Got Energy?
As a work and life productivity expert, people frequently share with me that they would get more done IF only they weren't so tired all the time. If you are one of these people, here are a few good ideas for you - some may be new while others will serve as a worthy reminder. I challenge you to put ONE (or more) of the ideas below into practice to help you muster more consistent energy.
- Reduce Caffeine - I think Americans have a BIG problem with the overuse of caffeine. Did you know that caffeine is a drug? At doses of 600 milligrams daily (about four to six cups of coffee), caffeine can cause nervousness, sweating, tenseness, upset stomach, anxiety, diarrhea and insomnia. It also prevents clear thinking and increases the side effects of some medications. Consider reducing your caffeine intake to ONE (max two) doses of caffeine a day. Within a few weeks, you will feel your own body making the energy you need instead of getting it in a cup. (If you are really serious about getting your energy back, you can wean yourself off of ALL caffeinated drinks - which can initially cause headaches and malaise for up to a week or two - with the reward of more consistent energy all day long.)
- Reduce Sugar - If you read food labels, sugar is disguised as many things including high fructose corn syrup, dextrose, malodextrin, xylose and many others. A nutrition counselor once told me to look at food labels and think about the grams of sugar listed as paper clips: 15 grams of sugar equal 15 paper clips worth of sugar. When I physically did this with the sugar grams in a can of regular soda, I was moved to stop putting the handful of paperclips (sugar) into my body. Every 4 grams of sugar is equivalent to a teaspoon of sugar. Experts suggest we limit our sugar intake to 12 teaspoons A DAY for all food sources. For a long list of the effects of sugar, go to this website.
- Avoid Artificial Sweeteners - I know I just suggested you reduce sugar and now I'm suggesting you also stay away from artificial sweeteners. Please read this website's info for an introduction as to why you might reconsider ingesting any artificial sweetener. If you need to have sweetness in your food and drink, consider adding natural Stevia instead (found at your local health food store).
- Increase Your Water Intake - The jury is currently out about how much water a person should drink per day. All I know is that people who drink a lot of water a day, typically are healthier and have more energy than those that drink other things or nothing at all. Try it, you might like it!
- Get More Sleep! - Would you say you are tired most of the time or well-rested? In my travels, when I poll this question to a group, most people just laugh! I guarantee that if you can secure your solid 8 hours a night on a regular basis, you will greatly reduce your stress and have more energy. Try setting a regular bedtime. It just makes sense.
- Just Move! - I would be remiss in not adding movement into the energy equation. The theory of inertia states that a body at rest tends to stay at rest while a body in motion tends to stay in motion. So find ways to add movement into your daily life.
If you decide to implement any of these ideas, I'd love to hear how they are working for you. It's amazing how large an effect a small change can make. Wishing you lots more energy in your life!
TERMS OF PERMISSION TO REPRINT
This tip may be reprinted when the following byline is included:
Abby Marks Beale is founder of The Corporate Educator, a professional speaking and training company specializing in helping with busy people work smarter, faster and just plain better. Go to www.TheCorporateEducator.com.
 |
FREE Downloadable Podcasts |
 |
FREE Speed Reading Tips and More |