It’s natural for our energy levels to drop during the day, whether because we spend too much time in front of a screen without taking a break or because we feel exhausted after a succession of tasks or meetings. But there are small steps we can take to help us correct course and approach the rest of the day and our work with more energy and creativity.
These five science-backed tips can help you feel more energized during the workday:
Take a moment to thank others
Research shows that expressing gratitude at work can make us more resilient and strengthen our connections with our coworkers—and most importantly, help us feel more fulfilled and energized from work. After completing a project, write an email to your team to express your gratitude, or praise the people you worked with for their help throughout the process. In the busy workday, it’s easy to forget the power of a simple “thank you,” but it can go a long way in spreading positivity and good energy, both to the person being thanked and the person doing the thanking.
Set reminders to drink water
Did you know that staying hydrated can help boost your energy? You can use the reminder feature on your phone or put them on your calendar, just like meetings. Our brains are made up of 75% water, and even mild dehydration can cause us to lose all of our brainpower and make us feel low on energy. On the other hand, scientists have found that staying hydrated can increase productivity by 14%.
Take a walk in between meetings or tasks
Sitting or standing for long periods of time without getting much exercise can cause our energy levels to drop, which is why short walks during the day can help rejuvenate us. If you have back-to-back meetings throughout the day, consider changing one of the meetings to a walking meeting. A Harvard Business Review survey found that teams that implemented walking meetings were 8.5% more likely to be engaged in their work and more than 5% more likely to feel more creative.
Make time for something you love outside of work
Research shows that taking time away from work to focus on hobbies, even for a few minutes, can benefit our mental health. Try to schedule time on your calendar this week for something important to you, whether it’s before or after work, or during your lunch break. Whether it’s going to the gym, learning to play an instrument, or meeting up with friends, setting reminders will help you find time to follow your passions and recover from a busy workday.
Share a laugh with your colleagues
When you feel tired during the day, a moment of laughter can rejuvenate and rejuvenate you. Researchers have found that laughter can help us relieve stress and improve our mood. Try sharing a funny meme with your colleagues or watch a video clip with those around you to spark joy.