“It’s Monday again! Why did the weekend end so soon?”

“Time’s running away! God only knows when I shall be able to focus on my well-being!”

Inability to complete personal targets concerns most of us. Shortage of time and energy form the foundation of this concern. Effective time and energy management, leadership skills and success – they all go hand in hand! You manage one well and the other falls in line.

A) Why is eating optimally important?

Good control on the body reciprocates with good control on the mind. Constant energy flow is a mandatory requirement for enhanced focus. Since times immemorial, our elders have tried to remind us of the importance of consistent nutrition and a balanced diet! A heavy meal draws out most of your energy for the process of digestion.

Food is a source of energy, use it wisely. Do not let food reduce your efficiency!

B) Why are naps important?

Sleep is directly connected with the energy levels of your body. Naps refer to short sleep breaks which tend to multiply your energy levels and refreshes your memory. The next time you feel over-worked in the middle of the day, try going for a 20 minute nap before you resume working, and see the wonders for yourself!

However, balance is crucial!

Make 20 minute a target! If you over-sleep, this extended nap can make you drowsy for the rest of the day.

C) How to maintain a balance? In fact, what is balance?

Let me explain this with the help of the ‘body clock’ concept. The way we set reminders in order to wake up, or do an important task, our body and brain collectively function on natural reminders. The body clock is a well-established concept, covering all necessary functions of your mind and the body. Jeffrey C. Hall, Michael Rosbash and Michael W. Young were awarded the 2017 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine, “for their discoveries of molecular mechanisms controlling the circadian rhythm”, i.e. the internal clock in the body which dictates and tells us how and when we feel the need to rest, eat and carry out other body functions.

The Nobel Prize committee agreed upon the importance of following the body clock and understanding the implications of ignoring the same. Our bodies tend to adapt perfectly to a routine, and in case of any mismatch, the clock inside warns you to get back into the routine. As a consequence, the body gets affected at hormonal levels.

D) Why is it important to spend time with nature?

Our bodies function better in natural circumstances. In the modern day, we spend most of our time in digital environments, i.e. exposed to screens.

What is the first thing you do when you wake up? It won’t be too hard to remember that you check your phone! Little do you realize the dangers of digital devices! Apart from the digital necessity for our jobs, we waste majority of our time looking at phone screens. The electromagnetic rays from the gadgets directly affect our brain and heart. Over-exposure to digital gadgets can potentially reduce our mental capacity, further reducing the work efficiency of our brain. Take a break from your phone and computers! Take a walk in the natural light, let the sunlight touch your skin, breathe in fresh air, and give your eyes the gift of greenery!

E) Do you often wish you had more time?

Robin attempts 45 out of 50 questions in a one-hour exam, however, Joshua manages to attempt only 30. Joshua gets through the exam, while Robin doesn’t. Why? Here comes the role of organization in your life, and its importance for effective management of time.

It is extremely important to de-clutter your brain before you start working on something important. Complicated minds tend to act fast but end up giving inaccurate responses. You should be able to simplify your thoughts and organize your thoughts anytime. This is where meditation plays its role.

F) Organize and rejuvenate your life through meditation!

Your subconscious mind is your best friend. Maintaining a healthy relationship with your subconscious can act as a boon for you. Sit silently at a place, away from all the external noises, and make decisions with your subconscious.

While you crib wishing for more time and relying on artificial energy drinks which provide a temporary rush of energy, meditation remains the universal key for both your concerns. It enhances your qi (inner strength) and begins the process of spiritual healing. Stress kills both time and energy. The stress hormone ‘Cortisol’ is said to have reduced in subjects practicing meditation.

Feedback loop with yourself: Talk to yourself when the day starts, and when it ends!

Discuss with your subconscious your schedule for the upcoming day. You are the best manager of your time and energy. Pat yourself on the back when you succeed in your eyes through the day!

If you want to understand how and where to start, let’s have a conversation.

All the best! Go ahead and be the great manager of your life! You will stay healthy and stress-free!