As we all know, the period we have just been through has affected us all physically and psychologically: COVID-19, restrictions, lockdown, war in Ukraine... We are lacking in energy and need to recharge our batteries more than ever.
The accumulation of difficult moments leads to low morale, loss of motivation, loss of desire for things we used to enjoy doing, and physical and psychological fatigue sets in.
Energy can also be depleted by lack of sleep, poor diet, or excessive stress. Stress itself can stem from professional or personal difficulties, or from a high mental load.
So when faced with low energy levels, how can you recharge your batteries?
Recharging your batteries : how to regain balance?
Recharge your batteries through physical rest
Physical rest allows you to release tension in your body by relaxing your muscles. Lying down allows your muscles to relax completely. When you feel your energy levels dropping, lie down, even if it's not time to sleep: during your lunch break, on your way home from work, etc.
In addition, it is important to have a good sleep routine. Go to bed and get up at regular times and aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night to stay in good shape. Nighttime allows the body to recover.
Recharge your batteries through emotional rest
Emotional rest is necessary when emotional fatigue becomes too overwhelming. Emotional fatigue is caused by negative emotions, which have been affecting us all for some time now. So how can we practice emotional rest? The idea is to express your emotions rather than pretending they don't exist. You can talk about how you feel with people around you with whom you feel comfortable. One or more sessions with a psychologist will also help to release emotions.
Engage in physical activity and enjoy natural light
After physical rest, it is beneficial to engage in physical activity. Exercise helps us gain energy and combat fatigue and stress. Exercise releases endorphins, the pleasure hormones. After a workout, you will feel a sense of well-being. You can do any sport you like, but you can also go for a walk, choose to cycle instead of driving, or take the stairs instead of the elevator. However, avoid exercising in the evening, as this can make you feel more awake and prevent you from sleeping.
In addition to exercise, get outside and enjoy the fresh air every day. Natural light is beneficial to our health. It promotes the secretion of cortisol, which affects our well-being and boosts our energy levels. Natural light will also help you get your fill of vitamin D.
Taking care of yourself
Taking time for yourself is essential to recharge your batteries. Take the time to take a break, go to the hairdresser, stroll along the beach, or read that book you've been meaning to read for a while. Taking care of yourself also means listening to your desires: eating your favorite meal or watching the movie you want to see.
Refocus on the present moment
Meditation is a great way to recharge your batteries and improve your mental well-being. It allows you to refocus your attention on the present and distance yourself from ruminations and negative thoughts. Meditation helps you let go. It has many benefits: it combats stress and depression, promotes positive feelings such as joy, regulates emotions, and aids concentration and attention.
In the same vein, yoga brings both physical and mental well-being. Yoga uses physical postures and breathing exercises. This practice also helps to reduce stress and anxiety. Here too, we focus on the present moment. Several studies have shown the benefits of yoga for regaining energy, combating fatigue, regaining self-confidence, and improving mood.
Choosing a healthy diet
With our stressful daily lives, we sometimes favor fast food, eating on the go and not really eating a balanced diet. Poor nutrition leads to deficiencies and therefore fatigue. A good diet is beneficial for regaining energy. Certain foods are real allies for well-being and energy, such as oranges, avocados, almonds, dark chocolate, oatmeal, bananas, and fatty fish.
Check out our article on the link between diet and well-being at work.
Disconnect
Take short breaks, about 10 minutes, several times a day, during which you disconnect from digital devices. Put away your phone and computer, go outside for some fresh air, chat with a colleague, or just close your eyes for a few minutes.
Also, remember to stay away from screens in the evening before going to sleep. The light from screens will prevent the production of melatonin and make it harder to fall asleep.
Break out of your routine
When you get stuck in a rut, you just drift through life and every day feels the same, which is not a good way to feel healthy... So push yourself to break out of your daily routine to rediscover your vitality and enthusiasm. By breaking out of your routine, you'll feel like you've used your time wisely and not just let it slip away. Try new activities, go on an impromptu weekend getaway, meet new people, redecorate your home, say yes when you would have said no before...
Recharge your batteries with a Pros-Consulte workshop
In order to re-motivate teams and help them regain balance and a sense of well-being, we support companies by offering a workshop entitled "Recharge your batteries." The workshop aims to bring energy and serenity to participants. It is led by a psychologist and sophrologist who will provide tools and exercises to incorporate into daily life to feel better.
