Party season provides numerous opportunities to gather with friends, stay out late and eat good food. The question is, though, what to do the following morning! Although your energy may be low after a long night of partying or the consumption of large amounts of festive beverages and sweets, lives, jobs and general responsibilities continue nonetheless. Here are four easy recovery steps sure to give you that extra dose of energy after a particularly long night. Meditate Transcendental meditation instructor Nada Haidar explains that the best way to start your day is with 20 minutes of meditation. “It gives you as much energy as a full night's sleep,” she explains, “because the depth of rest your body receives in those 20 minutes.” While having 20 minutes to yourself in the morning may not be feasible, even a mere ten minutes can give you a kick start. To learn meditation techniques in Maadi from Haidar on Wednesdays, contact [email protected]. Eat a hearty breakfast Nutritionist and diet specialists agree across the board that a hearty breakfast will boost metabolism, and, in the end, make you slimmer. A full breakfast will also get your brain moving--especially if it's packed with brain-boosting foods such as eggs, fresh fruits and bran cereal. “Vitamin B will help convert the food you eat into energy,” explains Kristen Sherrod, a visiting nutritionist based in Los Angeles. “So pack breakfast with bananas, grains and nuts, and consider supplementing with vitamins.” One good idea is to pack fruits into a smoothie and take it along with you to work. Listen to energetic music Part of seizing the day means being physically energetic, and it's likely that music will get you moving in the morning. After all, who can resist the beat of their favorite tune? Even if it just produces a smile, upbeat music will give you extra energy. “It has been proven that music can elevate serotonin levels in your brain,” explains neurologist Ahmed Nairy. “Although the music should be music you like and should have a positive message.” Sleep in darkness, wake up with light Sleep researchers have found that deep sleep requires darkness, so in order to get the most out of the few hours of sleep you indulge in, try sleeping in a room without any light. And once you wake up, don't try to get dressed with your curtains (and eyelids) half closed. Not only is this physically dangerous--with the risk of bumping into doors and walls--but it is also detrimental to your energy levels. Throw open those curtains! Turn on the lights! Splash cold water on your face and wake up!
