If you’d like to know some simple ways you can have more energy as soon as today, then you’ll want to pay close attention to this list. The following 7 habits are part of the M.O. of almost all the world’s most high-energy people. And, since I’m on this same quest to reduce parental fatigue, I thought it was worth sharing!
Enjoy!
1. Go to sleep earlier.
Sleep is one of the founding pillars of health. Few things will do more for your energy, mood, and mindset than improving the amount of quality zzz’s you get each night. Try my 30 by 30 rule: commit yourself to going to bed just 30 minutes early, for thirty days straight. While it may not always be easy, you’ll be surprised at what a crater-sized impact this simple habit can make.
2. Take naps.
Einstein, Edison, Leonardi Da Vinci, John F. Kennedy, the list goes on…so many high achievers have been converts to great power of regular naps.
According to research, mid-afternoon for 20-30 minutes is best; it’s long enough to recharge your batteries, but any longer could put you into a deeper sleep that leaves you groggy. Tried, tested, and very valid!
3. Move more.
Remember, energy comes from movement. Getting your body in motion increases circulation and helps deliver more oxygen to your muscles and brain. This can breathe life back into you. Literally. Make it a point to exercise daily, stretch, or simply go for a walk, you’ll find yourself revitalized in no time.
4. Hard tasks first.
“If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.” – Brian Tracy
The Eat Your Frog method is a productivity booster that has stood the test of time. It simply means to get your hardest tasks out of the way first, while you’re fresh!
5. Set your intentions the day before.
Energy has a lot to do with FLOW. We all have days when we can seem to ‘do no wrong’ and are firing on all cylinders. You can create this kind of momentum by clearly laying out your intentions the day before.
I’ve found this works well with my kids too. One thing that can be draining for parents is just figuring out how to keep kids’ energies well-directed. I find making a list of all the fun/productive things I want to do with them the night before helps. And while I haven’t mastered the habit, every time my wife and I get this done, the next day is far more fluid!
6. Get excited about your goals.
Is this ‘something you have to do’ or is it ‘an exciting challenge’? How you frame your activities affects how you feel while doing them.
Why did you get involved with what you’re doing in the first place? Get clarity on your ‘why’, it can make the ‘how’ that much easier.
7. Be careful who you surround yourself with.
We don’t choose our families. But the same isn’t true for our friends. Even though we’re locked down at the moment, take steps to disconnect with any “energy vampires” on social media or elsewhere who will only bring you down. I’ve had to unfollow MANY people lately, and it has helped my underlying level of calm immensely!
This last one is tough medicine for many folks. We all want to be nice. And while I completely understand, taking a step back from negative influences can be the height of wisdom.
Above all, never forget YOU ARE SUPPOSED TO HAVE ENERGY. Indeed, it’s your body’s natural state of being! Low energy is usually a sign that something is wrong. One way to address this is with a BONUS 8th HABIT of regular chiropractic adjustments.
Because your nervous system is the master controller of all your body’s systems, when its function is not optimized, it’s like you’re driving with one foot on the gas and the other on the brake! Healing is suppressed, as is energy and concentration.
As a health service, we are considered essential and are open to serve you.
Anyway, I hope you’ll make these 7 habits above a part of your daily life.
Be sure to about your results!
Dr. Josh