Managing Your Energy – Your Key To Success

The old paradigm of effectively managing your time is no longer enough. In order to be truely effective in today's demanding world, you must also be able to manage your energy levels. If you only focus on managing your time, you may find yourself showing up without the ability to focus and be at peak performance.

How many times have you started your day in the last week having to push yourself to get up? How about running out of gas at the end of the day? Falling asleep after lunch? All of these things are signs that you are not managing your physical energy levels to the best of your ability. Here are a couple of ways to generate more energy for yourself:

1. Eat often and well

To be at peak energy, you need to fuel your body properly. Eat 5 to 7 times a day, starting your day with a large meal, and following up with progressively smaller ones. Also, stay away from energy robbing foods such as fats and sugars.

2. Drink Lots of Water

Drinking lots of water keeps you hydrated, decreases your appetite, and fuels your body (you are 90% water).

3. Get Plenty of Sleep

Every study I have read on this says that humans need 8 hours of sleep a night. Are you getting enough?

4. Exercise Regularly

You should exercise at least 3 times a week, doing both cardio and strength training exercises. This is really the key to developing high energy levels. The only way to increase the amount of energy that you have access to on a daily basis is to increase your reserves through resistance training.

5. Take Regular Breaks

Take a 15-minute break every two hours or so. This will reduce your stress levels, as well as increase your ability to focus.

6. Match Your Schedule to Your Energy Level

Keep track of your natural energy levels. Are you more of a morning person? Is your energy at its peak after lunch? Keep track of when your energy is naturally high and low, and then build your schedule accordingly. For example, if your energy levels are high in the morning, schedule demanding tasks when you are at a naturally high level. This will help you maintain peak performance!

While some of these things seem quite basic, most of us don't do them. Keep in mind that everything you do starts and ends with you! If you are not in managing your energy levels, as well as your time, there is no chance for you to reach your full potential.