Everyone's entitled to be a couch potato every once in awhile. It's only when it becomes a daily habit that it's a problem. If you're constantly feeling lethargic or unproductive, watch out for these things that are known to zap your energy.
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Your cluttered desk
If you're constantly turning down plans, your disorganized desk might be to blame. According to research from , visual clutter competes with your brain's ability to pay attention and tires out your cognitive functions, making you more mentally and physically exhausted.
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Your blue walls
The same reason you should make your bedroom walls blue is why you shouldn't paint the rest of your house this color: A found that blue walls help slow down your heart rate, reduce your blood pressure, and make you feel sleepy. In other words: Good-bye, to-do list.
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Your thermostat setting
Studies found that the optimal temperature for sleep is actually pretty cool at 60 to 68 degrees Fahrenheit — so if you keep your home chilly, you might find yourself feeling ready for a instead of your jam-packed schedule.
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Your cell phone
A study by the found that many people were woken up by a call, text, or email at least a few times a night — and that interrupted sleep makes for a groggy day after.
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Your junk food
Sorry, potato chips: It's been scientifically proven that these foods are loaded with simple , which result in frequent blood sugar spikes, followed by sharp drops that result in tiredness. Maybe that's why these foods are almost always paired with binge-watching sessions.
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Your overhead lights
You know that afternoon slump that makes you want to live on the couch forever? Apparently your lighting plays a huge role in it. A study from reveals people who work in natural light (verses just overhead lighting) sleep more at night — making them less likely to drag come the afternoon.
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Your computer
Sure, these devices have changed our lives forever when it comes to convenience, but that's kind of problem. After all, when you can order groceries, watch your favorite shows, and keep in touch with family members all from your couch, why would you ever leave it?
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Your lavender candles
found that people who sniffed this smell before bed slept more soundly. So if you light up your candle and let the flowery scent fill you home during the day, you can expect that rela feeling to put you right to sleep.
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Your television
Sadly, your favorite shows exude that suppress your brain's production of melatonin, meaning you're more likely to have shorter disrupted sleep, which will make you more tired the next day. There goes your plans to go to the gym.
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Your coffee maker
We know, it's kind of counter intuitive. After all, this machine makes that magical substance that gives you energy. But if you drink coffee too late in the day, it'll keep you up at night, causing the following day to be a total drag.
