People often wonder where I get my energy – energy for my workouts, energy to run the businesses Bret and I own, to keep up with our kids, and to find time for the things that are important to us.  The answer is not a special caffeinated beverage or some kind of pill.  If you want to have more energy and be more productive, the secret is simply creating better habits.  To increase your energy and productivity, focus on creating better habits in the five following areas.

5 Areas to Create Better Energy and Productivity Habits

1.) Physical Energy

Here’s a general rule of thumb: Only exercise on the days when you want to have more energy, be more productive, be in a better mood, and feel good.  Daily exercise does wonders for the body both mentally and physically.  So stop dogging your workouts!  Don’t just walk through them; put some effort into it.  A good workout will turbo-charge the rest of your day.

2.) Nutrition

Food is fuel.   What are you fueling your body with?  If you put junk in it, you’ll feel like crap.  If you put good quality food in your body, you’ll feel good, too.

When your nutrition is poor, your emotional energy drops.  The synapses in your brain do not fire properly, and you end up feeling irritable, confused, tired, and weak.  Sound familiar?  Start making some changes to your diet!  Go for natural, whole foods, red fruits, and veggies over addictive, low quality foods like complex carbs, caffeine, sugar and fat.

On top of eating healthy, make sure you’re staying hydrated, too.  Water enables your body to function properly, keeps your metabolic rate steady, and prevents premature aging and chronic fatigue.  Start carrying your water bottle with you wherever you go, and drink up!

3.) Emotions

Emotion zaps energy.  Whether you’re happy or sad, riding on an emotional rollercoaster does a number on your energy level.  Try to keep your emotions in check and at a steady level throughout the day.  If you’re feeling stressed, take a few minutes to breathe or get up and take a quick walk around the block.  Keeping your emotions balanced out will help you sustain your energy level.

4.) Sleep

Not only does the correct amount of sleep boost your physical energy, but it also boosts mental ability as well.  With a good night’s sleep, your mind will be clearer.  In addition, sleep is shown to improve loss of body fat, slow the aging process and speed up healing.  Some people need more and some need less, but shoot to get your eight hours in each night.

5.) Body Language

Your body language has a huge effect on the energy you feel and the energy you project.  Think about it: when you’re slouching in your chair with a frown on your face, you don’t feel energetic.  But, when you sit up tall with your shoulders back, open your eyes, and breathe, you immediately feel more awake and alive.  Think about how you want to feel and what you want to project to others.

 

Most importantly, energy is a decision.  It all starts within your own mind.  Decide today that you have more energy!