Energy is a valuable resource which needs to be managed carefully. Unlike time, you can work to increase your energy levels. When you do increase your energy levels, you will see dramatic improvements in many areas of your life including your productivity, your health and your zest for life. The need to manage your energy levels is becoming more apparent. One of the biggest obstacles to increased energy levels and productivity is the fact that many of the best methods appear to be counterintuitive. Rather than increase your energy levels and your productivity, you might think that they would do the opposite.
5 Habits which will increase your energy
The following 5 habits will increase your energy levels, your productivity and your health and all of this can be achieved with minimal effort.
1. Schedule rest time first
I know that it sounds counterintuitive but if you want to increase your energy, you need to have adequate recovery from the stresses and strains of daily life. This requires rest. Identify the amount of rest that you require and block that time out of your calendar. Nothing short of an emergency should interfere with this time.
When you are well rested, you are more energetic and ready to take on the world. You can give your all to every task because you know that you will have sufficient opportunity to recover from your efforts. Prioritise your rest time.
2. Increase your sleep
When trying to get more done, you might decide to eat into your sleeping time so that you have more time for your tasks. This is one of the worst choices you could make. Being properly rested will allow you to have more energy and better concentration. Therefore, you complete your tasks quicker and more accurately. Regardless of what you might think, you cannot really catch up on lost sleep. If you want to increase your energy and your productivity, schedule a little more time for sleep. Once your new habit has been established, you will see the benefits.
3. Keep regular sleeping hours
Your body’s energy levels work in flows. A degree of regularity enables your body to work to its best. If you want to see the importance of a regular sleep routine, consider what happens when you experience jet lag. Your routine is severely interrupted by the change in time zone and you lack energy, motivation, concentration and effectiveness.
Regular sleeping hours enable you to function at your optimum level. To provide this degree of regularity, you can establish a regular time for going to bed and a regular time for getting up.
4. Take a nap
During the middle of your day, your energy levels will naturally begin to drop. If you try and fight it, you will find it a struggle. Rather than fight it, if possible, take a brief nap or spend some time meditating. These activities only need to be brief e.g. 20 minutes but they will increase your energy levels dramatically and allow you to have a highly productive afternoon.
5. Exercise
You may think of exercise as an activity which robs you of energy but when you regularly exercise and allow yourself sufficient recovery time between exercise sessions, you build up your strength, fitness and stamina. You become more resilient in the face of pressure. This results in you feeling more energised and become more productive.
For great strategies to increase and manage your energy levels, check out Limitless Energy.
Being productive does not just require that you manage your time effectively; you must also manage your energy levels. The corporate world is slowly starting to realise the importance of proper rest and recovery for maximising energy and reducing stress. It may seem counterintuitive but making rest time a foundation stone of your schedule will dramatically increase your energy levels, improve your productivity and protect your health. Take the time to implement the 5 steps above and you will increase your energy levels rapidly.
Image credit: Roxana Gonzalez