How to recharge your batteries

When you’ve been working hard or juggling lots of things, it’s normal to end up feeling tired. It’s when our energy drops that we typically find ourselves feeling stressed and losing focus, neither of which help us to live our best lives. If you want to live a more intentional and fulfilling life then making time to recharge when you’re at your busiest can be a powerful weapon. It can feel counterintuitive to take time out when the to-dos are mounting but if you give yourself the opportunity to boost your energy levels back up, you’re likely to find it easy to get everything done. 

Sleep

It can be easy to think that by staying up later you’ll cram more into your day but this approach typically has a shelf-life. If you’re regularly feeling tired or struggling to get up in the morning then chances are you’ve built up a sleep-debt and it’s time repayment time. We all need different amounts of sleep but whether you’re a 6-hour or 9-hour person, an early night will give your body a chance to repair itself and prepare itself for a more productive day.

Exercise

It might sound crazy but exercise can be a great way to get your energy levels up. I don’t know whether it’s all the adrenaline and endorphins rushing around my body or just the self-satisfaction that I actually made it to the gym, but fitting in a short workout gives me a boost for the rest of the day and I also seem to sleep better at night. If you’re not a natural gym-bunny fear not, it’s just about getting your body moving so you could try different things until you find what works for you, maybe it’s a walk outside or a fun dance class with friends.

Connection

Extroverts replenish their energy through interaction so taking time out to be with people other is vital for them to feel at their best. If this is you, ring around a few friends and get the party started! If, however, you’re an introvert (like me) and typically recharge through time alone, a party probably doesn’t appeal when you’re already feeling tired. Instead try sharing a relaxed chat with a close friend and plenty of laughter to help you feel more like yourself and less like a workhorse! Just make sure you also make time to chill out on your own too.

Nourishment

In the same way we need to put the right kind of petrol in a car, the food and drink we consume makes a difference to how well our bodies perform. Most of us know what’s good for us but when our energy is low it can be all too easy to reach for the takeaway menu or that glass of wine to help us ‘unwind’. The chances are that you will enjoy this indulgence, however if you still have plenty to get done the next day then a healthy dinner and plenty of water is probably a better preparation and avoid feeling sluggish. Yes, it’s probably more effort, but aren’t you worth it?

Presence

How often do your thoughts wander off to revisit something that’s already happened or worry about something that might be about to happen? Whilst it’s good to learn from the past and to be prepared for the future, too much focus on this can leave us feeling exhausted. To give your mind a break from the over-thinking, try a simple exercise to reconnect to the present moment.  A simple way to do this is just to pause and focus on your breathing. Mindfulness is a technique that has gained popularity over the last few years as a way for people to create some space in their often overloaded brains and to feel calmer by feeling more present in their daily lives. Even just a few minutes can help you gain perspective and regular practice is said to boost your overall mental wellbeing.

So there you have it, my top 5 tips for beating burn-out and giving your energy levels a much-needed boost. Do you have any other ways you like to recharge? Share your suggestions in the comments below.