HEALTHY LIVING

Simple Tricks For More Refreshed Mornings

Published

2 years ago

October 12, 2022

FAB.NG

Many people have difficulty waking up early, others struggle with falling asleep early every night, making mornings a challenge.

Image result for waking up in the morning

Rising early does have real benefits that make it a worthwhile goal, like improving your chances of getting a workout in, putting you in a better mood, encouraging healthier eating and improved productivity.

Read on to learn useful tricks for waking up early and refreshed.

Watch what you eat and drink after noon

Certain foods, supplements and drinks can steal sleep by stimulating energy or causing indigestion. Caffeine and other stimulants can affect you for several hours, so when trying to fall asleep early or adjust your schedule, it can be helpful to avoid them or at least limit them to morning hours.

Coffee, caffeinated tea, dark chocolate, sugar, guarana and diet/slimming supplements are all things to watch out for. Spicy, greasy or heavy foods to close to bed are also bad.

Try healthy meals and snacks before bed

Cherries

Munching walnuts, almonds, cereal and a glass of cherry juice would make you fall asleep faster, according to research. These snacks naturally helps your body to relax and if you have a good and relaxing night, you will definitely wake up early feeling refreshed.

Plan your schedule to allow adequate time for sleep

The average adult needs a minimum of seven hours (and up to nine hours) of sleep every night. The first trick to waking up earlier, is to make sure your bedtime allows you to get enough rest in every night without stressing over the clock or feeling fatigued the next day.

If you want to wake up at 6:00am, for example, then your bedtime needs to be no later than 10:30pm. Remember it takes an average of 10-20 minutes to fall asleep, and you also need to factor in time for evening pre-bed routines as well.

Optimize your bedroom for more efficient sleep

Your bedroom plays a big role in this, so make sure you are setting the stage for the best sleep possible. Check the temperature, your mattress and bedding should be cozy and comfortable, and your space should be clean and free of clutter.

Light should be kept to an absolute minimum as it can impair your melatonin production, as should distracting sounds. Light blocking shades or an eye mask as well as a sound conditioner or ear plugs can be helpful if you have limited control over the environment.

Turbo-charge your morning routine

Get going quicker after you wake up by incorporating water, light, activity and healthy food into your morning routine.

Start your morning with a big glass of cold water (some people also swear by warm water with lemon) to recover from nighttime dehydration. Try to expose yourself to natural sunlight as soon as possible to support your natural wakefulness rhythms.

Try a short nap during the day

If waking up earlier has you feeling sluggish in the afternoon, a short afternoon nap can refresh your energy levels and give you a second wind.

Shorter naps are best for boosting alertness without causing grogginess or impacting your nighttime sleep. Studies say naps between 10 and 20 minutes are best, just make sure to keep them around 8 hours before your planned bedtime.

No electronics before bed

Another less obvious stimulant is light, particularly blue light that televisions, computers and other electronics emit. Light exposure at night can impair natural melatonin production, delaying drowsiness and keeping you up later at night.

Try to detach from your devices at least 60 minutes before bed – that means no smart phones, laptops, tablets, televisions and keeping room lights dim as well. Instead, try reading, listening to music or an audiobook, writing in a journal, a warm bath or relaxing stretching to wind down your evening.

Make your mornings stress-free and simple.

Try getting motivated to wake up by penning down your morning routine and giving yourself something to look forward to.

You could lay out your outfit and get all of your things together at night, have quick and healthy breakfasts and lunches ready to go, set the coffee pot on auto-timer, and look for other ways to do your less enticing activities at night so mornings are smooth.

Related Topics:You Would Wake Up Earlier And More Refreshed With These Simple Tricks

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HEALTHY LIVING

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season

Published

3 weeks ago

December 21, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Ways To Stay Healthy This Christmas Season | fab.ng

The Christmas season is full of joy, food, and celebrations, but it can also be a time when health routines fall by the wayside. To stay healthy during the festive period, adopting mindful habits is key.

Here are five actionable strategies to ensure you enjoy the festivities while prioritising your well-being.

1. Make Balanced Food Choices

The holiday season is synonymous with indulgence. While it’s tempting to try everything on the table, opt for a balanced approach. Start meals with proteins and vegetables, which keep you full longer and stabilise your blood sugar.

Enjoy festive treats in moderation, allowing yourself small portions of your favourites without overindulging. By practising mindful eating, you can savour holiday flavours without guilt.

Staying hydrated is equally important. Drink plenty of water to counterbalance rich foods and avoid excessive sugary beverages or cocktails. Alternating alcohol with water is a good way to maintain balance during parties.

2. Prioritise Regular Exercise

Exercise doesn’t have to stop during the Christmas season. Incorporate simple physical activities like morning walks, quick home workouts, or even yoga to maintain your energy levels and reduce stress.

A 10–15 minute walk after meals can aid digestion and manage blood sugar levels. Staying active ensures you feel energised and offsets the effects of holiday indulgences.

3. Manage Holiday Stress

The Christmas season can be hectic, with endless to-do lists and social events. Combat stress by practising mindfulness and setting realistic expectations for your time.

Take breaks when needed, meditate, or engage in activities that help you unwind. Organising your tasks and delegating responsibilities can also alleviate pressure.

4. Get Adequate Sleep

Sleep is crucial for overall health, especially during a busy festive period. Poor sleep can lead to increased cravings and mood swings, making it harder to stick to healthy habits. Aim for 7–8 hours of rest each night.

Create a calming bedtime routine by avoiding screens, dimming lights, and reading a book to relax. Staying consistent with your sleep schedule will keep your energy levels high throughout the Christmas season.

5. Plan Ahead for Healthier Choices

With back-to-back events, it’s easy to fall into unhealthy eating habits. Preparing healthy snacks like nuts, boiled eggs, or fruit ensures you have nutritious options on hand.

Planning meals and snacks ahead of time helps avoid impulsive decisions, keeping your health goals on track even during the busiest days.

Enjoy the Festivities While Staying Healthy

By focusing on mindful eating, staying active, managing stress, sleeping well, and planning ahead, you can enjoy the Christmas season while maintaining your health. Balancing fun with wellness ensures you start the new year feeling your best.

If you found this article helpful, read more here.

FOOD

5 Health Benefits Of Cooking With Garlic

Published

1 month ago

December 7, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

5 Health Benefits of Cooking With Garlic | fab.ng

Garlic is more than just a flavour enhancer; it offers numerous health benefits that have been celebrated for centuries. Incorporating garlic into your meals not only enriches the taste but also boosts your overall well-being.

Let’s explore five key health benefits of garlic, emphasising why this simple ingredient deserves a spot in your kitchen.

1. Boosts Heart Health

Garlic is renowned for its heart-protective properties. It helps lower blood pressure and reduces cholesterol levels, which are crucial factors in maintaining cardiovascular health.

Allicin, a compound found in garlic, relaxes blood vessels, improving blood flow and reducing the risk of heart disease.

Regular consumption of garlic may also prevent artery hardening, a condition known as atherosclerosis. Clearly, one of the primary health benefits of garlic is its contribution to a healthy heart.

2. Strengthens the Immune System

Garlic acts as a powerful immune booster. Its antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal properties help the body fend off infections. Rich in antioxidants, garlic combats free radicals that can damage cells and contribute to illness.

Cooking with garlic regularly can support your immune system, making it more resilient against common colds and flu. This vital health benefit of garlic makes it a natural defence mechanism.

3. Improves Digestive Health

Garlic promotes healthy digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes. Its antimicrobial properties can help balance gut flora, reducing harmful bacteria and promoting beneficial ones.

Additionally, garlic may reduce inflammation in the gut, alleviating symptoms of conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

Including garlic in your diet can improve overall digestive function, emphasising another essential health benefit of garlic.

4. Enhances Bone Health

Surprisingly, garlic may also support strong bones. It contains minerals like calcium, manganese, and selenium, which are vital for bone density and strength.

Some studies suggest that garlic consumption can increase estrogen levels in women, potentially reducing the risk of osteoporosis.

This lesser-known health benefit of garlic highlights its role beyond the kitchen, contributing to long-term skeletal health.

5. Supports Detoxification

Garlic aids the body’s natural detoxification process by activating liver enzymes that help eliminate toxins. Its sulfur compounds enhance liver function, enabling the body to flush out heavy metals and harmful substances more efficiently.

Regularly cooking with garlic can provide a natural cleanse, supporting overall vitality. This detoxifying health benefit of garlic underscores its importance for maintaining internal balance.

Incorporating Garlic into Your Diet

Maximise these health benefits by adding garlic to soups, stir-fries, and sauces. Crush or chop it and let it sit for a few minutes before cooking to enhance its beneficial compounds.

Remember, the health benefits of garlic are most potent when it’s used fresh and minimally cooked.

Cooking with garlic not only elevates your culinary creations but also offers significant health advantages. Embrace this versatile ingredient and enjoy the multiple health benefits of garlic with every meal.

Would you like more articles or additional tips? Check here.

HEALTHY LIVING

How To Stay Healthy While Boosting Productivity

Published

1 month ago

November 30, 2024

Adaeze Okechi

Balancing health and productivity is essential for personal well-being and professional success. Integrating healthy habits into your daily routine enhances focus, reduces stress, and increases overall efficiency.

Here’s how you can maintain good health while staying productive:

1. Prioritise Physical Health

Exercise Regularly: Physical activity enhances both physical health and mental clarity. Simple practices like taking short walks during breaks or stretching between tasks improve circulation and energy levels.

Maintain Good Nutrition: Eating balanced meals fuels your body and brain. Choose healthy snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day to maintain consistent energy levels.

Sleep Well: Adequate sleep (7-9 hours) improves memory, focus, and mood, contributing to higher productivity. Establish a consistent bedtime routine to ensure restful sleep.

2. Manage Your Energy, Not Just Time

Identify peak productivity periods in your day. Allocate complex or creative tasks to those high-energy times, and save routine work for low-energy periods. This practice optimises your natural rhythms for maximum efficiency.

3. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management

Take Short Breaks: Regular breaks prevent burnout and boost concentration. Even a five-minute pause every hour can refresh your mind.

Mindful Practices: Meditation or deep-breathing exercises reduce stress and improve focus. Incorporating these into your daily routine fosters mental clarity and emotional resilience.

4. Create a Healthy Work Environment

Ergonomic Workspace: Arrange your workspace to support good posture and reduce strain. Use ergonomic furniture and ensure proper lighting to prevent fatigue.

Limit Distractions: Reduce noise and digital interruptions to stay focused. Tools like “Do Not Disturb” settings and noise-cancelling headphones can help create a conducive work atmosphere.

5. Foster Mental Health

Set Boundaries: Separate work from personal time. Avoid checking work emails after hours to maintain a healthy work-life balance.

Stay Connected: Engage in positive social interactions at work. A supportive environment enhances motivation and reduces feelings of isolation.

6. Optimise Productivity Techniques

Batch Tasks: Group similar activities together to avoid frequent context-switching, which drains mental energy. This method enhances focus and efficiency.

Use To-Do Lists: Organise tasks by priority. Focus on completing high-value activities first to maximise your productivity.

By integrating these health-focused strategies into your daily routine, you can maintain physical well-being, reduce stress, and improve productivity, creating a sustainable path to professional success and personal fulfilment.