The cult of productivity is on rise recently, particularly with the unprecedented increase in working from home (including studying, working on freelance jobs, applying etc.). The term productivity applies for machines primarily, to calculate the amount of goods it produces on a consistent basis. Machines can be optimized to maximize productivity as irrespective of day and time, their performance remains consistent sans mechanical problems.

When it comes to humans, we tend to forget that the energy level will not remain consistent through the day, (or wouldn’t remain linear as per mathematics buffs). So, instead of time management, we should focus on maximizing energy to get some actual work done.

Physical energy and mental energy are inter-dependent. Our energy levels can be influenced through few activities and it’s given below,

Walk, Walk and Walk

If human bodies are designed to perform one physical exercise, its walking and running, definitely more so than lifting weights. We are built naturally in this way for a purpose. Research shows that bursts of physical activity (mainly fast walking) produces neurons in our brain. So, to increase your brain’s capability, walk. Walk for just 10–15 minutes. Henry David Thoreau’s illustration on the benefits of unhurried walking in fields and the woods stands as a testimony to the benefit of walking, and he viewed walking as a self-reflective act that yields self-knowledge unavailable elsewhere.

Learning intensely everyday, keeps worries away

Learning is to your mind what gym is to your body. When things get hard, one thing that slips out of the crack is learning. By learning, we mean deliberate learning of a topic which you chose by yourself. Learning makes your brain active and thereby you can process thoughts faster. Mr. Norman Doidge, MD, in his book “The Brain that changes itself’ has given numerous examples of cases where people have transformed their lives just because of learning, but consistently over longer periods of time.

Get some Oxygen

Our mental demons hate fresh air. Why? Because, brain thrives on oxygen, and as we do get consumed in our work, our brain gradually exhausts its oxygen supply. This results in lack of enthusiasm, which reflects directly in the work we do. How can we supply the much-needed oxygen to our brain? Simple. By breathing fresh air and drinking water. Breathing mindfully will activate your parasympathetic nervous system which is essential for breathing, activating digestion, etc.

Allow your brain to think

Yes, allowing your brain to think is very different from thinking something always. Why does our brain nudge us with great ideas when we bath or cook or while we do some other activity? Because only when you are not telling something to your brain, the brain can tell something to you. Trust the brain which has evolved over millions of years. If it can save humans from wild animals in the forest, it can definitely give you an idea or two on whatever topic that you can think of. Rushing the brain with constant dopamine makes it loose energy in a short period of time. Brain releases feel good hormones when we accomplish something, or when we expect a reward. Expecting a reward (also spelled as likes, comments, or messages) causes dopamine rush but accomplishes nothing. That’s why we feel mentally tired and can’t engage in an intense activity immediately after watching a Netflix episode or a 15 minute scroll through LinkedIn, instagram or facebook feeds. Try not to look at any notifications for two hours and concentrate on the work you do. You’ll be surprised at the results. It will be hard to not check, but who is the boss here? You or the media?

Finally, observe. Observe how your energy level changes after every activity your perform. Let joy be the compass of your activities.