Have you had a day that you were really productive? Think back to that day and try to remember what you had to eat, both the night before and during that day. Did you start your day with exercise? As humans we strive to be as productive, but often take little consideration into what we eat.
Coffee is often a staple in many workplaces, and in proper moderation is perfectly healthy. Have you found yourself drinking cup after cup of coffee trying to give yourself that extra boost to get through the day? Perhaps monster drinks are your thing? The thought is that the caffeine will help to boost energy and make you more productive. Try switching that coffee or monster drink out for water, which may actually have a better effect on your performance. Water helps to hydrate your body, keeping you focused and awake.
What kind of food you put into your body can also have an effect on your performance. Certain foods help to boost metabolism while others can cause you to feel sluggish. Foods such as pasta, bread, cereal, and pop release glucose quickly. This results in a burst of energy that is then followed by a slump as the energy wears off. Ever want to close your eyes at 3:00 every day? Foods that are high in fat such as cheeseburgers and BLTs, provide a longer, more sustained energy but require the digestive system to work harder; therefore, reducing the oxygen that is available for the brain to use. This can leave you with a groggy feeling.
The lunch options that are most convenient and cheap are usually the ones that are less healthy. How do you avoid them? Start off by making the decision of what you’re going to eat before you get hungry. Perhaps packing your lunch for better options may make sense. It all goes into the planning.
Snacking throughout the day will help to stabilize your blood sugar. This will also help to reduce the feeling of being hungry, which can cause your mind to be less productive. Place a container of things at your desk such as almonds, baby carrots, or fruit to give you healthy snacks throughout the day. Keep in mind that foods higher in protein will give you more sustained energy and carbs, while foods with more carbs will give you an initial boost and then will leave you feeling tired and groggy.
You many wonder what does all this have to do with productivity? EVERYTHING! The better you feel, the shorter bursts of energy and focus you have. Tackling a complex project on an empty stomach won’t get you very far.
According to Forbes Magazine, successful people adopt some smart habits on Sunday to ensure a productive week because Monday is going to happen whether you like it or not.
These three tips are what they shared:
- Take an hour on Sunday to look at your calendar for the week and get organized.
- Fill your plate with healthy food. Indulge on Friday and Saturday, but eat 3 balanced meals and limit alcohol intake on Sundays.
- Add meaning to the day. Do something fulfilling for yourself.
Make subtle changes to your diet. Take breaks between tasks and make time to exercise. Put exercising into your calendar as a scheduled appointment. You’ll be amazed at how much better you feel and watch your productivity increase.
About the author: Autumn Edmiston is the CEO and owner of the Edmiston Group. The Edmiston Group is a multifaceted Pittsburgh based marketing consulting firm providing senior level marketing management services to businesses and non-profit organizations on a short or long term basis. Core areas of service are business development, marketing, strategic planning and public relations. The Edmiston Group has consistently delivered and implemented real-world, proven business marketing ideas and strategies for business growth.