Stress management is a skill that requires we be cognizant of our bodies. Unfortunately, not nearly enough of us play an active role in managing our stress levels. This is a critical error; we all know what stress can do to our energy levels.
In this article, we’re going to talk about 15 habits that drain your energy as well as share some cutting-edge stress management tips. Try implementing one or more of these tips into your daily life and see your life change!
FIRST, LET’S GO OVER 15 HABITS THAT WILL QUICKLY DRAIN YOUR PERSONAL ENERGY LEVELS.
BAD DIET
Aside from water, food is undoubtedly the most important source of energy. Every part of our body, from the brain and heart, the liver and stomach, to our muscles and nerves, needs nutrients to survive. Our stomach digests the food that is eventually broken down into glucose and pumped through our bloodstream. This glucose comprises a critical component of mental and physical energy.
Energy management tip: First, make sure that you eat enough. You should be getting a minimum of 2,000 calories daily under normal circumstances. Second, prioritize healthy and nutritious (read: energy-producing) foods. Examples: lean meats, nuts, seeds, dark leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, soybeans, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
MULTITASKING
Multitasking is officially a stupid and ineffective way to get work done. First of all, multitasking – for all intents and purposes – doesn’t exist (unless you count walking while chewing gum or some other monotonously simple task). Second, multitasking depletes your brain’s energy reserves by forcing it into “task switching.” This is far from the living, breathing task-juggling machine that “multitaskers” try and make themselves out to be.
Energy management tip: This one is straightforward. Do one thing at a time. When the bottom-up circuitry of our brain tries to interfere, simply redirect your attention back onto the task at hand.
COMPLAINING
Is it easy to go off on a complaint-infused tangent in today’s world? You bet it is – and it can even feel good, at least for a little while. But, according to a study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, complaining even once can send you down a steep slippery-slip of negative thinking. Moreover, this emotional hijack comes at a high energy cost.
Energy management tip: Learn to express legitimate discontentment in a healthy way by getting to the root of the problem and working towards a solution. You’ll find that redirecting your attention towards something positive is both rewarding and far less taxing on energy levels.
DEHYDRATION
While you probably don’t need some study to tell you that dehydration can torpedo energy levels, here we go anyways. According to researchers at the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory, a seemingly insignificant “1.5 percent water loss in normal (body) water volume” – or mild dehydration – can handicap a person’s ability to think clearly. Interestingly, the study notes “it (doesn’t) matter if a person … walked for 40 minutes on a treadmill or was sitting at rest” – the damaging effects of dehydration on energy levels and cognitive performance were the same.
Energy management tip: Most experts seem to agree that eight, 8-ounce glasses of water per day is optimal (more if you are physically active.) An easy way to check your hydration levels is to check the color of your urine. If it’s anything other than clear, you are probably not drinking enough.
IRON DEFICIENCY
Per the World Health Organization, iron deficiency is the most prevalent nutrient disorder in the world. An iron shortage in the body means that not enough hemoglobin can be produced, deriving your muscles, tissues, and organs of oxygen. As a result, your body and mind can feel sluggish and run down.
Energy management tip: Vegans and vegetarians are especially prone to iron deficiency, as the mineral is most abundant in fish, meat, and poultry. Therefore, it is necessary to acquire iron supplementation or a food substitute (e.g. iron-fortified cereal.) The RDA for iron between the ages of 18 and 50 is 8 mg for men and 18 for women. Over the age of 50, it is 8 mg across the board. Women who are pregnant should get a minimum of 27 mg daily.
NOT ENOUGH EXERCISE
Check this: researchers say that regular, low-intensity exercise may increase energy by up to 20 percent while decreasing fatigue by 65 percent! Is any other explanation needed here?!
Energy management tip: Again, low-intensity exercise is far better than no exercise. Get out for a 45-minute walk, ride the bike, or take up a hobby that requires energy expenditure.
STARING AT YOUR SCREEN
The blue light emitted from cell phone screens messes with your body’s circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycle), making it more difficult to fall and stay asleep. Of course, anything less than a full night’s sleep is counterproductive to energy levels.
Energy management tip: If you have a legitimate need to use your phone late into the night, consider installing a “night light” for your cell. Some Android phones are even coming with a built-in blue light blocker installed.
POOR POSTURE
More people may be guilty of bad posture than any other thing on this list. Poor posture drains your energy levels by making you counterbalance uneven weight across your upper and lower body. In other words, your body needs to make constant adjustments to compensate for your lousy form. Moreover, slouching puts a disproportionate amount of pressure on your back and spine, which can sap your energy.
Energy management tip: Learn to sit up straight. When you walk, try to imagine a parallel line running from the tip of your head and neck down through your spine and lower legs. When you feel that extra energy jolt you get, you’ll never go back.
PERFECTIONISM
People who are perfectionist are often inflexible, fear failure, and have an unhealthy need for control. They attempt to overcome these feelings of inadequacy by trying to make everything just right. Unfortunately, such an approach to life is both unrealistic and exhausting. Research shows that perfectionist tendencies are linked to both chronic stress and burnout.
Energy management tip: The first step is to recognize procrastination in yourself. Contrary to popular belief, perfectionists aren’t always “squared away.” For example, many adults coping with perfectionism, due to their deeply-rooted fears of failure, are chronic procrastinators. Poor grades and work performance may continue if one doesn’t take a proactive approach – usually entailing things like meditation, deep-breathing techniques, visualization, and positive self-talk.
AFTERNOON CAFFEINE
Gosh, that cup of joe to get through the afternoon slump is so lovely, isn’t it? (This writer will probably never give it up!) Unfortunately, according to a research team from Michigan, caffeine intake within six hours of bedtime affects both sleep time and quality.
Energy management tip: Instead of indulging in a cup (or three) of java, try taking a short nap of 20 to 30 minutes. Hey, Google does afternoon naps so there must be something to them!