5 Ways to Recharge Your Energy After a Rough Day

You know the feeling when a stressful day leaves you completely drained? Stress is known to reduce our levels of serotonin and dopamine. These neurotransmitters play an important role in our mood, energy, and motivation.

After a difficult day, you might be tempted to lounge on the couch watching TV until it’s time to go to bed. Although it might feel good in the moment, it won’t give you the mood and energy lift you need after a rough day. Here are five simple ways you can recharge yourself:

1. Unplug

After a high stress day, you need to unwind. A great option is turning off your phone for some quiet, low-stimulation time. It can be tempting to sit on the couch with your phone all night, checking emails, responding to texts, or getting lost on Facebook or Instagram. However, this keeps your mind going and doesn’t let you settle.

Unplugging gives you a chance to calm and reset. Try keeping your phone out of arm’s reach (even better in another room) once you get home. On really stressful days, try to set it away from you when you get home and not to touch it again until after you’ve had a good night’s rest.

2. Go Outside

If the sun is still out after your rough day, put on your comfy shoes and go for a quick walk. Exposure to the sunlight will help your brain release serotonin, which will boost your mood and help you feel calm and focused. Exercise is also one of the best ways you can improve your mood, helping you relieve stress and sleep better at night. Even if the sun is down, a walk outside will still help, as the exercise and fresh air will help you feel invigorated.

3. Refresh Yourself

After a tough day, take the time to refresh yourself by taking a quick “cat nap.” Keep it under 45-minutes and it should not interfere with getting to sleep at night. A meditation of 5-20 minutes can be a great quick fix. Use your phone to find a guided meditation on YouTube or play some relaxing music while you meditate quietly.

You can also pamper yourself with a bubble bath or perk up with a quick shower. These will work best if you really focus on being in the moment. Tune in to your senses – the feeling of the water, the sound of the shower, and the smell of your body wash or shampoo.

4. Eat Healthy

A healthy dinner or snack is just the thing after a rough day. Avoid heavy comfort foods that will leave you feeling sluggish. Instead, nurture and fuel your body with protein, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These foods will slowly release energy, giving you stable food sugar and a mental boost. You will also benefit from the good feeling of making a healthy choice.

5. Make Plans

Looking forward to something is a great way to boost your mood long-term. Plan a vacation, a weekend getaway, or just a day trip. Even planning a special meal, or a visit to restaurant, will help energize you.

Is stress causing you to feel tired, anxious, or depressed? Call me today to schedule a free consultation session and get your energy back!