If you work freelance, you’re not tied down to a single job or company. You’re free to pursue any project or opportunity you want. But that also means that your business is directly tied to your health and energy. When you start to lose energy, your capacity to produce output is affected. But how can you keep your energy up if you spend most of your time working?
Many people think that exhaustion is a normal part of being a freelancer. We’ve all been there: You work too much and sleep too little. But contrary to popular belief, fatigue is not normal. Luckily, there are many ways to regain lost energy and vitality. You can always work with someone who’s undergone health coach training to improve your well-being.
There are also a few things you can do yourself to boost your energy.
1. Go outside
You’re not doing yourself any favors by spending most of your waking hours cooped up. Start your day by getting some natural sunlight. Sunlight exposure gives you an instant energy boost and promotes the production of vitamin D.
You can use this time to do light exercises or for a quick outdoor walk. And even if you’re not in the mood for physical activity, simply going outside and catching some fresh air can wake your body up.
2. Eat a snack
Give your body some quick energy with a light snack. But avoid processed food like chips or cookies. Instead, look for something with a low glycemic index like raw fruits and vegetables and grains. For a well-rounded snack, make sure to balance your fats, carbohydrates, and proteins. Carbs will give you the energy you need while fats and proteins will keep you from overeating.
For starters, you can mix low-fat yogurt with bran flakes or dip raw carrots in peanut butter. You can also make a smoothie from green vegetables and a fruit or two. These foods are rich in fiber, which helps in stabilizing your blood sugar levels.
3. Drink water
Chronic exhaustion can also be caused by dehydration, so make sure to drink lots of liquids throughout the day. Avoid sweetened or caffeinated drinks such as coffee and soda. Stick to water and fresh juices. Buy a tumbler or water bottle so that you can rehydrate whenever you want.
4. Take a quick nap
All the energy management tips in the world won’t help you if you don’t get enough sleep. If you still feel tired, a power nap might just do the trick. A quick half-hour nap should be enough to restore some of your lost energy. Just be careful not to oversleep.
5. Regular short breaks
It’s easy to get lost in your work, but if you don’t allow yourself the occasional break, your brain will start to tire and you’ll get more distracted. Keep your energy levels stable by taking short breaks at regular intervals. For instance, give yourself a 10-minute break for every hour of work.
These pointers will help you stay energized without relying on caffeine or supplements. If you still feel groggy during the day, you might want to reexamine your lifestyle or talk to your primary care provider for guidance.