8 ways to boost your stamina

The lockdown time was a phase of unlearning and slow down for us. Unfortunately, that also meant that for lack of an active lifestyle, our stamina slowed down too.

Stamina means a person's ability to sustain any activity. Whether physical or mental, it's important to be healthy and having a good stamina at any age is important to keep going.

As we move from lockdown to the graded unlock phase, it might take longer than usual to get back to your previous activity levels. This is where powering up your stamina could help.

Here are some tips and tricks to stay healthier and boost your stamina, naturally.

01/ Have a healthy diet

After all the comfort food and cooking adventures, it's time to get some health back into your plate. Eating a healthy and mindful meal is never a bad decision. Having a balanced, nutritious meal is one of the ways you can get back in shape and build your endurance. Make sure you have something from all food groups. Nutrient deficiencies should not be missed.

Power-packed nuts and seeds can be a helpful addition to your meals. Ensure you eat seasonal supplies generously. Avoid too much of processed food.

02/ Eat foods which boost your energy

Instead of energy-boosting drinks, look for actual foods which work up your energy levels.

One can also try and add natural energy boosters in the diet. Traditional Ayurvedic herbs, such as ashwagandha are extremely potent in benefits and recharge you well. You can consume it in the form of a tablet, or root, whatever suits you.

03/ Maintain a proper eating window

At the same time, it's vital that you maintain a proper time gap between your meals. What you eat and the time you eat them should align with your body's natural clock. This would also help you avoid any crash. Stick to a consistent meal gap so that your energy levels remain balanced out.

If you have been following any special diet plan, make sure to not stop it hastily. Either you can continue it, or else, take small steps to return back to your old schedule.

04/ Remember to go slow

As with any change, the first few days will be difficult for you. You might find yourself low on energy, drained, dull and difficult to go about your routine as you did before. This should be no reason to fret. Take one day at a time and in no time, you would find it easier to get back to your routine. Remember, a lot of things around you would have changed and you should be giving your body and mind time to adjust.

05/ Try your hand at meditation

There's a reason why so many experts suggest taking out time for self-care (and many have tried their hand at yoga and meditation in the past months). Both yoga and meditation are holistic mediums which help align our chakras, recentre our minds and relax. Practised over time, yoga and meditation can reduce stress triggers, enhance mental clarity and increase your stamina and performance. Plus, it's also good for your immunity. Hence, make it a point to keep 15-20 minutes out of your schedule free for some meditative session.

06/ Restrict sleep

The one thing that has gone for a toss during the work from home life is our sleep cycle. Whether it is sleeping late, sleeping for longer hours or catching in on extra naps. Now, it's time to get back to your older routine. Maintaining proper sleep discipline could keep you healthy and help in the long run. One thing a lot of us could definitely do is skip out on the naps during the day. Make sure to go to bed and get up at proper times.

07/ Exercise

The value of exercise and working out couldn't be underestimated. Staying physically active fights off stress, bad health, weight gain and also ensures you have ample of stamina needed to get going. If you have been leading a sedentary lifestyle, try incorporating bouts of exercise and slowly, take it up a notch. Don't take it to the extreme at once and instead, concentrate on making slow and steady progress. For starters, even something simple like a brisk walk could be good.

08/ Use your stimulants wisely

Certain additives like caffeine, tea leaves, nicotine are stimulants. While we are not saying any of them are outrightly bad for you, building your stamina would require you to use these stimulants wisely. .Limit your caffeine intake (not more than 2 cups a day) , have less sugar or fizzy drinks and avoid smoking. Instead of depending on them as 'must-haves', make healthier choices. Have plenty of water, which would not only keep you recharged but also suppress cravings.

from LifeStyle