In high performance business situations, the human mind and body have to work together for ultimate results. Dr. Greg Wells is a health and high performance expert who draws the parallels between elite athletes and top executives to help business leaders perform at the highest level, even when under the most extreme circumstances. If you, like many others, are struggling with your energy levels, here are twelve things Dr. Wells has identified that you need to know to better understand and improve your energy levels:
1.SLEEP RESTORES ENERGY.
While you’re asleep, a lot is going on in your body to recover, restore, and rebuild it. Sleep is a highly active metabolic process that helps optimize our brain structure, repair damaged cells in the body, and restore energy levels.
2.INCREASE BODY TEMPERATURE TO INCREASE ENERGY.
If you want to increase your alertness and concentration at a time of the day when you normally feel sluggish, increase your body temperature by doing five to ten minutes of light cardiorespiratory exercise, such as a brisk walk.
3.TAKE IT OUTSIDE FOR A FEW.
Walking in nature improves measures of revitalization, self-esteem, energy, and pleasure, and it decreases frustration, worry, confusion, depression, tension, and tiredness far more than light activity indoors does. So take your walk outside.
4. DO SOME EXERCISE.
When you exercise at an intensity that is high enough to cause your body some physiological stress, the body will adapt and improve. You will get stronger, faster, and fitter. You’ll also get smarter and happier. You will have more energy.
5. EAT HIGH-FIBER FOODS.
High fiber foods take longer to digest, provoke less of an insulin response, and leave us feeling satiated with nice, even energy levels. Go for complex, slow-digesting carbohydrates packed full of nutrients and fiber to ensure a consistent supply of mental energy.
6. STAY HYDRATED.
No water, no energy. You know that sluggish feeling you get in the afternoon? For most people, the afternoon crash is caused by dehydration. So do yourself a favor. Give yourself more energy by drinking some water. Tired? Drink some water.
7. EAT PROTEIN AT EVERY MEAL.
It’s a good idea to eat protein at every meal. High-protein foods can help you maintain your attention and focus.
8. PRACTICE YOGA OR TAI CHI.
Yoga and tai chi decrease stress and anxiety, increase energy, and boost the immune system. They also give you more stamina—needed in stressful times—and improve the quality of your sleep.
9. TRYING SINGLE-TASKING.
The concept behind single-tasking is that you start with the most important task—not the most urgent one—and work on it exclusively until it is either complete or you are out of time. By managing how you spend your mental energy, you help ensure that you excel at whatever you do.
10. LOW ENERGY LEVELS ARE USUALLY BETWEEN 1 AND 4 P.M.
This three-hour span is the time of day most people have their afternoon crash, and their energy levels are the lowest.
11. KEEP A LOG TO LEARN MORE.
When are you at your best mentally? When do you feel most energetic or lethargic? To figure this out, keep a daily log, and note your energy levels each hour throughout the day
12. DESIGN YOUR DAY AROUND YOUR ENERGY LEVELS.
Once you know when you have the least and most amounts of energy, you can craft your ideal day. Align your tasks and schedule to take advantage of your high mental and physical energy times. You’ll perform better, and you’ll also be much healthier.
Dr. Greg Wells/August, 2017