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6 ways to boost your energy levels and stay productive
In today’s information age, when we can search virtually the entire world in a few clicks. There are so many things we want to buy, so many places we want to visit, so many things we want to try with just not enough time and money.
Not all of us have sky-high aspirations, but we all carry our own bucket list in our heads. Unfortunately, for most of us, the process of achieving the life we want begins with working on things we’re not exactly interested in. Most days we will never feel like we’re doing things we’re supposed to be doing. You have to fake it until you make it. To handle the responsibilities of the least jobs and the most mundane errands, you need to ensure productivity by keeping your energy levels steady, which can sometimes be quite a challenge for even the best of us.
Here are some steps you can take to boost yourself during some of your busiest days.
1. Chase away the darkness, let there be light!
Circadian Rhythm – this is our body’s internal clock that regulates our 20-hour sleep/wake pattern and takes care of several other physiological processes that are heavily influenced by light. The more natural light or bright light in your workspace, the easier it is for your body to put you into work mode.
2. Don’t let up, jump straight out of bed to tackle the day
If you keep hitting the snooze button every ten minutes to steal another half hour of sleep, then don’t. You’re wasting time and not getting extra rest.
When getting up, the alarm clock rings a daily painful struggle; then it just shows that you are not getting enough sleep. Hit the bed earlier. Dim the light and grab a book or magazine at the lamp side to fall asleep. Ensure absolute darkness for quality sleep.
The light and noise of phones, tablets, laptops, and TVs, on the other hand, keep you from getting to bed on time and leave you grumpy and sluggish the next day.
A little bit of yoga is another great way to switch on a positive current early in the morning. Exercising in the morning is a good start. But even a short, mild workout can set you up for the day.
For example, try holding each stretch in the image below for five deep breaths. The stretches do not necessarily have to be as deep as shown. If a pose feels uncomfortable, stand up straight before trying again.
3. Too many caffeine hits will blow your mind!
A cup of coffee in the morning and another in the afternoon is fine. But if you like your coffee with lots of cream, sugar, and chocolate, or grab a cup of black coffee every time you lose interest in your work; You’re setting yourself up for a series of sleepless nights, sluggish days, and possible weight gain!
4. Recharge your batteries to get through the day
Even if you’re not feeling hungry after a nutritious breakfastloaded with fiber and antioxidants, it’s an important step to sparking positive momentum. Green tea or green smoothies are nutritious. Replace ready-to-eat grains with high-fiber porridge made with fruits like apples, pears, guavas, berries, etc. Add some egg whites and you have an unbeatably invigorating kick-start.
5. Break the monotony with a quick scenario change
We have limited attention to spare. Being stuck in a humble routine can drain our energy.
Change your mood with a short ten-minute walk while listening to your favorite song. You can also play a quick online game or do a crossword puzzle.
Another quick way to revive is by sharing a hearty laugh. Make sure your good friends are just a speed dial away and your funniest friends are at the top of the list. Don’t forget to return the favor by cracking a joke or two, but avoid turning the conversation into a long gossip session.
If you find yourself working a particularly long time at your desk, begin each break with the following steps to release pent-up tension in your body.
6. Just take a deep breath – take a deep breath!
Especially during times of stress or anxiety, we don’t realize how shallow our breathing becomes. Mastering a few breathing exercises will give you a stimulating free burst of energy to stay on top of your game during crunch time.
At the beginning of each time you feel a little overwhelmed, find yourself in a quiet corner and try to breathe slowly and controlled, taking at least 4 seconds each inhalation and exhalation. Those prone to anxiety may be surprised to know how difficult it can be, but practice as much as possible and often. Take at least ten deep breaths.
Once you’re comfortable, you can master advanced yoga breathing exercises like Alternate Nostril Breathing and Kapalabhati, which are known to wake up the brain better than the strongest cup of coffee!