I’m a sucker for performance and recovery hacks, research and frankly anything related to self-improvement.
Recently, I read a great article that I wanted to share with you.
The article is titled “12 Ways to Recover From Anything” and was written by Men’s Health (sorry, I couldn’t find a website link).
I paraphrased the article below. Enjoy:
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1. Going through a tough breakup? Scientists found that acetaminophen can dull emotional as well as physical pain. A less bitter pill to swallow, at least for the short term. – University of Kentucky
2. Put on some Marvin Gaye. Kendrick can power you through your reps, but slower-tempo music (around 70 bpm) may help your muscles recover more quickly. – Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness
3. Strike a pose. Downward dog looks like man’s second-best friend. Yoga can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. And can even promote addiction recovery. – International Journal of Yoga
4. Drink more beer. Stop by a bar after a long run. A beer or two along with water is as effective at re-hydrating you as water alone. – Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition
5. Hot sauce on everything! The capsaicin in chili peppers may help stave off increases in blood lactate, helping to relieve muscle fatigue. – Nutrients
6. Go green, or blue. Watching nature documentaries can significantly reduce anger and stress after a lousy day, replacing them with a sense of joy. Planet Earth and chill? – University of California, Berkeley
7. Pop a squat. To catch your breath, hinge at the hips and knees; rest hands on thighs. This can drop your heart rate by about 22 bpm more than standing with your hands clasped behind your head. – Western Washington University
8. Walk to work. Chasing that wiped-out feeling with 20 minutes of low-intensity exercise – such as walking to work during an energy-sapping week – could reduce fatigue by 65 percent.
9. Meditate. About two hours a week of mindfulness (such as meditation and mindful eating) may help reduce some of the daytime impairments from sleep loss. – JAMA Internal Medicine
10. Cut the chill. Ice baths are fine if you’re injured. But after a hard workout, seek heat. It can reduce muscle soreness better than cold. – Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine
11. Redefine “rest.” Swimming on your rest day defeats delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) and may help you recover faster than putting your feet up. – International Journal of Sports Medicine
12. Eat up after drinking. Alcohol keeps your gut from creating certain liver – and intestine-protecting fatty acids. In case of hangover emergency: Replenish with a greasy wrap. –Gatroenterology