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An Alternative To Energy Boosters At Work

This article is more than 5 years old.

Are you a coffee achiever? Or Red Bull? Maybe you are a fan of ginkgo biloba.

In other words, do you need chemicals like caffeine to get you through the day? Many have trouble attracting high-paying clients because they lack the energy to get through the work day.

“We all know what it feels like to be running on empty or at least running on fumes and pushing to the max just to get it done,” says author and leadership coach Patty Vogan. “Our cars have warning lights and sounds that tell us low fuel, low tire pressure, open door, or electrical problem. You don’t miss those, do you?”

Vogan, who also chairs CEO peer groups for Vistage International, offers two main strategies to unlock your energy tanks so you can refuel before you are running on fumes. Or worse, running on empty.

Strategy 1: Drink Water. “Your brain is between 65% and 85% water; in fact, so are your kidneys and liver,”  says Vogan. “Do you feel your brain, kidneys and liver working, No. When do you feel them? When they stop working. A multiple of symptoms occur with dehydration. The magical pill for more energy under the physical category is to drink water. A rule of thumb to start with: Take half of your body weight and turn it into ounces and that is the amount for you to drink daily. If you want to prevent a heart attack or stroke, according to the Mayo clinic, drink one glass of water before bed and before taking a bath. Also, staying hydrated during the day helps to stave off night-time leg cramps. Drink the right amount of water daily for your body. The bonus is your skin will look better too.”

Strategy 2: Be Spiritual. “When it comes to spirituality our job is simple, but we make it difficult,” says Vogan. “It’s three simple words. Love one another. Our job is to show, demonstrate and act out love to one another. I was not put on this planet to be self-centered, take up space and then die. I do not believe you were either.”

Vogan says we all have gifts and talents that are to be shared. Take your talents and make them useful by serving others. Slow your pace to win the race by serving others.

“Whenever you talk with people that have just come from doing something in the philanthropic, charitable or serving realm, you will hear them say, ‘Wow, I got more out of serving than those we served,’” said Vogan. “The key to filling your spiritual energy tank is to serve others.”

Here are five easy steps from Vogan on learning how to start serving others.

  1. “Hold the door open for someone.
  2. “Give an honest compliment.
  3. “Take inventory of your talents; offer them anywhere.
  4. “Listen: Being fully listened to feels so much like being loved people can’t tell the difference.
  5. “Show up and be kind.”

“In summary, if you want more energy, drink and measure your water intake to refuel your physical energy tank. Plus love one another through service to fill your spiritual energy tank,” concludes Vogan.