Whether you’ve been working throughout the pandemic or spent time at home pondering the important things in life, now that lockdown has lifted the post-pandemic boom is well and truly underway.
All the purchases and investments your clients have been putting off for the past 18 months are starting to roll in, and if you’re not careful entrepreneurial burnout is not far behind.
Since the world went into lockdown in March 2020 we’ve all been under a huge amount of mental strain, whether it be financial pressures or health concerns, our minds and bodies have been in survival mode which takes up huge amounts of energy. Add to the mix the limitations on physical activity, anxiety-related lack of sleep and the boredom and repetition of being confined to one space, getting back to normal, let alone an increased workload, may feel utterly exhausting.
So, if you’re looking for ways to maintain your energy levels during the post-pandemic boom before you are able to take some time off, here are some suggestions;
Rest your body & mind
Getting back to ‘normal’ means increasing the amount of energy you spend doing both physically and mentally. It will take time for you to adjust from being at home 24/7 to the demands of commuting or travel, face-to-face meetings, being in an office or workplace as well as doing your job, admin and managing staff or suppliers.
Tiredness affects your ability to focus and make decisions, so to keep up those energy levels make sure you’re getting at least 7-9 hours of sleep at night and going to bed at a reasonable time. If you have an especially busy schedule right now then embrace afternoon power naps, just 10 minutes can leave you refreshed and energised.
Ensure you do not have too many back to back meetings and stagger alongside quieter days. For example I leave Fridays empty and don’t schedule any calls or meetings. This ensures I have time to catch up on office admin, schedule self care (plus as an introvert it gives me a chance to be quiet and not talk at all!)
Eat well
Whether you’re a lockdown baker or prolific consumer of takeaways, those pandemic pick-me-ups have to go! Eating a healthy balance diet, loaded with vitamins, minerals and proteins as well as drinking plenty of water help your body to function efficiently, increasing your metabolism and energy levels and preventing that dreaded afternoon slump that has you reaching for the biscuits.
And while your usual skinny-soy-mocha-latte can give you a temporary energy boost, try not to depend on caffeine to get you through the day as it can lead to a crash later in the day.
Order some healthy snacks in bulk and keep them handy, this will help you make more healthy choices. Consider using a food subscription service like Mindful Chef to deliver new exciting recipes to try, this was a favourite of mine in 2020.
An active body
Rather than tiring you out, exercise (especially first thing) actually helps to increase energy throughout the day. Whether it’s feeling the burn at the gym, continuing your lockdown wild swimming sessions, or venturing out on a leisurely walk, being active on a regular basis helps you to stay healthy increases your overall fitness and energy levels
If things are really busy and setting aside an hour is out of the question, simply try to move more throughout the day. Getting up to make a cup of tea, refill your water bottle, take the stairs or walk to the shop during your lunch break are all better than staying static at your desk all day.
An active mind
It’s not just your body that needs to stay active, if your workload has been reduced during lockdown and your concentration levels are not what they were. Read a book, do a daily crossword or tune in to an inspiring TED talk anything that stimulates your mind is going to help you feel less fatigued.
Set small challenges
Staying at home repeating the same daily tasks over and over again can be really dull and tiring. Setting yourself small, manageable challenges whether personal or business-related can help with a sense of achievement, making you feel more confident and accomplished.
It could be as simple as creating a new daily schedule, allowing for work time, exercise and relaxation, perhaps challenging yourself to speak to a certain number of newclients in a month, signing up for a hobby you’ve always wanted to try, or taking on a project that inspires and scares you equally.
Challenging yourself with new things keeps things fresh and exciting, and that makes it easier to find the energy to do them.
Make the new normal work for you
Whatever post-pandemic life looks like for you, now is your opportunity to make life-changing decisions to improve your work-life blend.
Business has never been more flexible or clients more understanding. If 9-5 doesn’t suit, set yourself a new schedule, reassess your workload and make changes to your strategy to balance work, finances and home life, paint your office and decorate with things that make you happy. You are now in control of your own working hours, workload and environment, so make it work for you!
What does post-pandemic life look like for you? If you need some help to create your new normal a Strategise and Energise Consultancy Session could be just what you need to restore your energy levels and start scaling your business. Click here to find out more and book with me.
