For some people, office environments can be very draining on energy levels, especially at certain parts of the day. Often times we start the day with all of our superpowers and mental prowess intact, only to find our batteries draining after a few hours into the day. This can be quite stressful especially when we have a lot work to get through. Luckily, there are a few great tips that can help you stay alert and productive throughout the entire workday. Here are a few ways to keep your brain and mental stamina at its best.
Visualize things that make you happy. The best way to beat stress is go to your happy place every time you feel as though your brain is conking out. Reflect on things that make you happy for a few minutes. This will help increase the production of mood enhancers in the brain that help you relax and think clearly. Many offices understand the need for creating stress-free environments for their employees. It would be a good idea to make use of the provided facilities during your break times. If your work has a gym, even ten minutes of exercise will make you feel loads better. You can also take a stroll with a friendly colleague to get a coffee. Doing relaxing things or thinking about the things you love will definitely help to get you mind off things for a while and will help you work better afterwards.
Get good sleep. Sleep is the best medicine for improving mental stamina and brain power throughout any workday, but unfortunately most people don’t get enough sleep every night. Sleep improves decision-making and decreases response time to a problem. Ensure that you get at least eight hours of consistent sleep, especially after a grueling day of work. If you have trouble sleeping, put a nighttime routine in place to consists of some chamomile tea, a good book, relaxing music, and no screen time at least one hour before bedtime. Sticking to this routine will ensure a good night’s sleep every night.
Supplements. Mental stamina and energy is often drained due to the increased production of stress-induced neurotransmitters. Nootropics prevent this drain by acting as barriers to the production of these neurotransmitters. Each nootropic has a specific mechanism of action. Some of them increases acetylcholine levels which in-turn improve memory and cognition. Some of them help reduce and anxiety and depression by activating the D2 and D3 dopamine receptors in the brain. Some of them reduce fatigue, stress, restores energy, and improves concentration by serving as antioxidants and normalizing blood sugar in the body. Whatever the means of action, consult with your doctor about trying the nootropic that most suits your energy need and office work.
Do some relaxing exercises. Exercise is a great mental stimulant. Exercise increases the oxygen intake into the brain which stimulates the brain’s mental faculties, making you feel more alert and focused. If you find it difficult to find time before or after work, try going to the gym or for a brisk walk with a colleague during your lunch break. In addition, it’s always a good idea to take the stairs instead of the elevator to burn some extra calories throughout the day.
Aside from physical exercises, meditation and yoga are also great ways to improve mental stamina. If you cannot squeeze in a workout routine before going to the office, it would be good to do some basic breathing exercises that clear your mind of negative thoughts. Again, this will create more oxygen to the brain which can help you immediately feel alert.
In conclusion, the process of improving mental stamina is something you’ll have to incorporate into your daily work routine. Like every exercise, there is a crunch time and relaxation time, so mentally alternating between these cycles will enable the brain to improve its endurance and help you to focus on the work in front of you for the day. Every person has a different capacity of endurance so depending on your need and stress levels, it’s important to work out your plan for a stress-free, mentally sharp office life.
