- If you are super tired, then the key to greater productivity is not to push harder, but to push less
- Once you start getting enough sleep habitually, your body will support you in accomplishing your daily goals instead of dragging you down
- Start aiming for an earlier bedtime basis the number of hours you need to be rested. Set a recurring alarm on your phone around 30 or 45 minutes before that time to remind yourself to start winding down
- Then start to work on your night time routine so that once you are lying down, you can actually fall asleep
- Experiment with different strategies such as signing off electronics an hour before bed, not watching anything too simulating late at night or simply dimming the lights
- Lastly, focus on getting up at a consistent time. Consistency getting up earlier will help your morning routine run more smoothly on those days when you need to commute to the office
2. Be cautious about your nutrition
- Once you give yourself sufficient time to rest, then you will start to have the capacity to work on other areas
- The next most effective habit for rebuilding energy involves simple nutrition strategies. Start drinking more water as greater water intake improves energy, aids concentration and reduces fatigue and anxiety
- Buy some bars or protein shakes that you can always keep at your desk. Make a goal to eat at least one or two during the day
- As you are developing the habit, you may need to set a reminder on your calendar or phone or place a healthy snack on your desk as a visual cue
- Exercise gives you more energy throughout the day instead of depleting it
- It also has the added benefits of improving mood, sleep quality and focus. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you do at least 25 minutes of vigorous cardio exercise at least 5 times a week, you can improve your overall wellness
- And if you find yourself struggling with motivation, find support through working out with friends, going to a class or hiring a trainer
- If that level of physical activity seems like too much to start, begin with gentle stretching or walk is a step in the right direction
- Attending to the basics of sleep, nutrition and exercise will have improved your energy and focus during the day so that you have the capacity to take on more
- Now you can pick other new habits to fold into your life. You may decide to work on being on time, planning your week, breaking down projects, keeping up on email or some other habit that you would like to master and then emphasise incremental changes
