The key to live happy life is contentment: living in the present, cherishing memories, respecting ourselves, and being grateful. We will enjoy a happy and fulfilling life. All we have to do is shift our perspective on existence.
Do you start up most mornings feeling sluggish? Have caffeinated beverages become a requirement to help you get through your day?
If this sounds similar, it’s time to ditch the quick fixes and create an energy management strategy. Starting may seem daunting, but the benefits of a happier, healthier, and more productive life will keep you motivated.
What exactly is energy management?
Consider your vitality to be a finite resource, similar to money in a bank account. You start the day with a certain quantity of money to spend. The amount varies depending on variables such as age, sleep, stress level, medical conditions, and lifestyle.
Activities and exchanges deduct or deposit energy from your account. Though you may not control energy-draining activities, you can take steps to replenish your reserves.
Follow these seven energy-boosting tips to live a happier, healthier, and more productive life:
1. Eat nutritious foods.
A well-balanced, healthy food is the foundation of happiness. However, it is usual to view healthy eating as mainly a tool for weight loss. The 2020 Dietary Guidelines recommend a balanced diet with fruits, veggies, lean protein, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. You are truly what you consume.
Eat a variety of foods from all groups to get nutrients that fuel you throughout the day. Choose fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, especially dark greens, broccoli, and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. For healthy protein choices, there are numerous types of fish and legumes to choose from. Consume 3 ounces of whole-grain cereals, breads, rice, or spaghetti per day.
2. Sleep seven to eight hours per night.
Prioritizing sleep is one of the most effective ways to prepare for a happy, energized day. Sleep deprivation can worsen severe health conditions and have a negative impact on your mood, motivation, and energy levels. Getting enough sleep is a healthy practice that many people need to work on. What prevents most adults from obtaining at least seven to eight hours of sleep per night?
If you have trouble sleeping, pay attention to your sleeping habits. Track your sleep, factors affecting it, how rested you feel, and your energy levels throughout the day.Improve sleep by creating a calm environment, reducing light/noise, following a routine, managing stress, and turning off devices.
Be consistent with whatever you select to start with. Maintaining a consistent sleep routine and strategies helps regulate your internal clock, improving sleep quality. Getting more sleep improves health, mental well-being, reduces illness risk, and boosts productivity.
3. Keep company with good people.
Maximize the amount of time you spend with individuals you enjoy spending time with. Connecting with others who are upbeat and share your hobbies will excite and energize you.
People with negative outlooks, frequent complaints, or poor choices can drain your energy. Be picky about who you associate with.
Set boundaries with people who drain your energy to protect yourself and conserve your reserves.
4. Avoid news overdose.
Consuming news is an important way to remain updated about what is going on in the world. It can be instructive, entertaining, and even uplifting.
Unfortunately, the news is frequently filled with tales of suffering. These stories can skew your perception, making you focus on fears instead of the good around you.
While you can’t avoid these tales completely, limit your exposure, especially during challenging times.
5. Get regular exercise.
Do you find yourself drowsy by the middle of the day? Have you ever grown tired of doing simple everyday tasks like grocery shopping or housework? The Department of Health and Human Services recommends adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise weekly. Contrary to popular belief, this will contribute to your energy account rather than deduct from it.
Exercise relieves stress, strengthens muscles, and boosts endurance, helping your body function more efficiently in other activities.
6. Do something meaningful each day.
What are your interests? Do you have a unique talent that you’d like to hone or share with others? Do something you enjoy daily, like cooking a healthy meal or listening to your favorite song. Focusing on what’s important helps you use and store energy in ways that bring out your best.
7. Think good thoughts for others.
Another method to save energy is to maintain a compassionate mindset. Kind attention is one example of this method of thinking in action. For example, try to establish eye contact with a stranger and smile while thinking, “I wish you well.” Instead, this positive action may keep you from passing judgement on that individual. Judging others can lead to us passing judgement on ourselves, and this type of negative mental dialogue can be exhausting.
You’ll feel better with each move you take towards this important self-care investment.
Here are a few easy activities that will help you become more mindful of self-care:
- Monitor your energy.
Check your energy level throughout the day and rate it from 1 to 10, with 10 being the highest. Observe the details of your day to identify individuals or events that have the greatest impact on you. - Make incremental changes.
Consider your next steps once you’ve identified some of the individuals or events that sap your energy. Rather than tackling everything at once, focus on one area that is essential to you and set realistic goals. If disorganization causes stress, tackle one cabinet, closet, or drawer each week instead of doing it all at once. Then, when you’re ready, move on to your next objective. - Plan and prioritize.
Take notice of the times of day when your energy levels are at their peak. Determine how you can capitalize on those opportunities by prioritizing essential tasks when you are feeling energized and productive.