So much to do and so little time it seems. Here are the best habits to stay energized and make the most of everyday.
There are many things to enjoy during the day, but sometimes it seems the energy is not there to take advantage of opportunities presented. Having full energy usually means you have a great chance at consistent happiness. Being energetic typically revolves around bursts of prolonged activity, your physical health will likely improve alongside your mental health. Being short of energy is normal, but longer term periods of low energy could mean other things and you might want to get it checked out with a medical professional. To get in a good groove, here are the best habits to stay energized.
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Go to bed early
The most obvious advice for having more energy is also the most important. If you don’t get enough sleep, there’s more odds of you feeling less energetic and having less productive days. Seven to eight hours of sleep is the recommended amount for staying energized and for keeping your mind sharp in the long run. Develop a sleep routine and it will become part of the body’s muscle memory.
Use your mornings for the hard work
While some people leave important work for the nighttime, this is likely not due to their own choosing. Time constraints, juggling different jobs and other pressures might force you to push off important tasks for later on in the day, leaving you feeling unmotivated and without energy. Young argues that getting the important stuff out of the way during the first 4 hours of your work day is important because it shapes the rest of your day and makes you feel accomplished.
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Focus on the solution and not the problem
Focusing on the problem rarely helps. Instead, it only wastes your time and energy as you go over it repeatedly in your mind. Such brooding can leave you exhausted from fear and worry and prevent you from taking decisive action. Many people spend a lot of time and energy trying to understand, describe, and quantify the problem they are facing, but this can be a waste of time if it takes away from finding a solution.
Invest in good friends
Friends have a positive influence on you, especially if conversations with them can make you feel energized and inspired. Focus on these kinds of friendships, the ones that make you feel like there’s a two way relationship where you feel heard but you also get to listen.
Take 20 minute naps
While naps are considered a luxury, studies prove that they produce some cognitive benefits and that they can motivate you to complete a task late in the day. The most important aspect of naps is to limit them to 20 minutes, preventing it from becoming a long sleep and eating up the rest of your day.
Exercise daily
Going to the gym every day sounds like a tall order, especially if you’re not already in the habit of doing so. Young recommends doing pushups, burpees and other types of exercises you can do at home throughout the day, getting your body moving without taking large chunks of time from your schedule. These can be supplemented with visits to the gym and fitness classes.
