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5 Effective Ways to Maximize Energy Levels and Boost Focus
If you’re like most people, you often find yourself lacking focus and energy needed to stay on top of your daily tasks. Feeling like there aren’t enough hours in a day to tick every single task off from your to-do list is a common occurrence and the reason why so many people are searching for new ways to boost their productivity and get more done on a daily basis.
Fortunately, this doesn’t have to be as complex or challenging as most people think. Below, our top five suggestions on how to keep energy levels up and stay focused.
Give Pomodoro technique a try
If you’re having trouble focusing on the task at hand, one of the first techniques you should consider trying should be the Pomodoro technique. Developed by a university student in the 1980s, this time management method relies on keeping time as a simple way to maintain focus and achieve more during shorter periods of time.
The way it works is you train your brain to maintain laser focus while performing a particular task by dividing your work into sections. The only rule? You have to follow the timer. Set it for 25 minutes, work, and then enjoy a five-minute break. After that, set the timer once again and get to work. Repeat this four times, taking a break each time the buzzer sounds. After that, you can enjoy a longer break (e.g. half an hour).
Get enough sleep
When looking at reasons why an individual is having trouble keeping their energy levels up, the most common explanation is that they’re lacking in the sleep department. The truth is, many of us simply aren’t getting enough sleep each night, and that can wreak havoc on our brain. Not only does skimping on sleep negatively affect our energy levels, but it also makes it more difficult for us to concentrate and memorize important things. What’s more, it puts our body and brain through unnecessary stress, and it can also lead to shortened lifespan.
To make sure you’re getting the right amount of Zzs every night, there are several things you can do. For starters, make sure that you aren’t taking any caffeinated beverages after you’ve had your lunch. Also, avoid using any blue-light emitting devices prior to bedtime. Instead, take the time to prepare for bed, relying on soothing baths or music to relax and unwind after a long day.
Fuel your body the right way
It’s no secret that what we consume on a daily basis can influence our energy levels and ability to focus. This is why it’s important that you rely on high-quality ingredients and foods to fuel your body the right way. For starters, avoid skipping meals, and make sure you stay hydrated all day long. Focus on eating more leafy greens, walnuts, berries, and fatty fish. All of these are regarded as brain foods and are certain to give you the much-needed boost.
Also, be sure to include either tea or coffee in small doses to get your caffeine. Not a fan of coffee and tea? Try relying on nootropic smart drinks to reap the same energy-boosting benefits. By drinking just one of these, you’ll get the same effect as you would from 1.5 cups of coffee. Plus, these lightly carbonated supplements are jam-packed with nootropics that have a positive effect on focus, memory, concentration, energy, and mental acuity.
Try ‘chunking’ a large project
When you think about it, basically every task seems easier once it’s been divided into smaller chunks. The fact that these tasks are smaller makes them more manageable, and as a result, you’re more motivated to complete them.
Whenever you feel overwhelmed by a large project, instead of focusing on how big it is and how much time it’s going to take you to complete it (which will only lead to more procrastination), try chunking it into a range of sub-tasks. Breaking up a large project into smaller chunks will change your perspective on things, and allow you to achieve all your goals sans stress.
Exercise your way to increased productivity and energy levels
You may be wondering what exercise has to do with boosting your productivity and energy levels. The explanation is pretty simple – physical exercise gives a boost to a person’s willpower. What this means is that a simple workout can leave you feeling more energetic and focused, allowing you to complete tasks at hand more efficiently.
According to a study conducted by researchers at Macquarie University, after just two months of moderate exercise, the participants displayed perseverance and increased ability to deal with temptation. They also procrastinate less, started eating healthier, and felt more control over their emotions. As for the exercise itself, it really doesn’t matter whether you choose to simply walk every day or head to the gym so you can lift some weights. As long as it’s something that gets your body moving, you’re headed in the right direction.
Wrapping up
As you can see, staying focused and keeping your energy levels up doesn’t have to be challenging. In fact, it’s simply a matter of applying a couple of tips and tricks that will help you get more done and stay motivated while you’re at it. Start with a tip that seems the easiest, and work your way up by including others gradually.