When you talk about energy-boosters, most people turn to vitamins and supplements to invigorate them throughout the day. In the long run, people tend to think that they can’t be as productive without these stimulants.
As busy professionals, you need as much energy as you can get to maintain the hustle and keep your mind focused and ideas flowing. Good thing you can get that without having to depend on supplements. You just have to be willing to make these lifestyle changes.
Work During Your Most Productive Time
One of the scientific ways to maximizing your daily output is by working around your Circadian Rhythm. This is your body clock running 24 hours in your brain and is responsible for your varying alertness levels throughout the day. You may have noticed that your energy dips at around the same time every day.
For most people, the biggest lull in their day is sometime between 2 to 4 PM or 7 to 8 hours after they woke up in the morning. During this energy drop, you’ll notice that it’s harder to concentrate and more difficult to make good decisions or even remember things.
Try to reserve your important tasks during your high-energy windows, not during this time. To not put this time to waste, you can do simple tasks like reading emails and organizing your files. You’ll get more done in less time when you finish important tasks at a time when you’re most alert.
Get Enough Sleep
Probably one of the most important elements in your wellness routine yet is one of the most compromised by working professionals and entrepreneurs. A number of them usually get less than the recommended 7-9 hours a night.
This lifestyle is definitely not sustainable. Make sleep a priority and get your sleep patterns right, you’ll be rewarded with a more productive day.
Be Active
Lack of physical activities can hamper your energy levels. According to fitness expert Dr. Roger Adams, not being active causes the body to produce less energy; therefore making you feel fatigued and unmotivated.
Exercises you can try are walking or riding the bike, yoga, resistance training, and running. High-intensity workouts like basketball, soccer, rowing, and HIIT, are also great options. It’s advisable to schedule your workouts in the morning or at mid-afternoon so the onset of the energy boost will be while you’re working.
Consume Smaller Meals Throughout the Day
Have you noticed that you feel extra drowsy after a heavy lunch? Desperately needing a nap can obviously affect your productivity. The blood flow diverts to the digestive system when you’re digesting your lunch, so there will be less oxygen for the brain. Lacking oxygen can fatigue you.
To avoid feeling sluggish, try to eat smaller meals throughout the day with a limit of up to 4 to 5 meals. Also, stay away from food items that have tryptophan, an amino acid that induces sleep.
This includes cow’s milk, pork, beef, chicken, selected fish variety, and some types of cheese.
Drink Plenty of Water
Even a mild form of dehydration can mess with your brain functions, affect your mood, and increase risks of headaches. Keep a bottle of water on your desk to have you sipping throughout the day.