The best tips I’ve read in years
On the first day of 2024, The New York Times published this article The 6-Day Energy Challenge with the subtitle: Try these simple tips for a more invigorated 2024.
I am SO very skeptical about most articles like this. Which is exactly why it took me seven days to read it after my Dad shared it with me.
I cannot even begin to explain the level of shock and actual joy I experienced after reading it. No exaggeration, yall. These tips are incredible - and not just because many are what I already teach and preach. My favorite is reframing bedtime to be the beginning of the next day. Start each “day” with a long nap? Yes, please.
I highly recommend checking this out and getting on board! No matter that this blog was published a week after New Year’s Day. No matter that you might be reading it in February. It’s such an arbitrary concept - to start something new or make changes just because the calendar says Janaury 1st. Nobody is actually monitoring this! You’re a grown-ass adult, you can do what you want, when you want (within reason, folks, laws and morality and all that).
Start now, whenever you’re reading this! Or next week, just pick a time to start and start.
For my tl:dr folks…here you go.
Day 1: A 5-minute trick for more energy
Emphasizes the importance of daytime rest.
Suggests taking short, revitalizing breaks during the day.
These breaks help restore attention, reduce fatigue, and enhance vitality.
Encourages making daytime rest a daily health practice.
Day 2: Move for 3 minutes to refresh your mind
Promotes short bursts of movement to reduce fatigue and relieve stress.
Explains how movement can increase oxygen supply to muscles and brain.
Highlights the release of dopamine during short bursts of movement.
Provides a fun three-minute exercise routine.
Day 3: Track your energy after you eat
Encourages paying attention to how different foods affect your energy levels.
Suggests tracking sensations and energy levels after meals.
Recommends waiting an hour or two after eating to assess energy.
Provides tips for adjusting your diet to maintain steady energy.
Day 4: Identify your ‘energy vampires’ and ‘chaotic friends’
Focuses on assessing relationships that drain or uplift your energy.
Offers prompts to identify supportive and draining friendships.
Discusses the impact of relationships on physical and mental health.
Provides strategies for managing or distancing from draining relationships.
Day 5: The magic of losing yourself in a task
Explores the concept of entering a flow state during enjoyable activities.
Describes how flow states result from complete absorption in a task.
Highlights the release of neurotransmitters like dopamine during flow.
Encourages finding and dedicating time to low-stakes flow activities.
Day 6: How to stay energized all year long
Offers tips for maintaining energy and well-being throughout the year.
Recommends reframing bedtime as the beginning of the next day.
Discusses time-blocking and monotasking for improved productivity.
Suggests setting digital boundaries to reduce phone-related fatigue.
The 6-Day Energy Challenge provides a holistic approach to energy management, encompassing physical, mental, and emotional well-being to help you maintain vitality year-round.
This is the type of “work” a team might expect when they sign on for a BoredLess culture transformation. Want to learn more about how to improve your teams' wellbeing and see returns in engagement, productivity and even profitability? Let’s chat!
edited 1/9/24 to add: I highly recommend adding a seventh challenge here - start a gratitude practice. There is so much research behind it, it's really ridiculous not to do it. I just list three things most mornings. I can be that simple!
And remember, less can be more. Doing 10% of any of these is better than none, don't hold yourself to perfection!
