While the rest of the world is waking up as the weather turns warm, our bodies may not respond the same way. Many of us may share the same feeling of inexplicable1 drowsiness2 as we embrace spring, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a term for it: chunkun, "spring sleepiness".
Although spring sleepiness is not an illness, the following tips might be essential for those who really need to stay awake.
1. Don't sleep more, exercise more
Eight hours of sleep is usually enough for adults. Getting longer sleep may reduce activity in the cerebral3 cortex, making people sleepier. Instead, slightly increase the level of your physical activity, which will help to send more oxygen to the brain, making us feel awake and energetic. Aerobic4 exercise, such as jogging, swimming and rope skipping, are recommended.
2. Fight back with caffeine but do not overdose
A cup of coffee or tea that contains a good amount of caffeine is good for the health, and is important to keep us alert for important occasions, such a crucial meeting. However, too much coffee may cause an accelerated heartbeat, anxiety and other symptoms that may be linked to heart problems.
3. More protein and fruits, and less greasy5 foods
Modern research finds that sleepiness in spring is usually accompanied by insufficient6 protein, vitamins and an imbalance of internal acid. To feel light and alert, eat more food that is high in protein, such as salmon7 and eggs; rich in vitamins, such as citrus and lemon and alkaline foods, such as fresh vegetables. Greasy foods and alcohol will have the reverse effect.
4. Splash cold water on your face
If a cup of coffee doesn't keep you awake long enough, try splashing cold water on your face, which is always refreshing8. Also try brushing your teeth with mint-scented toothpaste, or use mouthwash.
5. Get some fresh air
Make sure that air flows properly in your office and bedroom. Bad air flow will lead to insufficient oxygen, which will affect the brain's performance. Also go outdoors to get close to nature.
6. Drink enough water
Try to always have a bottle of water next to you, as it can help to eliminate accumulated toxins10 and help to fight spring fatigue11. You can also add slices of lemon to ginger12 it up and make it vitamin-rich.
7. Find the natural scent9 that awakes you
Smelling an aromatic13 oil, plant or herb is one way to wake up our senses. Try placing a pot of fresh mint or basil on your office desk, or apply some pungent14 feng you jing, a special medicated oil used to relieve headaches and minor15 aches.
If none of the above tips work for you, you should be fine by the end of April.
1
inexplicable [ˌɪnɪkˈsplɪkəbl]
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adj.无法解释的,难理解的 | |
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2
drowsiness ['draʊzɪnəs]
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n.睡意;嗜睡 | |
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3
cerebral [ˈserəbrəl]
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adj.脑的,大脑的;有智力的,理智型的 | |
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4
aerobic [eəˈrəʊbɪk]
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adj.需氧的,增氧健身法的,有氧的 | |
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greasy [ˈgri:si]
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adj. 多脂的,油脂的 | |
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6
insufficient [ˌɪnsəˈfɪʃnt]
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adj.(for,of)不足的,不够的 | |
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7
salmon [ˈsæmən]
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n.鲑,大马哈鱼,橙红色的 | |
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8
refreshing [rɪˈfreʃɪŋ]
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adj.使精神振作的,使人清爽的,使人喜欢的 | |
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9
scent [sent]
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n.气味,香味,香水,线索,嗅觉;vt.嗅,发觉;vi.发出…的气味;有…的迹象;嗅着气味追赶 | |
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10
toxins [ˈtɔksɪnz]
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n.毒素( toxin的名词复数 ) | |
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11
fatigue [fəˈti:g]
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n.疲劳,劳累 | |
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12
ginger [ˈdʒɪndʒə(r)]
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n.姜,精力,淡赤黄色;adj.淡赤黄色的;vt.使活泼,使有生气 | |
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13
aromatic [ˌærəˈmætɪk]
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adj.芳香的,有香味的 | |
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