The Oomph Boost

Every now and then, everyone suffers from the Mondays—that lack of oomph that gets you up in the morning.  As we all know, the Mondays can hit any day of the week, for any reason.

In today’s job market, ever-looming layoffs can pile on stress.  At home, wondering how you’ll make the mortgage can bleed into work life.  And don’t get me started on fighting the commute.  Worry and stress (professionally or personally) can sap your oomph for life, making you nothing more than a zombie trudging about the workplace.

The oomph boost is essential not just for your nine-to-five, but for day-to-day life.  When you’re energized, you enjoy your day more, you’re more apt to achieve your goals, and you’re more productive.  But when life gets stagnant and monotonous, you lose that energy faster than a colander loses water.

So how do you keep your energy up?  To make sure you don’t suffer the fate of the living dead, here are a few tips you can try to give you that oomph boost around the office and in life in general:

1.    Take care of No. 1: Some people like being a martyr, but self-sacrifice only lasts so long.  Get some exercise take a walk around the office now and then.  Get your rest—if seven-hour nights (which you should be getting) aren’t cutting it, sneak in a power nap at lunch.  Eat right—regular meals and healthy snacks (meaning, ditch the Diet Coke).

2.     Playtime: Ever wonder why kids never run out of energy?  It’s because they play.  Playing keeps your energy levels up.  Your playtime can range from a weekend excursion to a board game at lunch to an emailed joke of the day.  Whatever you do, keep it light!

3.     Clear the mental cache: You know how computers slow down when the cache memory is full?  It’s the same for you.  If you’re feeling bogged down, try meditating for a few minutes a day.  If meditation’s not your thing, organize your workspace.  Clearing your mental and physical surroundings will help you focus and feel less overwhelmed.

4.     Be present: Leave the past in the past and let the future come when it comes.  For now, focus on today.  Being fully invested in the current task will focus your energy and leave less room for oomph-sapping mental wanderings.  If you have trouble focusing, change your routine to keep from falling into a daily monotony.

5.     The attitude of gratitude: Think of what you’re thankful for in your life.  Being grateful boosts adrenaline, which in turn gives you energy.  Not only that, but being grateful helps you appreciate life more and makes a more pleasant person to be around.

Keeping your energy up will keep you clear of the Mondays, even on a Monday.  Not only will an oomph boost improve your performance and productivity, but it will give you a more positive outlook on life.  The best part is, it’s an upward cycle—the more you feel energized, the more energy you’ll have, and the more you’ll get done, which gives you oomph for tomorrow.