10 Ways To Go From Tired To Terrific

Words by Katherine C. Eustaquio

As much as we want to live a life without feeling, we can’t. We could, however, take simple steps to reduce and control the feeling of tiredness before it turns into chronic stress and eats us alive.

‘Power nap’ is a modern term used to describe a ‘cat nap’. Research has proven that the human body requires only the amount of sleep the brain will allow. But of course, our brain needs to rest and recharge once in a while during the day. That’s why 20-minute power naps are very effective among college students and working people. So when you feel tired at some point during the day, close your books or turn off your computer monitor and take a 15- to 20-minute power nap.

The best way to start your day is to do some stretching in the morning. Simple stretches wake up the muscles, increase blood flow, and prepare the body for the day ahead. At the office, sitting in front of the computer for a long period of time causes muscle cramps and makes your body feel tired and stiff. Get your blood pumping by stretching your legs and arms every few hours—walk from one department to another, bend, squat, or do some stationary running if possible. This will only take a few minutes but stretching will make you feel re-energized.

Music Therapy is a branch of health care that makes use of certain kinds of music to help patients deal with pain management. Outside the realm of health care, all of us will agree that music relieves stress, affects one’s mood, and promotes relaxation. When you’re tired, stop whatever you’re doing and allow 20 minutes for your own music therapy. Listen to your favorite music, lie on your back, close your eyes, and focus on the experience.

Cinematherapy refers to the practice of watching films not only for their entertainment purposes but also for their ability to improve mental health. Watching movies give us the best excuse to cry and/or laugh our hearts out, successfully releasing all the pent-up emotions. Just think, how many times have you heard and read that bottling your feelings inside is never a good thing? Instead of fuming, catch a movie on the silver screen. Shut the rest of the world out for a few hours and have a good time.

Meditation can mean different things to different people, but the concept is the same: use your internal focus in order to restore your inner balance. Whether you’re into yoga or merely closing your eyes and dwelling on happy thoughts, you can actually lower your stress level to a minimum by thinking of positive things. There are several techniques people use to meditate—deep breathing, muscle relaxation, yoga, and visualization—and when they are practiced on a daily basis, not only can they increase the joy and serenity you feel in your life, but they can help you keep a calm and positive outlook.

It’s a no-brainer that video games are highly entertaining but recent studies show that playing video games for 30 minutes is a great stress reliever. Role Playing Games (RPGs) and Versus Games transport you to an imaginary world and help you concentrate on less serious things. Playing video games can also improve your hand-eye coordination, analytical skills, and strategic thinking.

Coffee and energy drinks give your body surprising jolts of energy that’s why people resort to them whenever they feel tired or sleepy. What people don’t realize is that the effect of caffeine is only temporary. Once it wears off, you’ll feel more tired than ever, so what you do is fix yourself another cup of Joe or another bottle of energy drink. Too much coffee also causes anemia and Vitamin B deficiency. Coffee and energy drinks simply mask the symptom of tiredness by kicking your body into high gear.

Drink water instead. It will not only refresh you but it will also flush away harmful toxins that make you feel and look wasted.

Get your body in motion to shake the stress away. Indulge in any form of physical activity—dancing, sports, gardening, biking, working out in the gym, walking etc—and get the blood pumping. Health experts suggest that 30-60 minutes of physical activity do a lot of good things for your mind and body. It helps shed body fat, strengthens your bones and develops your muscles, boosts the immune system, improve blood circulation, and so much more.

A recent study in the United Kingdom showed that shopping affects the activity of the left prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain connected with pleasure. The level of dopamine, a neurotransmitter emitted during moments of pleasure, is increased by the mere act of browsing through window displays. Shopping releases the feel-good chemicals called endorphins (the same ones emitted during sex and exercise) that make you exuberantly satisfied. So when you’ve reached your stress limit, why don’t you reward yourself with a small purchase? Compulsive shopping is a different story, of course.

We live in a world where things can happen with just a push of a button. Too much technology urges us to do three things at a time. Multi-tasking is a good thing, but being strapped to your screaming mobile phones, overachieving laptops, and weekly updated iPods is a different thing altogether. These gadgets veer us away from simple indulgences like nature and real connections.

Try turning off your phone and everything tech-related for an hour or two. Better yet, declare a “To Hell with Internet Day” and rekindle your passion for non-techie things like playing the piano, talking to a friend over coffee, and playing with your pets. Not being consumed with modern conveniences can open up your senses, clear your mind, and energize the body.

“I play online games or browse artworks on deviantart.com.” – Aileen, 23

“I usually go out of town to surf but if I don’t have the time, I just walk and jog with my dog.” – Elfen, 36

“I take a long shower to wash away the stress.” – Cheekie, 25

“I lie in bed, close my eyes, and listen to my favorite songs.” – Eunice, 23

“I go to Timezone and play Guitar Freaks. When I have more time, I ride trains. I find it relaxing.” – Jay Chiu, 26

“When I’m stressed out at work, I try to watch a movie on the cinema. It keeps my mind off things.” – Ria, 23