Highly effective leaders lose energy too!
It happens–even to the best of us. You know what I mean: that early morning fog or midday slump.
Whether you want to admit it or not, some days are less energetic than others. However, there are ways to give yourself more energy and sustain your momentum throughout the day.
I recently ran across an article in the Harvard Business Review, providing 6 Ways to Refuel Your Energy Every Day, written by Tony Schwartz. This is an older article, but the tips are outstanding and can help each of us keep the energy going for the duration.
Tips on Refueling Your Energy Throughout the Day
1. Sleep, sleep, and more sleep. In his article Schwartz discusses the importance of having a good night sleep. He recommends 7 to 8 hours of sleep each night, and discusses how even one less hour can affect your focus and energy the next day. A good strategy is to determine a bed time and stick to it, no matter what! Start unwinding for sleep about 45 minutes prior to bedtime.
2. Breaks are a must. Human beings are not machines or the Energizer Bunny for that matter. We can not keep going all day long without a break. The article recommends taking some sort of break every 90 minutes throughout your workday. Your break doesn’t need to be long–you can stand up, stretch, walk around the office, or even take some deep breaths.
3. Become more organized. Having a list of everything you need to do, both personal and professional, will help you remain focused and energized. When you have a list, you won’t waste energy on worrying about all the things that need to be completed, because they are each written down.
4. Get moving or get napping. Each of us typically has a time of day that is more tiring than others. Typically early afternoon or right after lunch, you will notice people struggling to keep motivated. To prevent this, go for a quick walk and get your heart rate up. Or, you can do just the opposite and take a 20 minute power nap.
5. Cut out the drama. Negative energy is a huge energy waster. If you need to cut out the drama in your life do it. However, if you just need to change your focus, bring yourself to thinking of the positive or what you are thankful for. When you find yourself thinking negative thoughts, just change directions.
6. Transition from work to home. Ending your day at home, on your turf, is supposed to be an escape from your work. However for many of us, leaving work at the office can be difficult. Find a way to let your day go. Whether it is stopping at a local park on your way home or journaling about your day before you enter the door, make an effort to separate work and home.
Finding a way to keep your energy going strong all day long, is essential for your sustainability. Whether you are looking for tips for you to implement, or you are wanting to help your employees or team with their productivity, try these tips on for size and see what happens.
If you have an energy boosting tip I’d love to hear it. Comment below or visit us on Facebook and share.