A change of seasons is ahead of us, and if you’re anything like me, the colder weather brings a lazier side out of you. I want to snuggle under the blanket, watch movies, and eat comfort food, when I need to stay focused and keep up with my studies. Over the past few months, I’ve decided that I’m not going to let the grogginess from a late night of studying, or the laziness from a rainy day become a damper on my motivation and drive. Sometimes, getting to a desk and beginning the process of studying is much harder than studying itself. So, I’ve compiled a list of 5 things you can do differently to keep yourself healthy, motivated, and focused.
1. Say no to naps.
At 3PM after a long day at work or at school, it is tempting to get in bed and spend the rest of the afternoon dreaming of a homework-free world. This two-hour nap is bad not only for your sleep cycle, but also for maintaining focus. Waking up from a long nap can lead to more grogginess, and instead of waking up refreshed, you tend to wake up lazier than before.
2. Start the day with a big breakfast.
All moms have been harping on the fact that a big breakfast is the right way to start off the day. Guess what, guys? They’re right! A big breakfast speeds up your metabolism, keeping your body more active and more energized without having to munch on snacks all day. If you’re like me and don’t have time to spare in the morning, something as simple as fruit, cereal, and tea will do the trick. Don’t skip it to try and avoid calories, because this will actually have the opposite effect and increase your total calorie intake.
3. Green tea is your best friend.
Whether it’s used as a way to start off the day, or a way to relax before bed, green tea is an excellent addition to your diet. Replacing a cup of coffee with a cup of tea will make a huge difference. Coffee provides a shorter burst of energy through caffeine, but green tea energizes and leaves you feeling more refreshed. And needless to say, green tea is a wonderful way to stay hydrated, even in the cold weather!
4. Nuts make a great snack.
I’m definitely a culprit of sitting down to get work done with a bag of chips, or some sweet and sour candy. As we know, sugar does wonders to boost energy, but only temporarily, and with an enormous calorie intake. Replace the study or movie snacks with a healthy bag of nuts. Foods like cashews, peanuts, pecans, etc. are a great source of nutrients and a wonderful stimulator for your brain.
5. A short workout is better than none at all.
There are 24 hours in a day, and it always amazes me how most of us can’t find 15 or 20 minutes out of those 24 hours to squeeze in a quick workout. Many of us don’t have time to do make it to a gym and get in an hour-long workout. However, that shouldn’t be a reason to skip a workout all together. A workout in the morning or a workout instead of a nap in the afternoon will energize and stimulate your body – a perfect pre-studying routine. There are many ways to workout in a non-mundane fashion – take the stairs, do yoga, grab some dumbbells for a strength workout, or turn on a Zumba video and dance along! You’ll find your energy start to spike over the days.
Although the above list may seem basic and simple, these are the easiest things that people often forget when looking for sources to improve their focus. Before turning to medications, or giving up on getting work accomplished that day, take a minute to remind yourself of these simple changes you can make. Laziness is often just a state of mind that is easily overcome.
Happy autumn, and happy productivity!
Victory Step Education Team
