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Sound familiar?
Being energised doesn't always seem to an easy task, especially when we have such busy lifestyles where multiple multi-tasking is the norm. Our addiction to energy quick-fixes like coffee, energy drinks, and general sugary stuff would indicate that we are well aware that our energy levels are often running in the red, and so we seek that magic quick fix.
But how effective are these quick fixes, and wouldn't prevention be better than the not so effective short-term 'cures'?
I reckon so.
Below are seven healthy general lifestyle tips to help you feel more energised. The tips within this post are very much inspired by Oliver Gray, who is a former professional tennis player, and now author of the book 'Energise You'.
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#1 - Mind Management
Positive thinking, visualisation, and taking daily time-out to try and silence your mind even for a few minutes every day will have an enormously positive influence on your energy levels, focus, ability to manage stress, and make decisions.
Daily meditation and simple mantras are a great way to help focus and manage the mind.
There are literally thousands of mantras, here is a very simple, ancient and fantastic mantra called 'So Hum'
Daily meditation and simple mantras are a great way to help focus and manage the mind.
There are literally thousands of mantras, here is a very simple, ancient and fantastic mantra called 'So Hum'
#2 - Nutrition
What you eat really does have a huge affect and influence on your energy levels and general health. The problem surrounding nutrition is that many people simply don't understand it, or more likely just don't have the knowledge about it. Diet has become big business and fashionable, with that comes many contradicting 'expert' theories. We are all different, and as such I believe diet isn't a one hat fits all. Your diet should reap long-term benefits and consistency, and be a compromise between healthy and enjoyable.
A well balanced diet doesn't have to be about expensive foods that take ages to prepare.
In terms of energy, at its simplest, you need to eat foods that release energy slowly not quickly. Foods with a high GI will release energy quickly, which will then mean you have some steep peaks and troughs. It's within the troughs when you feel your energy levels are in the red and you reach for the chocolate bar, fizzy drink, or coffee.
- Eating foods that have a low GI will help stabilise your energy levels and prevent peaks and troughs
- Protein rich foods can help to reduce reflux and keep blood sugar levels stable while supporting healthy muscles and your immune system. A protein rich breakfast helps reduce the risk of sugar dips and sporadic highs.
- More granular information on a 'balanced diet'
#3 - Sleep
Sleep revitalises, replenishes, and keeps us in healthy working order. Nine reasons why sleep is so important are below. If you do find yourself tossing and turning at night, don't get up and stress about it. Simply resting your body is still beneficial for you.
- Keeps our heart healthy
- Reduces stress
- Reduces chronic inflammation
- Makes us more active
- Boosts memory
- Can help us loose weight
- Makes us smarter
- Reduces risk of depression
- Helps our body replenish
The nine points are discussed in more detail in a great blog post by Coco-Mat, which is well worth a read.
#4 - Exercise
Whilst a big gym session, run, row, swim and playing a team sport are great ways of feeling and looking good, exercise can also be going for a walk to the shops, or nipping out for a short walk at lunchtime, or even taking heed from the late and great Steve Jobs who often had 'walking meetings'.
The point is - something is better than nothing, and exercise unquestionably keeps you feeling motivated, energised, focused, and physiologically better prepared for stress and to combat a hectic lifestyle.
The point is - something is better than nothing, and exercise unquestionably keeps you feeling motivated, energised, focused, and physiologically better prepared for stress and to combat a hectic lifestyle.
#5 - Technology use
Use technology to work smarter and manage your time and energy more efficiently. There's an app for everything, so explore a little. Efficiency means you have more time and energy to do other things you enjoy.
That said, we can use and rely on technology particularly just before we go to bed, which then can have a negative impact on important energy factors such as sleep. For more info, have a read of a past article on 'How Gadgets affect our sleep'
#6 - Re-energising
We are always so busy that it is hard for us to do nothing, that is switch off and simply enjoy the moment. Doing nothing even for a few minutes can refocus the mind and have profound physical and mental benefits. So, have a cuppa, listen to your favourite tune, or sit in silence for a few minutes at least three times each day to reenergise. Easy really.
#7 - Work-life balance
This one seems pretty obvious right? Wrong. One of the most popular regrets of the dying (Life life and don't regret) is that they worked too hard and didn't spend enough time with friends and family.
That old adage of 'work to live' not 'live to work' is for many somehow lost until it is too late.
"I have a plan", "it's only for a short time" we hear them say, and ambition shouldn't be thwarted, but we do have to make sure we take regular reality checks on ourselves. We schedule in time to meet colleagues and have ever so important meetings, well, we should also schedule in time to regularly meet up with friends and family. They and indeed us, will not be around for ever, and you never know when their or your last day will be. To say you do not have time is utterly ridiculous, make time, as there will be a time when you or someone you care about really doesn't have any.
That old adage of 'work to live' not 'live to work' is for many somehow lost until it is too late.
"I have a plan", "it's only for a short time" we hear them say, and ambition shouldn't be thwarted, but we do have to make sure we take regular reality checks on ourselves. We schedule in time to meet colleagues and have ever so important meetings, well, we should also schedule in time to regularly meet up with friends and family. They and indeed us, will not be around for ever, and you never know when their or your last day will be. To say you do not have time is utterly ridiculous, make time, as there will be a time when you or someone you care about really doesn't have any.
#8 - Bonus tips
- A habit is a neuro path-way in the brain that means you do something unconsciously. It takes about a month to form or break a habit. Research shows if you repeatedly focus on something for a month then you form a new neuro path-way, and vice versa if you don't, the pathway will die or weaken.
- Research suggests we should only focus on three habits at any one time
- When forming new habits we should think of the 80/20 rule, that is 'don't try to be perfect all the time, try to stick to a habit 80% of the time'
- Relaxation breathing technique (7/11): This is a great technique to relax yourself if you are feeling anxious, stressed or nervous about a business meeting. Breathe in for 7 seconds and breathe out for 11 seconds - do this 6-8 times and it forces your body to go into a state of relaxation. Key here is to expire longer than you inhale, so feel free to shorten the durations.
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