[Estimated reading time: 3 minutes]
As we make our way through our work day, we experience episodes of clarity and energy and others of lethargy and forgetfulness. Luckily, with the help of experts who have studied the inner workings of the human mind and body, there are a number of small changes we can implement in order to overcome energy slumps and push on effectively throughout the day.
Here are 5 tips on how to increase energy throughout your work day
-
Eat, drink and be merry What you eat and drink has a massive impact on how energised you feel during the day. Nutritionists suggest eating a healthy breakfast to kick start your day, drinking water regularly and choosing smaller, frequent meals rather than big, infrequent ones. Sticking to these simple routines will keep your blood sugar and energy levels stable, leaving you less susceptible to feeling drained and lethargic.
-
Choose food wisely Apart from eating regularly, food experts recommend including more magnesium and omega-3 rich foods into your diet. Easy ways to get more of these fuel boosters into your system is to add almonds, hazelnuts or cashews to your meals, up your intake of whole grains and eat more fish. Additionally, instead of gravitating towards vending machine treats, opt for “power snacks” that combine protein, fibre and a smidgen of fat to keep you perky during the work day.
-
Less talking, more walking Experts believe that physical activity, especially walking, raises energy levels. Moving away from your desk and getting out into the fresh air for a ten minute walk, may very well be the remedy to your daily energy dips. Although walking is suitable for individuals of all fitness levels, any physical activity is linked to increased energy levels. It doesn’t matter if you prefer going to the gym in your lunch break or playing squash three times a week after work. All that matters is that you include more physical activity into your day to day routine!
-
Declutter your workspace and your mind A mere five minutes a day dedicated to tidying your workspace can have a huge effect on your morale and energy levels. Sifting through old documents, paperwork and emails is not conducive to getting through issues that you have to deal with today.
During your morning commute to work or whilst you are getting ready, you can also use visualisation techniques focussing on how you will tackle your work tasks and how it will feel once they are completed. This will help you get down to business straightaway and as a result, you’ll feel re-energised every time you strike something off your to-do list. - Destress When we’re stressed, we tend to get less quality sleep, making us cranky and less motivated. Although stress has become an inevitable part of our lives, it’s important that we recognise the unique ways that help us de-stress and stay positive. Walking, yoga, gym work-outs, meditation, knitting, reading or putting jigsaws together, are just a few of the varied ways that can help people destress. Find out what works for you and include it in your daily routine.
There are several other techniques that you can experiment with as you begin your own personal journey to feeling more energised and motivated throughout your day and the above tips are by no means exhaustive.
Want to read more: