Rehydrate
Not only do most of us fail to drink enough water (around 2 – 2.5 litres a day) but many of us rely on diuretics like coffee and alcohol that only increase dehydration. Without enough water, the body struggles to eliminate waste products and carry nutrients to cells, which can leave the skin looking ashen and old. Rather than drink when you feel thirsty (which is the body’s way of telling you it’s already dehydrated), fill a large bottle of water first thing in the morning and place it on your desk – this constant visual reminder will make you drink more throughout the day.
Sleep Deeper
Improving the quality of your sleep doesn’t necessarily mean sleeping for longer. In fact, sleeping in on the weekends will throw your natural rhythm out of sync, making it harder for you to revert to a normal pattern in the following days. Six hours’ shuteye is generally considered the minimum for optimal functioning during waking hours but it’s important that they’re six truly restorative hours.
Avoid nightcaps or midnight snacking, as raising your blood sugar level before bedtime will have a negative effect on the quality of your sleep. A quick drink may help you ‘nod-off’ but it will prevent you from going into a deep sleep. And without REM sleep – the truly restorative kind – you’ll look and feel less refreshed in the morning.
Develop a bedtime routine
Establishing a consistent routine before bedtime will help prevent your body for a good night restorative sleep. After a week or two, the body will automatically go into ‘shut down’ mode when it realises that your evening bath, yoga session or a chapter from your favourite book is a pre-bedtime activity. A better night’s sleep means you’ll feel more revitalised in the morning.
Breakfast like a king
Juggling a family and a job often means breakfast is the first meal to go. And yet it’s the most important meal of the day – just like your mum said. Skipping brekkie will lower your metabolism, making it more difficult for your body to burn sugar and provide you with adequate energy throughout the day.
Soak up the sun
In spite of all the fear mongering about the evils of UV exposure, it’s still important to get at least ten minutes of sunshine a day. The body needs Vitamin D to survive and the best way to get it is by going outdoors where natural light will boost your mood and energy levels. Leave your desk at lunchtime and remember to wear a good sunscreen.
Work up a sweat
Exercise isn’t just good for your physique, regular workouts – or even just a brisk 20 minute walk every day – can have a remarkable impact on your mood, immune system and general wellbeing. And contrary to popular belief, exercise will give you more energy rather than wear you out. Physical activity supplies oxygen to every cell in your body, increasing energy levels and leaving you feeling (and looking!) completely revitalised.
Fuel correctly
You wouldn’t put the wrong kind of petrol in a Formula One car, so don’t feed your body incorrectly either. In order to avoid that mid-afternoon energy slump, look closely at your diet and, more specifically, at the kinds of carbohydrates you consume throughout the day. Chances are, it’s all those empty carbs that are taking a bite out of your energy. Cut out simple carbohydrates like white bread, sodas or baked goods and replace them with complex carbs and whole grains like brown rice, rye or quinoa for a more steady energy supply.
Catch your breath
This may sound stupid but remember to breathe. Properly. Most of us spend our time taking short, swallow breaths, which made it harder for oxygen to transport itself around the body. In order to stay alert and calm, remember to breathe down into your abdomen and exhale completely, pushing your belly button back into your spine.
Technology time out
If you’re reading this late at night, then it’s time to look at the impact of blue light on your energy levels. Like caffeine, blue light is a stimulant that will keep you awake and spoil a good night’s restorative sleep. Cut back on your tech addictions when you get home in the evening. Switching off the telly, the mobile and the laptop after a certain hour will have a remarkable effect on your stress levels, allowing you to relax and recuperate.
De-clutter
The more organised your work and living spaces are, the less stress – and, crucially, tired – you’ll feel. Cluttered environments are usually indicative of a ‘plate-spinning’, an approach which is not always productive or time-efficient. Clean up your space, and prioritise your workloads instead of burning yourself out while trying to juggle a million things at once.
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Absolutely brilliant read, highly recommended!!
Wow the article is so informative . I have learnt a lot from this. I have learnt the importance of drinking water everyday for your body to be hydrated, I now also see the importance of working out also and the benefits which include less sweating and be physically fit and healthy. I am also grateful to Nivea for always taking care of my skin. I have the most smoothest skin because of Nivea deep body lotion.
Fuel Correctly!👏
As a driver, you never put water in a petrol car. Same applies to us as humans. In order to be fully functional and productive (Physically, mentally, and spiritually) one need to get used to eat a healthy balanced diet. Most importantly Breakfast meal, always start a day with a meal.
The article is very interesting. Drinking water is something that I forget to do I would just drink 2 glasses of water in a day, but after reading this I’m starting to improve. I have set reminders to drin water and it’s working for me. It even took the space of eating or snacking with sugar things. My health is improving after reading this article. It is helpful to sometimes get in here and read articles like this.
I haven’t skipped gym since I read this article because I found out about the importance of a gym. Keeps my body healthy and mentally focused. I’m no longer feeling tired every day after work. I love my new self.
The greatest feeling for any individual is to be confident. One thing that #Nivea did right was create a product that gives Men/Women the much more needed boost to have the desired confidence. The products are perfect for every skin and with a variety of products, people have the ability to have that beautiful travel back that’s packed with products that will leave their peers with envy. These are life changing moments when one feels great and feels like they can take the whole world without any fear. #ManBox #ManBoxSA #Nivea #NiveaSA
Thank you manbox, i personally drink lot of water. My problem is my sleeping routine, during the night i find it difficult to sleep and during the day at wirk i will slumber.
Thank you so much again i need to work on my sleeping routine and start exercising and as for my simple life, i would really love a changing steps to help me feel better and look awesome. #nivea _men ❤️
This article is indeed insightful because it reminds us of not forgetting to drink water constantly but not when we feel thirsty, instead each time we get we must drink water so as our body can be able to eliminate wastes. We must ensure a good quality of sleeping if though it’s about six hours, and we need to avoid snacking prior our sleep, because it’s likely to raise our blood sugar level and we need to develop a bedtime routine to end up feeling revitalized in the morning. We need to keep in mind that breakfast is indeed an important meal of the day as it helps with our metabolism. We should get exposure to the sun for our body to get Vitamin D. Working out helps with the immune system and our body physique. Keeping in mind to catch our breath and cut off some tech addiction in the evening like our phones and laptops and lastly we’re reminded to keep our work place as organized as possible to avoid stress and tiredness.
#NIVEAMen #SkinBreathe #manboxskinbreathe #BREATHABLESKIN #Manbox.
Thank you Man Box for the most useful knowledge one can have and share with other mates when chilling update them with the importance of hydration having a bottle of water with you almost everyday to keep you body and mind refreshed . The importance of keeping your bodies system working all day jogging also works good for personal greatness thank you Man Box for the great insight