Check out these six energy drainers listed below to see how you can get some more energy back into your life – TODAY!

Energy Drainer #1:  Lack of Movement

Not only is constant sitting unhealthy for you, but it can also feel incredibly draining. If you have worked a desk job long enough, you know how tiring it can be. Your body isn’t physically moving to work hard, so it registers this as an opportunity to relax. That, in turn, can make you feel a huge energy drain.

The Fix 

Stand up more at your desk or sit on a yoga ball to keep yourself actively focused on your posture. Get up and walk during your break to get steps and movement into your day!

Energy Drainer #2: Junk Food

Try to avoid reaching for the junk food during your midday slump. The result will be that more energy gets drained instead of increasing your energy like you had hoped. If you’re finding your energy is on the low side, intake some protein, find some fresh air, or get up for more movement.

The Fix 

Encourage those around you to bring healthier options to the department food table! Ban the donuts.. get rid of the office candy bowl. 🙂 I know I know – don’t hate me…! Drink some water or grab fruit and veggies from the work cafe.

Energy Drainer #3: Taking Your Work with You

Real question… If you feel like you never get a break from work, is it because you’re bringing your work home? Set your work-life balance up so that you avoid additional exhaustion from taking home the work with you.

 The Fix 

Figure out the work that can get done in the day, ask for help if you need it. If something is taking longer than expected… reflect and then act.  Reflect on how your time is being spent and then respond with the appropriate action.

Energy Drainer #4: Gossip

Workplace gossip doesn’t positively contribute to the environment and creates a negative feeling among peers if it continuously happens. Gossip is an energy drainer, and we all know it doesn’t fit into our work family culture.

The Fix 

Simply walk away or don’t add anything to the conversation at hand.  See #3 (the reflection part) and then act on the work that you want to get done so that you don’t take it home!

Energy Drainer #5: Multitasking

When you try to do multiple activities at once – you’re bound to drop the ball on something. Multitasking is one way to try and get everything on your to-do list done. But… multitasking reduces quality of your work and drains your energy fast.

The Fix

 Look for ways to reduce your activities to one at a time throughout the day if it is possible.

Energy Drainer #6: Avoid Leaving Incomplete Tasks

When possible, do your best to fully complete a task before moving on to the next one.

The Fix 

Time management is one key to getting your to-do list done. By organizing your list (even if it’s massive), by priorities and being flexible with shifting those tasks as needed, you’ll get the most important ones done first.