Good Morning Lovelies, 

They say that an adult between the ages of 18 to 64 should get between seven to nine hours of sleep a night. Something that I can actually only dream of getting lovelies! Most days, I do try to hit seven hours, yet, with so many external factors causing issues with my bedtime routine, it is hard to do so. 

This often leads to me feeling exhausted throughout the day, as I have spent my night trying to block out the sounds from my neighbours, whilst also trying to get the combined ADHD I have to settle down and not be so restless. It is a tough battle and often by the middle of the day I can be found yawning. 

Yet, when that afternoon slump hits, I have found a number of ways that have helped me to get a little bit more alert again until I can finally crawl into my wonderful bed. I thought it might be helpful today to share them with you in case you are like me and need something to add a little pep to your day. It’s time to wake up and embrace the day with these helpful pieces of guidance lovelies…

Move (Even If Only A Little): Even though you may feel incredibly tired, try to move. Whether it be a little bop around the kitchen or a beautiful walk outside, exercise can help to motivate us to keep going. I have found that by moving my workouts to the afternoon, I am beating the slump my body feels if I do them first thing in the morning. Plus, if I incorporate my workouts with being outdoors, such as when I go for a walk, the sun, fresh air and views that I witness also motivate me. 

Embrace The Carbs & Water: Whilst sugar can seem like a good idea, the crash that it can cause can make you feel even more tired. It is therefore better to go for some complex carbs and plenty of water to help feed your tired brain. I often find that a cup of peppermint and liquorice tea with a hearty vegetable based meal makes me feel very alive. Though if I am looking to go to sleep than a good old bowl of cereal or porridge with warm milk and honey works wonders.

Do What You Have To First Thing: As soon as you get to work make sure to do the tasks that need the most focus or are the most important first. Our brains are more alert as soon as we wake up, so beating that afternoon slump by doing the tasks that are vital first means that you lack of sleep won’t let you down. Creating a list is also great when it comes to this, as a tired brain can also be a forgetful one. 

Listen Or What Something Motivating: I often find that if I put on something that I love, whether it be a piece of music or a film or TV show, I get an excitement back within me that helps to inspire my brain to function. Right now, I am writing this on very little sleep, but the fact I have the new Peaky Blinders film to watch alongside creating this post has definitely revived my soul. Make a playlist full of upbeat songs that call for dancing or put on that thrilling feature that gets your heart going.

Avoid Long Naps: I am going to say something a little controversial here but I am not a fan of a nap. I often find that when I wake up from them, I am groggy and not a very happy soul. Plus, I like to make the most out of most of my days. Yet, I can see why so many people love and need them, especially if they haven’t slept much the night before. If you decide to take a nap lovelies, make sure that it isn’t for too long, as this can make it harder to go to sleep again at the end of the day. Take a quick 30 minute power one to help you revive yourself. Plus lovelies, if you need some help to fall asleep or to remain calm during the day, make sure to check out the Optima Natura oils range. Their handy N-Active Oil Set provides the vital natural scents that you need to fall asleep, get energised or rest easier. Three things that I need to do every single day!

Although I focus most of my day trying to come up with ways to remove the problems that prevent me from sleeping well, these little factors make a huge difference when I have to keep going! I am definitely working very hard to improve my sleep and I hope that all of you lovelies are getting enough too. 

If not, what are some ways that help to motivate you? Please do let me know, as I am always looking for new ways to stay alert lovelies! Starting with a big old fashioned sleepathon aha! 

Joey X