As fall gets into full swing, fewer daylight hours combined with a packed calendar leave more than a third of us feeling sluggish. Not to mention the holidays around the bend — present and event planning are full jobs, and the stress of it all can keep you up at night. Before you know it, you fall into an endless cycle of low energy. The great news: The tips that follow may help you sail through autumn with ease.
Prevent early morning grogginess.
Sleeping on a pillow packed with dust mites can trigger next morning fatigue for many of us. That’s especially true in the fall, when we spend an average of 53 extra minutes a night snuggled up in bed with the microscopic pests. The fix: Toss your pillows in the dryer on high heat for 15 minutes. 1992 research says doing so kills 100 percent of mites. (Learn how to wash them, too.)
Block midmorning energy slumps.
If your energy dips before lunchtime, snack on a handful of pomegranate seeds and walnuts as a midmorning snack. The combo spurs the release of urolithin A, a compound that fuels the mitochondria, or “energy centers,” in cells. The payoff: University of Washington research shows you’ll boost physical endurance and mental pep. Other energizing picks: blackberries, strawberries, pecans, and pistachios.
Nix midday fatigue.
A 2015 study says spending just 40 seconds in nature (try leaf-peeping!) recharges a drained internal battery. And University of Rochester research shows seeing expanses of red and orange significantly improves alertness. Tip: Reach down to pick up three colorful leaves. This type of movement stretches the soleus muscles in the legs that regulate blood flow throughout the body, waking up tired muscles.
This article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.