RENEW YOUR ENERGY LEVEL

Recharging our batteries helps improve productivity – Pallavi Pinakin

It was previously believed that to be productive, people needed to schedule their time optimally. While this is true up to a point, such thinking overlooks the management of another equally vital resource – energy.

We never forget to recharge our gadgets when their batteries are running low… So why should we refuse to afford ourselves the same courtesy when our power reserves are depleted?

Instead of focussing solely on scheduling every minute of each day to maximise efficiency, we need to develop an approach that goes beyond time to include energy management. Recognising energy regeneration for its due importance can make all the difference to your work and personal life.

While time is in finite supply, energy can be replenished over and over again, making it an invaluable asset when harnes-sed properly.

Businesses such as Sony and Google have begun implementing ‘energy renewal policies,’ which range from establishing dedicated rooms for renewal in the office to sponsoring gym memberships for employees.

Here are a few ways you can reinvigorate yourself in the workplace.

SWEET SPOT It’s important to differentiate between what you love doing and that which you’re good at – and the two don’t necessarily need to overlap.

Even though it is tempting to spend all your time on something you feel passionate about, it’s imperative that the task is suited to your strengths. Otherwise, it will zap far too much of your valuable energy.

To find out what combines the best of your abilities and appetites, identify tasks that absorb you to the fullest, and also leave you feeling fulfilled and energetic, rather than drained or relieved when they are over. Then isolate the elements in those particular activities that allow you to focus and perform effortlessly.

Which skills are being called into play? Is it the creative aspect of the work or its analytical nature? Do you thrive when working solo or leading people?

By making this effort, you’ll be able to identify the sweet spot between your skills and desires. Based on your findings, you can create a workplace ritual that enables you to maximise your energy.

DAILY ROUTINE One’s habits outside the office impact performance at work. Maintain a journal of your energy levels for a week to see when you’re at your sprightliest and also weariest. Try to identify what habits could be the underlying cause.

Does skipping breakfast make you feel light and energetic, or weak and irritable? Does meditating in the morning prepare you for the rest of the day or leave you feeling sleepy?

Keeping track of variables such as sleep cycles, meals and physical exercise will offer you deeper insights into what provides a boost of energy… or saps you of it.

REST AND BREAKS We’ve all been guilty of sidelining breaks in favour of staying busy and powering through. We tend to think that burning the midnight oil equals being efficient.

Ironically, nothing could be further from the truth! Overlooking proper rest is hugely detrimental to productivity – because when your energy reserves are running low, it takes you longer to work and the quality of output takes a nosedive.

Brainwaves are not meant to operate at a high frequency constantly or on overdrive. Rather, they should move through constant cycles of higher and lower rates of recurrence during the day.

So taking sufficient breaks and getting a good night’s sleep are absolutely essential to replenishing your energy flow. Proper rest should be scheduled on purpose into your daily routine and not as an afterthought.

Resist the temptation to discuss work or engage in any professional tasks while on your break. Instead, give yourself time to disconnect completely and recharge, so that you’re fresh and energised for the next round.

If you have trouble sleeping early because your mind won’t switch off, set an evening wind down routine. This could include meditation, yoga nidra, reading a calming book or writing down your thoughts in a journal to relieve the brain of anxiety.

CLEAR UP To remove energy draining mental clutter, tidy up your work area. Clean and tranquil surroundings make for a relaxed mind. In fact, the very act of reorganising your space can renew your energy.

Those in leadership positions can also support the implementation of ‘energy positive’ workplace policies and practices.

Many organisations have begun designating hours that are free of meetings and offering employees an uninterrupted period for self-renewal. Another great way to eliminate energy depleting distractions is not to check emails during meetings.

And last but not least, nothing damages inner vigour more than negativity – so try to avoid it in all its forms… be it gossip, personal drama or endless complaining.