Got Sleep?

It’s Monday…Did you get your 8 hours of recommended sleep over the weekend? If you are like most college students, or career professionals, the answer is no. With constant demands for our time and mind share, it’s no surprise that the average adult and college student gets nearly 2-3 hours less than the recommended amount of sleep.

There are many ways to prevent sleep deprivation; but what are some things you can do to help you get through the day when you are sleep deprived?

1. Limit Caffine…Drink Water

Shocker huh? If you are anything like me; having caffeine will hold you over for a few hours, but will ultimately make you more tired and drained by the end of the day. By drinking water and eliminating caffeine, you will re-hydrate the body and help flush any toxins that could be contributing to your lack of sleep. Use caffeine sparingly and only when time calls for you to have utmost concentration and focus.

2. De-Stress your To-Do List

If you are sleep deprived, odds are you lack focus, aren’t productive, have a low mood, and are constantly fatigued. The best thing to do, if possible, is to save your more challenging tasks for a day that you are less tired and focus on the smaller ones at hand. This will help you tackle your to-do list and feel less stressed about the things you didn’t complete or give 100%.

3. Break for your mind and body

When you are sleep deprived, the last thing you want to do is workout; but by getting in a quick workout in you will be doing your mind and body a favor. You will feel more confident through the day, as well, you will have more energy and clarity to take on your day. If you are really tired and stressed, I would try yoga. Yoga is an excellent way to help energize your body and focus your mind for clarity and concentration.

4. Easy on the carbs

We all know the sluggish feeling you get after having pasta, bread, or, who could forget, Thanksgiving dinner; Recent studies have shown that sluggishness caused by carbs increases even more when sleep deprived. Try to avoid the feeling by eating fruits, vegetables, and foods that are high in protein. Also, stay away from processed foods and junk food until you can get a good nights rest.

5. Make sleep your priority

The best thing you can do to rid the effects of sleep deprivation is to prevent it. Commit to making your health and sleep your number 1 priority. This will ensure your concentration and focus, help you be more productive, prevent fatigue and give you more energy.

What are some things you do to help stay focused and recover from lack of sleep?