Feeling Sleepy?

Photo by Chris Hart

It is important to listen to your body, but are you interpreting the messages correctly?  This is a very deep subject, but for today I am just going to focus on feeling sleepy. 

You may be sitting at your desk working away.  You may be in a meeting.  You may even be driving.  Suddenly, you feel your eyelids drooping and you just want to doze off.  It is quite possible that you truly need more sleep, but it may also be possible that your body is saying, “Hey!  I need some activity please.”  There are a few things to try other than giving in to sleep without really listening to see if your body is asking for something else. 

Try some of these ideas:

1.       Take a brisk 5-10 minute walk.

2.       Stand up, stretch, and take at least 5 deep breaths.  Take your time inhaling and exhaling.

3.       Eat a small snack filled with protein – a handful of almonds or walnuts or a cup of yogurt.

4.       Avoid the candy bars and sodas.

5.       Drink water – even slight dehydration can make you feel tired.

6.       Meditate – even if it is for only five minutes it can revitalize you.

7.       Take a 10-15 minutes power nap.

8.       Sit up straight – no slouching.

9.       Play some upbeat music.

10.   Light a citrus or peppermint candle or put on peppermint lotion.