Do you feel lethargic most mornings? Do you rely on caffeinated beverages to help power you through the day? If yes, it's time to stop relying on these quick fixes and develop an energy management plan. Getting started could seem a little scary at first, but once you notice the benefits of a healthier, happier and more productive lifestyle you'll be energized to keep going.
It is important to remember that our energy is a limited resource, just like our money in a bank account. Everyday we start with a certain amount to spend, which depends from person to person based on factors, such as sleep, stress levels, medical conditions, age, and lifestyle. Throughout the day, we perform multiple activities, which can be compared with transactions, to withdraw energy from and deposit energy into your account. It is true that we may not always have control over activities that consume our energy, we can take steps to deposit more energy into our accounts. We will now look at some important tips that can help you increase your energy to live a healthier, happier, more productive life.
Eat nourishing food
As you might have already guessed, nourishing food is very important for our well-being. According to researchers, a balanced diet that is high in vegetables and fruits, lean protein, whole grains and low-fat dairy is what we need for optimal energy. So it is true to some extent, we are what we eat. It is important to consume a variety of foods from different food groups so we can get a range of nutrients to energize us throughout the day. Opt for fresh vegetables and fruits and vegetables. Choose a healthy protein source, such as fish and legumes. Try to consume 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, pasta or rice. If this sounds a little too much or you think you won’t have the time for all this because you are already too busy, you should look for an alternate source, such as Spirulina. Spirulina has many health benefits and contains all the essential vitamins and nutrients that will help you lead a healthier and energetic lifestyle.
Get seven to eight hours of sleep at night
A lot of people need to work on this. Getting enough sleep is a very important and a very healthy habit. Most of us already know that we need at least seven hours of sleep every night, so what prevents us from getting it? Work on the things that you think are your biggest sleep disruptors. Remember that sleep deprivation can cause serious health problems and also have a negative impact on our mood, motivation, energy and stress levels. Start prioritizing sleep in order to set yourself up for a productive, energized day.
Keep company with good people
Take some time out to spend it with the people you enjoy being around. A good connection with those who radiate positivity and have similar interests will energize and excite you. On the other hand, people who you can’t relate to or people who complain often, make poor choices or have negative outlooks will only drain your energy account. Carefully choose the company you keep.
Avoid news overdose
News can help us stay connected to what's happening around the world and it can be entertaining, educational, and even uplifting. Unfortunately, you might agree, the news frequently carries with it stories of suffering. Frequently reading about such stories can distort our view of the world and cause us to focus on our worst fears instead of noticing the good that surrounds us. We understand that it is not possible to avoid all such stories altogether, but we can try to minimize our exposure whenever possible, especially during times of trouble, struggle and unhappiness.
Get regular exercise
We often find ourselves feeling sluggish halfway through the day and often get tired by performing simple everyday duties, such as household chores and grocery shopping. According to research, we should get at least 150 minutes of exercise every week. It doesn’t matter what you believe, this will add to your energy account instead of subtracting from it. Exercise strengthens our muscles, boosts endurance and helps relieve stress and tension. This helps us to do more work efficiently during other activities and physical tasks.
Do something meaningful everyday
It is important to remember the things that you feel passionate about. You may have a special talent that you'd like to share with others or to practice more often. Take some time out to do something you enjoy every day, even if it's something as simple as listening to your favoarite music or cooking a healthy meal. Working on the things that matter the most to us helps bring out the best in us, by utilizing our energy.
This is a guest blog entry.