Feel like you have lost your performance mojo?

Do simple tasks that used to take minutes to perform not take twice as long?

Feel your brain is not as fast as it used to be?

Losing your mojo at work can feel like a personal failure, but it's often a symptom of broader lifestyle and health issues. Understanding the root causes can empower you to reclaim your energy and enhance your performance at work. From the stresses of deadlines to the impact of your diet on your digestive system, several factors play a pivotal role in how you feel and function daily. Here are nine reasons why you might be experiencing a dip in your mental energy and overall performance at work.

1. High Stress Levels

Stress is a significant energy drainer and is often cited as the leading cause of reduced workplace performance. When you're stressed, your body is in a constant state of alert, which can exhaust your mental reserves. You quite literally do not have the brandwidth to deal with even the most mundane of tasks. Some studies have shown that a state of Prolonged stress can lead to burnout, making it difficult to concentrate, make decisions, and remain productive.

2. Sleep Deprivation

A lack of sleep doesn't just leave you feeling groggy—it directly impacts your cognitive functions, including memory, decision-making, and creativity. Adults typically need between 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night to function optimally. Missing out on restorative sleep can severely impact your performance at work, leaving you less alert and more prone to errors.

3. Inadequate Protein Intake

Protein is crucial for numerous bodily functions, including the production of neurotransmitters that regulate your mood and cognitive functions. A diet low in protein can lead to decreased energy levels, muscle fatigue, and a slump in your mental alertness, all of which can hinder your performance at work.

4. Chronic Dehydration

Water is essential for maintaining the function of every system in your body, including your brain. Even mild dehydration can affect your ability to concentrate and process information. Ensuring you drink enough water throughout the day is a simple yet effective way to boost your cognitive performance and energy levels.

5. Digestive Stress and Constipation

The health of your digestive system plays a crucial role in your overall well-being and energy levels. Issues like constipation or digestive stress can lead to discomfort and distraction, impeding your ability to focus on work tasks. Moreover, a sluggish digestive system can lead to poor nutrient absorption, further diminishing your energy reserves.

6. Poor Gut Health

Emerging research highlights a powerful connection between the gut and the brain, often referred to as the gut-brain axis. An imbalance in your gut flora can lead to changes in your brain's chemical environment, potentially impacting your mood and cognitive functions. Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics can support gut health and, by extension, your mental health and performance at work.

7. Lack of Physical Activity

Regular physical activity is known to boost endorphin levels, which can improve mood and energy levels. Conversely, a sedentary lifestyle can contribute to feelings of fatigue and a decrease in mental alertness. Incorporating moderate exercise into your routine can significantly enhance your energy and cognitive performance at work.

8. Inadequate Sunlight Exposure

Sunlight exposure is vital for vitamin D production, which plays a significant role in mood regulation and cognitive function. Lack of sunlight, especially in winter months, can lead to vitamin D deficiency, which is associated with decreased cognitive performance and higher levels of fatigue.

9. Mental Health Issues

Mental health conditions such as anxiety or depression can profoundly affect your energy levels and cognitive functions. If you're experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, or fatigue, it's crucial to seek professional help. Addressing these issues can lead to improved mental energy and performance at work.

Reclaiming Your Mojo

Rediscovering your mental energy and enhancing your performance at work begins with addressing these foundational aspects of health and well-being. By adopting a holistic approach that considers both physical and mental health, you can work smarter, not harder, to achieve and maintain high performance in your professional life. Embrace these strategies and watch your workplace vitality soar!

The Vitality Blueprint offers a simple, customised strategy to elevate your mental and physical energy from the inside out. By addressing these nine factors simply, you can significantly improve your energy levels and cognitive performance. Achieving optimal performance at work isn't about pushing harder; it's about working smarter and supporting your body's needs. Consider each of these aspects, and you might find that reclaiming your energy and performance at work is well within your reach.

Supporting Links

• Understanding the Stress Response - Harvard Health
• The Importance of Sleep for Brain Health - Sleep Foundation
• The Role of Protein in Brain Function - Nutrition Journal
• Hydration and Cognitive Function - CDC
• Gut-Brain Connection: How it Works - Johns Hopkins Medicine