After a few days of too little sleep and too many working hours, this concept really hit home for me.

It brought me back to the old days when I was first starting out, when I worked this way all the time.

When I thought that ‘pushing through’ a few more hours was going to get me somewhere.

GOING NO WHERE – SLOW

The majority of the time it got me no where for a few reasons.

• The work I was doing wasn’t that great. Working at approximately the level of a 2 year old has that effect.

• I was so tired that even cleaning up simple things was taking 2 or more times longer than usual. Many times I messed it up and had to spend more time cleaning it up when I could think better.

• I spent a day or two recouporating. That meant another day or two of doing things at half speed or less. And not doing some at all.

• I didn’t enjoy the day. Or anything. Like many people, when I’m tired, I’m grouchy. That is no fun. And it’s not productive either. Ever thought about how much energy it takes to be grouchy on top of everything else?

THE RULE

We are only human. With only so much energy and hours in the day, no matter how hard we try to stretch them.

The rule is…

If you take it from somewhere, you’ll have to give it somewhere else.

That somewhere else isn’t usually somewhere that you especially had in mind. And many times you won’t even be able to pick and choose. You’ll find yourself in a sudden energy slump when you need it the most.

PLANNED CONTROLS

There are a few things that you can do to smooth things out if you find yourself in the position of having to burn the candle at both ends for one reason or the other.

Doing these every day can even buy you more time over the long run.

NAPTIME - It’s not just for kids! This doesn’t mean an afternoon spent lounging in bed.

A quick 10 – 20 minute nap can buy you those few extra hours at night. Or a few in the morning. They can help you to work more effeciently with a well rested mind in the afternoon when you may normally go into a slump for a few hours or the rest of the day.

I don’t use an alarm. I almost always wake up at exactly 20 minutes. Since I’m tired when I lay down, it takes seconds to drift off usually. If I sleep longer, it’s always because I needed it and I get it back in spades later.

If you have small kids, unless you have another alternative, nap when they are napping. Just be sure to get up before them! One of my grandmother’s favourite stories was of an uncle who went to put my sister down for a nap during a family get together. She got back up to join the party since he wasn’t much fun… he was sleeping!

FRESH AIR TIME – Getting out for a walk for 10 – 20 minutes will do wonders. It’s like having a shower for your brain. Clean it out and many times you will even find some fresh ideas to bring home with you.

EXERCISE – Blood pumping through your body not only will make you stronger, more flexible and feel great, but it also feeds your brain and keeps your emotions calm.

That’s a key to productivity.

Being stressed can take the energy of a full time job for your body and your brain. A good workout helps to relieve the physical effects of stress giving us a clean slate to work with. Blood pumping through our cells, all over our body, brings oxygen and energy.

Just think what you can do with it.

TIME TO SAY AHHHH – A few times a week be sure to take some time to center yourself. You can do this a few times a day by simply stopping what you are doing, taking a deep breath and becoming aware of your surroundings, and all of the things that you are grateful for.

Expand on that theme a few times per week with a spa bath, a good book in your favourite chair – or in bed, or by getting out to do something that you love to do – as long as it’s relaxing. Maybe a massage or a swim. Even a workout at a gym can be relaxing if the atmosphere calms you and you enjoy it.

GOOD FOOD – I’ve recently started ‘eating clean’. I built up over time by reducing the processed and ‘dead foods’ in my diet and have progressed to more things like green smoothies and raw foods.

I can’t believe the difference. It’s like I’ve turned on a switch to better creativity and motivation. My mind is clearer than it’s been in a long time, I’m calmer and just feel good.

Every day is a possibility, a chance to move ahead. That’s a productive mindset at it’s best.

BOTTOM LINE?

You just can’t work at your best if you are tired. It isn’t productive or a positive way to live.

And over time it will even wreck your health and cause wrinkles. Can’t have that!

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