We live in an information rich, time poor world.

Increasingly, I see many examples of people feeling overwhelmed, juggling many different priorities, seeking to sustain high levels of performance and lead balanced and happy lives.

In a recent coaching session, a client who runs her own business, is very successful, always upbeat and appears in control confided in me that she felt close to burn out. She has high standards, produces outstanding results and customer service levels and it took a lot of courage for her to admit the truth about how she was feeling inside.

She told me she had to develop some new habits and behaviours as her current way of being wasn’t sustainable.

The objective that she set for the coaching session was to discover how she could sustain and develop her current performance levels and avoid health problems. She was very honest and admitted to me that the main lesson that she gained from the current challenge was that she needed to ask for help more often and not feel weak or guilty for doing so.

The other major action point that she took from the session was that she needed to practice greater self-care to keep her energy levels high.

During our chat, I mentioned that when you board a plane, during the safety announcement they always tell you that in the event of an emergency that if the oxygen mask appears to put your mask on first.

The reason for this is that if you do not have any oxygen/energy you can’t help others! She told me that she realised that was a time for her to apply her oxygen mask!

Sometimes we have to put ourselves first so that we can be the best we can be and have the energy to help others.

Many people put others needs in front of their own, as they feel it self-indulgent to put him/herself first or they feel selfish. It is vital that you put some time aside and adopt some habits to take care of yourself.

Here are a few tips to help you keep your energy levels high:

• Keep hydrated – Drink plenty of water – recommended daily intake is 1.5-2 litres a day

• Eat 5 pieces of fruit or vegetables every day

• Exercise – it is recommended that you undertake 30 minutes of physical exercise every day. This does not have to be a visit to a gym, walking is good for you.

• Ensure that you get enough sleep, so your body has time to relax and recover. The amount of sleep each person needs varies but on average it 8 hours a night. Keep your sleep patterns regular – go to bed and get up at the same time every day. Avoid using the snooze button!

• Minimise the amount of caffeine that you have on a daily basis and keep alcohol intake within the recommended weekly limits

• Put some time aside to watch some funny movies or comedy shows and have a good laugh. Humour helps you feel good, more relaxed and energised.

• Avoid negative people and environments that drag you down. In a previous blog, I have talked about energy drains and energy radiators and to ensure that you spend time with people who radiate energy and help you increase your energy levels and not deplete them!

This week why not take some time and consider if you need to practice greater self-care or take some action to increase your energy levels.

This week’s quotation:

“To keep a lamp burning we have to keep putting oil in it” Mother Theresa

To arrange a free no obligation consultation, please contact Stephen Pauley via the contact form or by e mail: Stephen@befirstclass.co.uk