It’s several years old now but do you remember The Matrix? In it humans were used literally as batteries to feed their machine masters. The analogy of humans as batteries actually isn’t far wrong. If you’ve ever worked flat out at work for a week and then felt run down and exhausted several days afterwards, your battery levels are running low. A lot of people know this happens, can see the signs and typically take action (lying in on a Sunday, for example). However, what’s not so recognized is that when your body is running on low it also manifests itself mentally. Feel down, fed up, not motivated to do anything? You need to recharge those batteries.
I must confess I’ve had my emotional ups and downs in the past, and a lot of the things I do and discuss on this blog are about me trying to create an healthier balance (eating right, taking exercise, getting things out of my head). A big part of that is in keeping my batteries topped up.
A lot of people tend to function at max until they burn out, and then recharge. Instead, I suggest you take measures to keep your batteries at a healthy level. That way you don’t feel down and tired all the time and you can stay on the wagon for longer. Below are the five things I do to achieve just that.
- Get away from it all
Get away from all the noises and stress of your normal working day. Give your senses and your emotions a break from demanding colleagues, overbearing managers and noisy music. Have an holiday if you can (sometimes I like to book myself short weekend break away), but even chilling out on the sofa one evening is better than nothing. - Get enough sleep
Getting enough sleep is the number one way of recharging batteries, simply because that’s what it is designed to do. On an average working day nowadays, people rarely get enough sleep so when you do have an opportunity to get a full eight hours in, make the most of it. - Get lots of exercise
Much like sleep, getting exercise is a top, natural way to recharge your batteries. Of course, when you’re getting a sweat on and burning away last night’s curry, it probably doesn’t feel that way, but exercise releases positive chemicals in the brain and is great for de-stressing and focusing your mind. What’s more, if you do it regularly it ironically reduces fatigue and improves your overall energy levels. - Cut out stressful situations
It’s no good taking a break and trying to relax if you’re still plugged in. Wind up loose ends at work and at home so that they don’t effect your mood at a later date when you’re trying to recharge. As extreme as it might sound, if I’m on holiday I try to avoid thinking and talking about work. - Don’t feel guilty
As somebody who regularly walks a tricky tightrope between getting lots done and not getting wound up about it all, I’ve often felt guilty for sitting down on the sofa and relaxing. The fact is, though ticking something off your to-do list maybe more immediately satisfying, taking a break to recharge your batteries is just as important.
May 12, 2009 at 02:38AM
Alternatively you could have some fun and procrastinate a little!