Have you noticed how you have tons of energy to work at some points in the day, but struggle to focus on others.
Everyone naturally has fluctuations in their energy levels each day and you can’t change that.
However, what you can do is know when you’re going to be at high and low energy states and take advantage of each.
The first step to taking advantage of your body’s energy fluctuations is to monitor your energy levels in a log.
Use a simple spreadsheet to note how your energy levels change over the course of each day.
Note times of positive emotion and high mental energy like focusing clarity and times a negative emotions and low mental energy like in security, grogginess, and distraction.
After collecting data in your log for about a week, you’ll get an idea of what your natural energy curve is like.
For example, you might feel most energized in the morning and feel more sluggish after you eat lunch.
It’s essential to capitalize on the times you feel most positive and energized by doing your hardest most stimulating work during these times.
Second, plan to do menial tasks during your downtimes, like cleaning out your e-mail inbox or regular check-in meetings, or use those times to take a break and go for a walk.
Need an energy boost, supplement your energy level log by keeping track of your lifestyle habits, including how you sleep, eat, and exercise.
Over time, you’ll see how your lifestyle impacts your energy levels.
For example, you might find that you feel more physically energized throughout the day when you have eggs and fruit for breakfast.
But that you feel cranky after getting fewer than six hours of sleep.
Use your energy log to identify areas where you can make small adjustments to your lifestyle.
Experiment with your routine to see how you can take advantage and boost your energy curve.
It’s impossible to be on all day, but monitoring and channeling your energy levels can help you get the most out of the energy that you have.
