Today, things are going faster and faster. Our to-do list tends to grow at a faster paste than we sometimes can manage. Unexpected tasks or situations are now becoming routine (especially in the Entertainment world). Whatever the circumstances, we need to remain quick, sharp and effective. I long thought that productivity could solely rely on effective management tools and great to-do lists (I was so wrong). Productivity has also a lot to with your Energy level.
Do you find it hard to get everything done that you want to do? Do you get overwhelmed when it doesn’t happen? This is very common. But don’t worry! There are lots of things that you can do to make a real difference in your life and increase your energy each day. Your life, and your business, will be better off for it. Here’s a list of 5 Tips to Boost Your Energy:
1. GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Sleep is incredibly important for our bodies. Getting at least 7 to 8 hours sleep per night is necessary for your brain and body to properly function. Which will make a big difference in how productive you can be the next day. When you lack sleep, not only is it tough on your health physically and mentally, but you also tend suffer from memory loss, irritability, tiredness, impatience, stress, depression… and you sure cannot perform at work (nor can you be in your best mood at home or with your loved ones.) Arianna Huffington published a book in 2016 on the power of sleep: The Sleep Revolution: Transforming Your Life, One Night at a Time. This popular and well-received book is very motivating and encourages us all to have a healthier relationship with sleep to promote success.
2. CONSIDER MULTIVITAMINS
Eating healthy keeps your body and mind working well together. But often, you simply cannot get all the vital nutrients and vitamins you need from your regular eating. If you are like me, chances are you don’t eat as well as you should due to busy schedules and a hectic life rhythm. Consequently, multivitamins can complement your daily diet to make sure you have your recommended allowances to give you the energy and thinking power you need. I myself rely on Centrum for my daily boost of vitamins (they have for adults, women, men, 50+, kids) and there are lots of other brands you can choose from too.
3. DRINK PLENTY OF WATER
Drinking plenty of water throughout the day is very good for your health and will help boost your energy. Experts recommend 8 to 10 glasses a day. But what are the true benefits of drinking that much water? Water is the main component of the human body. Adequate and regular water consumption has numerous health benefits and has no calories, fat, carbohydrates or sugar. Among the benefits: It gives you nicer and healthier skin, relieves fatigue, headaches and migraines, helps digestion and constipation, flushes out toxins, aids weight loss and more. All those can be negatively affected by dehydration. Some people add lemons, cucumbers or slices of oranges in their water. Why not! – as long as you don’t add sugar or alcohol in it :). Instead of buying tons of bottles of water on a daily basis, invest in an affordable water filter like Brita 10 Cup everyday water pitcher (I love it, fill it up and keep it in the fridge) and/or you can get the PUR FM-2000B Classic Vertical Water Filtration Faucet (you install it directly on the faucet).
4. HAVE A HIGH PROTEIN BREAKFAST
Breakfast is the most important meal as it gets your engine (your body) set to start the day. A protein-packed breakfast can satisfy your appetite and help you eat healthier all day long. “Protein is key to weight loss because it slows down the absorption of carbohydrates,” explains Jim White – Owner of Jim White Fitness and Nutrition Studios. This helps delay the onset of sugar highs and lows, which can trigger fat storage. Whether you want to lose weight or muscle up, your body needs a steady supply of protein. The good news is that many classic breakfast foods can give you what you need (including peanut butter, eggs, oatmeal, skim milk, Greek yogurt, low fat cottage cheese…). There are tons of books with delicious high protein recipes out there. Here are 2 cookbooks for you: Simple High Protein Low Carb Recipes: Nutritious Meals for Daily Living and Vegan High Protein Cookbook: 50 Delicious High Protein Vegan Recipes
5. TAKE TIME TO MOVE OR EXERCISE
Many business people sit down a lot. They are at their laptops or on the phone a large part of the day. Even if you do stand for your job, it is still important to get regular exercise — not only for general health reasons but for productivity too. Exercise boosts energy for your body and for your brain, stimulating natural chemicals to be released and help you to feel better, think better, and work better! I sometimes don’t have time to go to the gym, but I compensate by going out dancing salsa and going for walks or jog when I can. The most important point is to get moving (and sweating)!!! One more book recommendation for you as an overall productivity booster is the national bestseller from David Allen called Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity. Check it out!
Are you ready to start making the most of your time and really get things done? Keep these 5 things in mind and you will be jumping ahead of your competition and increasing your energy (and productivity) through the roof!
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Hope you found this article useful. Let me know what you’re struggling with when it comes to launching your own business, product or service and please share if you have other useful tips for new entrepreneurs.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning actress, filmmaker, speaker and business owner, Fabienne Colas is the ‘Queen of Festivals’ and founder of a successful entertainment & media empire – which includes 7 successful festivals in Canada, the USA and Haiti; a production company and several other ventures. CEO/Founder of Zaza Production, Fabienne helps people unlock their greatness, launch their products and services, reposition their brand and bring their business to the next level.