Do you ever look at another person and wonder how they seem to "do it all"? How they have enough time or energy for everything they fit into a day? Chances are, they are able to do a tremendous amount in their day - by choice - and so can you.
I listened to this podcast recently on 10 Practical Ways to Boost Your Energy Level, and if you have 30 minutes and are interested in the topic I'd recommend it.
It got me thinking, and I made my own list of 10 items I find personally help my energy levels when I do them. My "Monday Meditation" this week is to keep this list displayed where I can see it and try to check them off each day.
- Exercise ~ It doesn't have to be an intense hour at the gym, a simple 30 minutes to up my heart-rate gives me energy.
- Start each day with intention ~ This means have a goal or intention in mind for that day. For example, I might choose to complete a big project at work, or it may just be to take time for myself. Giving each day a focus helps me stay on track to that objective, and at end of the day, I've accomplished what I set out to.
- Prioritize my to-do list ~ You know I'm big on to-do lists, and I find I'm most productive when my to-do list is prioritized and manageable. For me this usually means picking 1-3 things to get done and focusing on those.
- Create the right environment ~ By this I mean both in attitude and in experience. For example, if I want to have time to be creative and blog, I may go to a favorite coffee shop. Or if I want to cook a really nice meal, I'll first start with a clean kitchen, music on, and candles lit.
- Eat the right portions ~ I would say to eat healthfully, but I also think portion size is huge part of sustaining energy. If I eat too much, even if it is healthful food, I can feel sluggish. If I don't eat enough, I feel weak. I now try to eat 3 meals a day, and have small protein-rich snacks when hungry.
- Drink enough water ~ Funny story, I used to work for a client whose number one product is soda, and so soda is all everyone drank, including myself. I seriously don't know how I survived that year; but I know it was with constant caffeine withdrawal headaches. Now if I don't drink enough water (which for me is about 70 oz), I feel my energy slump.
- Be my best self ~ When I'm focused on being the best I can be is when I'm most happy, enthused, and energetic. No draining comparisons that don't get you anywhere.
- Get outside ~ As someone who works from home, there are some days I don't go outside until it's time to walk the dog at 5pm. I hate when this happens; it goes beyond an energy slump and starts to depress me as well. I'm thinking about volunteering to take the pup out in the morning just so I can get some guaranteed fresh air at the start of my day.
- Unwind before bed ~ I'll admit this is the one I have the most difficulty with, but I love the way it makes me feel when I do. I like to have a cup of tea, read for a while, then wash up for bed. I find I sleep more soundly, and wake up in the right frame of mind.
- Get enough sleep ~ Seven and a half hours is my magic number. I feel energized and not groggy. I can tell a huge difference in my energy level even if I miss out on just 30 minutes.
13 comments:
Cara, this is EXACTLY what I needed today! A little boost, a few reminders, and some clarity for starting a busy week. THANK YOU!
p.s. support a chicago mom blogger :) and stop by today and vote for goodies&besties for the circle of mom top 25 mom beauty and fashion blogs! xo
What a great list! I am always looking for ways to boost my energy. I often think "how does she do it all?" but I also try to reflect on all my accomplishments, even the little ones (they add up!).
I would have a lot of the same things on my list. Definitely exercise, healthy eating, sleep, and water. I also find that having a clean house/environment is important for me.
Early morning dog walks are a great way to get the day going. There's a lot of days when I hate waking up early to take the dogs out, but once I actually get outside and walking with them, I feel so much better! They have so much energy and are so excited about everything first thing in the morning, it's kind of contagious :) Since we have 2 big dogs now, walks require both me and my fiance going, but when we just had one dog, we would alternate mornings during the week - maybe you and your hubs could try that?
Anne, I think you're onto something! I take our dog out in the morning on the weekend, and once I'm outside I never mind doing it... it's just the kick-start I need!
well said, exercise is a HUGE one for me. When I let that slip, everything else seems to fall by the wayside eventually.
love this post and love your list. I have been feeling kind of down + in a "funk" lately, and just seeing things like this layed out on how I can personally make it better myself - by choice - is eye opening. I completely agree on the exercise and "me" time before bed.... thanks for this post I'm feeling better already (and on a Monday no less!)
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I wonder this about people every day. Chances are they have a lot of help from their friends. Getting outside and unwinding before bed are huge helps.
these are all really great tips that i definitely need to keep in mind. on the other hand, i think sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to do everything and make ourselves feel bad when it seems when fall short in comparison of others. i struggle everyday to find a balance!!
Fabulous tips! I actually need a lot of help in this category so I'm going to give some of these a shot. :) xoxo
This is great! I think you covered it all! Water and eating healthy are biggies for me...I feel so gross after eating junk foods.
You're list encompasses all areas of my life I am trying to work on. Thanks for sharing.
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