How to Boost Your Energy: A Mini-Workshop

Creative, multi-talented people have a lot going on so it’s important to keep our energy up.  It’s difficult to be creative or productive or happy when you’re drained or fatigued. The first step to boosting your energy is to understand what raises your energy level and what depletes it.

Recognize YOUR Unique Energy Boosters

Different people get energy from different things. If you’re an introvert, for example, you probably find being around a lot of people draining.  You need some alone time to revive after social interactions. If you’re an extrovert, in contrast, you probably get energy from socializing.  When your energy is low, you’d do well to call or visit a fun friend to get your creative juices pumping.

1.  Take a moment to ask yourself:  what gives YOU energy?

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Use this list of your unique energy boosters to know what to do when you’re feeling fatigued.  Schedule them regularly to keep your energy levels high.

2. What drains you?

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These are the things to reduce in your life.  When you know you have to do one of them, balance it with some energy boosters from your first list.

3. Who gives you energy?

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These are the people to see regularly and to turn to, in particular, when you’re having a low energy day.  Add them to your list of your unique energy boosters.

4. Who drains you?

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These are the people with whom to minimize contact, to the extent possible.  When you have to interact with them, replenish your energy with items from your list of your unique energy boosters.

5. Review the following ideas.  Add to your ‘energy booster’ list any items that work for you:

SHORT TERM ENERGY FIXES

If your energy level is generally pretty good, but you’re having one of ‘those days’ when you find yourself fatigued or dragging, try one (or more) of these energy boosters:

*walk around the block

The combination of sunlight, fresh air and exercise can work wonders.

* have a nap

A brief lie-down can give your body and brain a chance to recharge.

* do something you love

It’s hard to be tired when you’re happy.

* do something new

Try a new food or place or activity.

* stretch, stand up and/or move your body

Especially if you’re in a situation in which you are sitting for long periods of time.  Research has shown that too much sitting can kill you.  Luckily, it’s easy to remedy.  When you’re sitting for long periods of time, make a point of getting up, at least once an hour, and moving around for at least one minute.

LONG TERM ENERGY BOOSTERS

To boost your energy over the long-term you need to take good care of yourself.

1.   Aim for seven hours of sleep a night.

Studies have shown that this is, on average, the optimal amount of sleep for humans.

2.  Participate in regular, moderate physical activity.

Find a fun way to move your carcass — and do it regularly.  Seek something that you see as ‘a treat’ rather than as ‘exercise’.

3.  Eat healthily.

Eating more fresh fruits and vegetables and more whole grains will give you more energy than consuming fatty, processed products.

4.  Drink more water.

Our bodies are mostly water and we need water to function. According to the BBC, “most advocates agree that 6–7 glasses of water (approximately 2 liters) daily is the minimum to maintain proper hydration.”  By drinking enough water, you’re helping your body increase your energy level.

5. Drink less alcohol.

To the extent that you imbibe regularly, you’re probably drowsier.  Drink less to boost your energy.

6.  Meditate regularly.

People who meditate are less stressed, happier, healthier and more energetic.

7.  Express your creativity.

Enjoy your talents! The more you create, the more energy you’ll generate.

8. Keep your creative well filled.

Listen to music.  Read.  Take yourself to an art gallery or a cool boutique or a great film.  Try new things.  Take a fun class.

9.  Spend time in nature regularly.

We are biological beings who have been hijacked by the trappings of modern life.  Especially if you live in an urban environment, find ways to spend time in more natural environments — forests or farmland or waterfront, for example.

10. Unplug.

Take regular Information Vacations:  rather than being at the mercy of your phone and computer 24/7, make a regular point of turning them off.

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