8 Steps to Help Improve Your Daily Energy Level

We all have careers and dreams and goals we would like to accomplish. And, it’s easy to get into “work mode” and focus intently on your job. But sometimes people work so hard that they actually do things detrimental to their health, and that keeps them from making good progress.

Especially with all the pressures associated with managerial and top level CEO leadership roles, it is important to keep in mind the basics of how to take better care of yourself.

Here are some tips that will help you have more energy and be a more productive leader on a daily basis:

1-  Take frequent breaks

This may sound oversimplified, but it is important to just take breaks throughout your work day. Stand up, move around, stretch your arms and legs. If you take breaks from the computer (or any other type of job) more often, you will find that you will feel refreshed when you come back to your desk.

2-  Drink more water

More people are discovering the benefits of simply drinking more water, which includes things like clearer skin, weight loss, mental alertness, disease prevention, and better digestion and kidney function. Instead of relying upon coffee and other caffeinated drinks for energy, remember to bring a big water bottle to work and sip from it often.  Watch for signs of dehydration which are drier skin, headaches, fever or chills and cravings for sweets. Increasing your water intake is a good way to stay alert and to feel better throughout your work day.

3-  Eat healthy snacks

Try and prepare some healthy snacks before coming to work and keep them near your work area. Things like fresh sliced fruit, and raw vegetables are great healthy snacks to have around.  When you avoid eating junk food and other packaged products, especially those with high sugar intake, you might have a surge of energy from a sugar high for a short time, but it won’t last. If you eat healthy snacks you will be doing yourself a favor because you will have more energy that lasts.

4-  Never skip lunch

Skipping lunch (or breakfast) is a sure fire way to lose your focus and your energy during the day. Nothing is more important that taking care of yourself and no job task is worth sacrificing your nourishment.  When you eat properly and eat healthy foods, you will have more energy to put into your work and you will most likely have more stamina to make it through the day.

5- Avoid long hours

New research shows that working long hours actually makes you less productive. When you work long hours, you are operating in “stress mode” because your body is not only tired, but can be dehydrated and lacking energy. You may get the job done in the short run, but working in stress mode has its costs, which can be getting sick more often, headaches, body aches, weight gain, and other health problems.

6-  Exercise regularly

The benefits of regular exercise are essential to everything you do. Exercise keeps your energy level up, helps you think more clearly, improves your mood, and helps your overall health, so you are better able to tackle any job responsibilities. Just remember whatever way you like to exercise, to make it a daily part of your routine, and try not to skip workouts.

7-  Practice stress relief

If you give all your time and energy to your work, you may feel depleted at the end of the day or week.  Try to find a way to relieve that stress that naturally builds up. You might try eating more of the type of foods that help relieve stress. And, you might want to check into doing some stress-relieving things, such as massage, yoga, or meditation. You can also find things to do at home that help you unwind, such as playing  your favorite music, laying on the floor, or climbing into the hot tub. Or, maybe you can best relax on your home patio, or in front of the big screen.  Do whatever you need to do to relax.

8-  Get enough sleep

Getting the right amount of sleep can make a big difference in job performance levels. It is harder to do anything when you are run down from staying up late and cutting your sleep short. If you have trouble sleeping, try doing activities in the evening that help you unwind, such as reading, doing crafts, or watching movies.  It is easier to get to sleep when you go to bed at regular times and let your brain relax a little from the demands of the work day.

Try using these 8 tips and you could be on you way to a happier and healthier work day, and in a better position to accomplish all the things you are aiming for.

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By Karen Bresnahan.