Tired of Being Tired? - Real Estate and Technology News for Agents, Broker

Tired of Being Tired?

We all do too much and have too much going on. Between work, the kids, the house, late nights, we don't get enough sleep to keep ourselves going every day.

Are you tired of being tired? What can you do about it? OpenForum columnist Helen Jane Hearn tells us how to make it through the day.

Hearn offers 10 ways to stay awake after a late night:

1. Don't eat...too much or too late. The body is always in survival mode and will use the most energy in the digestion process. It takes approximately 6 hours to digest a meal, so if you have a big breakfast at 7am and then another meal at noon, your body will slow down everything else to concentrate on the digestion process all day long.

"I'm not telling you to fast," writes Hearn, "Instead of eating large meals, snack on several small snacks throughout the day."

Eating too late at night will keep you awake as the body gears up to take on the digestion process again. When the body can stop processing food, it gives it time to detoxify and get refreshed for a new day.

2. Eat... low carbohydrate fruits, nuts and veggies.

3. Walk. Get moving advises Hearn. "Moving blood helps to energize your brain and your body."

4. Be Cool. Still falling asleep? Heat can make you feel sleepy. Drink something cool, get indoors where it's air conditioned or splash cold water on your face.

5. Aroma Therapy. "For better or worse, strong scents can make you more alert very quickly." Says Hearn, "Aroma-therapists recommend rosemary and eucalyptus to help stimulate the nervous system and leave you feeling less tired."

Chew peppermint gum or brush your teeth: the smell and flavor can give you a burst of energy.

6. Keep Busy. Business meetings are the worst. Distract yourself from nodding off by taking notes, writing to-do lists, anything to help you stay awake.

7. Be Uncomfortable: "Stay on your feet as much as possible," advises Hearn. If you have to sit, "Find the least comfortable chair in the office. Sit up straight and don't rest your head on anything-especially your hands."

8. Acupressure Techniques. Pulling on your earlobes can help you stay awake, as can tapping the top of your head or gently striking the back of your neck.

9. Drink Water: Keep well hydrated to fight fatigue.

10. Lighting...is important. A well lit room keeps you awake. "Darkness makes you sleepy," says Hearn.

Read the full article at OpenForum.com.

photo credit: nouvelles aquarelles