Life moves at a crazy pace, stress is a constant part of our lives, deadlines and goals are always present. And to add to that, for a large part of the population, work is now done from home, we start earlier, often while having breakfast, we work while eating, we do a load of laundry between two video conferences. 

I can guess the stress and fatigue at the end of the day, and the end of the week. What if I told you that it is possible to have more energy at work, to be more efficient, more rested, and more creative? To do better, and in less time?

 Here are 11 tips to make your days more energetic:

• Have good nights of sleep

Nowadays, sleeping little and getting up as early as possible to accomplish the most in one day has become quite trendy. However, we all need sleep and to be rested in order to function. An adult needs a minimum of 7 hours of good sleep to be in good shape.

So, maybe extend your nights by an hour or two if your nights are too short, you'll see, your concentration will be much better!

• Organize your days with time slots

Organization is often the key, and it is essential to set aside time for yourself. Plan hours for intense work, breaks, meal times, time for exercise, time to get some fresh air during dinner, and IMPORTANT: time to have fun!

• Take breaks

If you work all the time and don’t take the time to stop, your brain gets exhausted. It needs breaks! So yes, take time for yourself. When it’s time to get back to work, you’ll find that your energy will be multiplied, and your creativity too! Your subconscious manages your tasks during breaks and will help you find solutions. Tasks will then be completed much more efficiently and quickly.

• Take a vacation

If you have the chance, try to take 1 week of vacation each season!

Oh! So it would be interesting for it to be prescribed to us! But, if the opportunity presents itself, jump at the chance! Unplugging (for real!) will allow you to recharge your energy and focus better when you return.

• Unplug a little each day, and every day off

I hear entrepreneurs say here: an entrepreneur really never stops. There's some truth to that; entrepreneurship is part of our lives. An email here, a message there, etc. A significant mental load that is present almost all the time. Yet, it is important to take a break. A worker who manages to truly stop a little each day is happier and more productive!

• Enjoy your lunch!

Did your mothers tell you that breakfast is the most important meal? Well, she was right! Breakfast gives us the fuel to start our day off on the right foot. Eggs, fruit, nuts, a good granola on yogurt, cheese, a slice of whole grain bread, etc. All good things to keep you well supported and energized. Avoid a heavy, sugary, and fatty breakfast.

And coffee? A good coffee in the morning… hummmm… what could be better? As noted in the article: Energy, focus, avoiding an afternoon slump: the best ways to prepare your morning coffee, it is possible to "spice up" your coffee, a way to avoid the crash that often follows.

• Have some snacks

Having good nutritious snacks between meals also helps to maintain focus and keep our energy up until the next meal. You can refer to the article written by Marie-Noël Marsan, Nutritionist, on snacks: The ABCs of the ideal snack.

Taking a Matcha tea also mid-morning, during the break, is also a good way to get a lasting energy boost.

• Don't stress about meals

Plan your meals in advance (you can refer to the article: Sunday "Meal Prep" for Healthy Eating , is an excellent way to reduce mental load during the week. With the worry about mealtime eliminated, it will be one less source of distraction during the day.

You will have understood: the goal is to eliminate external sources of stress and distractions, to be more productive and creative!

• Feed yourself well

A healthy and balanced diet will provide you with the energy needed to get through your workday, much more than if you eat a non-nutritious meal.

• Are you taking supplements properly

For example, it is recommended to fill in the vitamin D deficiencies in winter, to fill a lack of magnesium who affects the majority of the population, or to fill a protein gap if you train a lot through a protein powder quality. You can also use it to help with an energy and calm "boost" with an additional supplement ofashwagandha or even a natural product to help improve your sleep quality. Everyone has a different body and unique needs. It may be wise to ask your healthcare professional what could help you.

• Doing sports

Move! The best way to unplug and oxygenate our brain! Make sure to set aside at least 30 minutes a day to move. Your mind will thank you! Think you don’t have the time? If Barack Obama, as former President of the United States, took 45 minutes, 6 times a week, to work out himself, it’s possible to do it, and there was a reason for that.

What more can be said?

One of the most prominent trends for 2023 will be wellness. And I hope this trend will continue.  Help yourself find a balance between rest and work. You don’t want to reach exhaustion, quite the opposite! Everyone ultimately wants to be happy both professionally and personally.

Wishing you balance, energy, and happiness!

Tell me, which tips have been the most useful to you?

 Article written by Audrée Hogue