Another THON weekend has come and gone, and while everybody is still sleeping off that 46-hour high, classes jump right back into full swing Monday morning. How exactly can you prepare yourself for that? With a few easy recommendations from VALLEY you are sure to be back on track.
Sleep Schedule
Starting off with what is arguably the most difficult to alter, it is very important to set a good sleep schedule in your everyday life.
Think of THON like having jet lag. Adjusting your sleep schedule is not always easy, but it doesn’t have to be hard. One method for repairing a sleep schedule is to take melatonin. Described by Healthline as a “natural sleep aid,” melatonin is widely renowned for its use in combating insomnia, along with its lesser-known benefits for the immune system, blood pressure and cortisol levels.
Another practice beneficial to adjusting sleep schedules is drinking water. Though it is a very basic recommendation given for a myriad of health related topics, keeping yourself hydrated really is so important. WebMD says that dehydration can negatively impact your body during an adjustment period such as jet lag, or in this case THON, so be sure to keep yourself hydrated with plenty of water!
Helpful Foods
Before discussing the specific foods that help with energy boosts, it’s important to note that food in general is very important for replenishing your deenergized body. As Georgia State University nutrition researcher and professor Dan Benardot, PhD, RD, FACSM, said to WebMD, “Never let your tank get on empty.”
Calorie-heavy foods are best for providing energy, so snacks of carbohydrates, proteins, and/or fats are ideal for starting off your day on a high note. This can include many foods, but a great option is oatmeal, which is absorbed into the body and turned into energy very quickly. Also, because of its complex carbohydrates, that energy lasts much longer than it does with other food. Oatmeal is a great, healthy option for energizing and feeling ready to take on the week.
Mental Health
Another very big aspect of bouncing back after an exciting weekend is to address and take care of the state of your mental health. If post-concert depression is a thing, post-THON depression is absolutely a thing. It’s just as important to take care of your emotions and get your mind back into the swing of things as it is for your body.
Starting off every morning with a routine, whether it be exercise, meditation, stretching, or even something as simple as a walk around the block, it can really make a difference in your mental health. Be sure to give yourself some ‘me time’ and allow for a calming readjustment period.
Here at VALLEY, we know it’s hard to go back to a normal schedule after THON, but we’re all in this together. Share your rejuvenation methods with us, @VALLEYmag, on Twitter and let us know whatever works for you!
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