Recharging Your Battery: By Maintaining the Right Frame of Mind

Energy comes from two Greek words: energeia, meaning activity, and erg, meaning work. Which means that the amount of energy you have determines your ability to do work.

What’s the best way to get your natural energy to work for you? You don’t have to put in a whole lot to make a major difference. All you need to do is change your FRAME of reference in these five areas:

Food

Eat a balanced diet in the way that is best for you. Common sense tells you to include lots of water, fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Sometimes simple reminders are the most effective. I’ve been practicing and studying martial arts for years and remember reading a book of the teachings of martial arts masters. Ninja were legendary for their strength, agility, and stamina and it discussed what type of food fueled their training. There were 8 requirements. Here are 4 of them:

1. it must not spoil easily
2. it must be rather tasty
3. it must be simple to prepare
4. it must make one feel full even in a small amount

Here are some other helpful tips from nutritionist & health coach Peter K:

Step 1 – make sure to have breakfast and include a whole grain (oatmeal, cereal, whole wheat English muffin), with low fat milk, a fresh fruit, or an all natural low fat yogurt.

Step 2 – have a snack mid morning. Studies show it increases energy, focus, productivity and calmness (dried fruit, unsalted nuts, carrot sticks with hummus, etc.) serving size should be about 1 oz. (about a small handful).

Step 3 – the most important step is to acknowledge you are eating these meals because you want to be able to focus and increase your energy. Envision a successful day while you are eating, sit up straight, (good posture promotes better attitude, perception and energy as well), and you will guarantee yourself a great day.

Rest

The National Sleep Foundation estimates that fatigue is to blame for up to 90% of all industrial accidents and costs businesses $18 billion a year in lost productivity. The answer? Short naps – 15-20 minutes about 8 hours after you wake up. With that being said, I’m a big believer that everyone’s body works differently. Some people require 8 hours of sleep while others can get by with only 5. Rest helps our body restore its energy. But, be careful, too much rest is rust. There are times during the day when all the activities surrounding you are overwhelming and interfere with your clarity of thought and focus. Sometimes all it takes is a small break in the action to clear your mind, relax, regroup and come back with a clear head.

Air

It sustains you. Regulates your heartbeat. Feeds your brain and makes your blood red. Refresh the oxygen in your brain and blood several times a day. Here is an easy exercise to do 3 times a day. Use the 4-4-4 method – breathe in through your nostrils for 4 seconds, hold for 4 seconds, breathe out through your mouth for 4 seconds. It’s amazing how this simple exercise a few minutes a day can relieve stress and add energy.

Mind

Increase your mental energy. Read books that improve your personal effectiveness. Surround yourself with high energy people. We are all a product of our environment. One of the greatest statements I’ve ever heard was said by Earl Nightingale many years ago. “You become what you think about.” It’s amazing how certain people can suck out all the energy that we have mentally and physically, yet we surround ourselves with them everyday. Be selective of what you read, but just as important with who you surround yourself with.

Exercise

Commit to exercising at least 30 minutes a day, two to three days a week. Regular exercise not only increases overall energy levels, it increases our feelings of health, well-being and self-esteem.

Contrary to what many people think, sitting around doing nothing makes you tired. The bottom line is, the more energy you expend, the more energy you expand.

Barry Farber is a best selling author of 10 books including The 12 Cliches of Selling and Why They Work and Superstar Sales Manager’s Secrets. He speaks to various corporations on sales, management, and personal development. To learn more about Barry visit him at www.barryfarber.com or email him with any comments or questions at barry@barryfarber.com.