Whether you’re suffering from over exerting yourself in January or dying by deadlines, here are six ways to regain your energy and get yourself back on track, ready to embrace spring. Traditionally, I am a sceptic when it comes to the ‘simple tips’ that are meant to work wonders, but have stumbled upon certain steps that can only be achieved through perseverance. They are by no means a quick fix, rather a guide showing you which areas need addressing.
1 Feel motivated for the day
Recent studies have shown that we spend the majority of our time (98% in fact) dwelling on the past, or contemplating the future. This leaves only 2% of the day to think about and enjoy the now. Fretting about what has been, or fearing what is to come is not only draining, but clearly a complete waste of time. Take a daily chore, for example having a shower, and as you do so only let your mind think about what you are doing there and then. Taking these few minutes to switch off will help you feel rejuvenated.
2 Have A Positive Mental Attitude
A positive mental attitude can never be overrated. Focusing on the bad in our life rather than the good is pessimistic, and isn’t proportionally accurate. There are invariably far more good things going on than bad, we just have a tendency to focus on the negative elements rather than all of the positives in our life. Instead of thinking about the ‘when’ and ‘then’, which are impossible to truly determine, think about the now. Don’t be happy tomorrow when you could be happy today.
3 Soak up those exercise endorphins We all know it and now we need to take advantage of it; exercise is the best way to energise you. We spend roughly 80% of our week on our bums – whether it be in bed, sitting to work, commuting, sitting to eat, watching TV or socialising. Therefore exercise is a necessity to keep us healthy and active. Find an exercise you can enjoy and aim to do it two or three times a week. Sports, dancing or simply walking are all excellent exercises, building up your fitness and allowing you to socialise and relieve any stress.
4 Get nutty about nuts
Who doesn’t love snacking? Nuts are brilliant in helping you overcome the mid-afternoon fatigue, and are full of vitamins, magnesium and omega-3. All of these nutrients will help your brain to function and let you recharge. If you haven’t tried salted cashew nuts or roasted almonds, then quite simply: you have not lived. To make it even better the choice goes on from there, if you like nuts then you’re sorted. Look for the green ‘healthy food’ section in Costcutter, (not a promotion just an observation).
5 Live for today not tomorrow
Now this is rather hypocritical as I am a self confessed future fretter, but I have decided that I will start to write down three things that I ‘have’ to do for the next day, instead of storing them in my head. By getting them down on paper I can address them the next day, but in the mean time can be satisfied that there is nothing I can do now. By enjoying the present whilst you can, you’ll get the most out of life, and then you’ll have the opportunity to worry about the future when it arises.
6 Be realistic
There is a very small chance we can be perfect in every area of our life, Beyoncé is merely an anomaly. Instead of exhausting yourself trying to maintain perfection in all life areas, just focus on one or two that need to take priority; whether it be health, work, family, money or friends. By rotating which is most important, no area will be neglected and you’ll be far more efficient. For example, next week is my aunt’s 50th and then my parents’ anniversary, so this month my focus is on family and money.