important sleep actually is and how your physical and mental health can be affected by lack of sleep.
An adult person needs on average 7-8 hours a day, and anything below this can add to a loss of energy, memory, and productivity. If you feel guilty about having a high sleep deficit, consider going to sleep earlier each day (or possibly sleeping longer in the morning). Over time, you will notice how some extra sleep can do wonders for your energy level!
2. Be active
As it gets colder and darker outside, our will power also gets a little lower. It can be hard to get around to do some activity when all that’s tempting you is to curl into a blanket on the couch, after a long and cold workday. But if you manage your willpower, a little activity will do a lot for your energy level.
Half an hour to an hour of exercise three times a week is all it takes. It doesn’t have to be an hour at the gym – it can be a quick jog, skiing, hiking, soccer, or other activities that get your heart rate up a bit.
In addition, we recommend that you minimize seating positions as much as possible during your workday. Moving around will help you breathe better as well as it will increase productivity.
3. Learn something new
Did you know that learning something new creates new nerve connections in the brain? In addition to this, learning will also give you a sense of achievement. Learning something releases all the good hormones in your brain, which gives us more energy.
Learn a new language or instrument, do crosswords, play board games, or read a good book.
4. Take a break
While learning, staying active and being productive is healthy for our brains, the brain also benefits from a break. Take a five to ten-minute break every single day where you do nothing.
This can be a good time to put in some breathing exercises to give your body and brain access to more oxygen, as well as giving the brain a break from receiving information from the surroundings and daily activities.
5. A tidy home
A messy and an unorganized home can have a negative effect on how you feel. Your home should be a place of calmness and relaxation, making it easy to unwind after a stressful day.
A good tip here might be to get a proper clean-out of your stuff. What gives you something and what can you get rid of? Buy boxes that are easy to stack and put things you don’t use now but may need later in a storage.
6. Laughter
Laughter releases endorphins and endorphins give you a sense of happiness. The feeling of happiness makes you relax and it can give you more energy. If you have a stressful day, putting on a fun video can make your day a little easier. Feel free to share the video with a colleague or friend. Laughing with others is contagious!
7. Have sex
Having sex releases and increases the production of oxytocin, which is often referred to as the “love hormone”. It gets released in the brain right before an orgasm, which also releases endorphins. After, you will feel more relaxed and happy.
Don’t have a partner? No worries! Sex toys can give the same effect.
