5 Tips for Keeping Your Energy Up During the Week

Joan Burge, workplace expert writing for Office Dynamics, has some tips for those of us who start Mondays full of energy and enthusiasm, but by the end of the week find ourselves fighting distractions and fatigue. How do you keep that energy going through Friday?

1. Develop a Work Schedule

Take a look at the tasks you lined up for the week. Create a simple spreadsheet with time allocated to each responsibility you have. This will ensure that everything is planned out and you won't end up having little to no energy once Friday arrives.

2. Reassess on Wednesday Afternoon

What needs to be pushed higher on your list? What can be shifted lower? What can wait until next week or has turned out to be unrealistic? Make sure you’re finishing your top A priority tasks before moving to the Bs.

3. Shake Up Your Routine

Treat yourself to a special meal or a night out with a friend or partner on Wednesday or Thursday; having something to look forward to can perk you up as the week draws to a close. Take the opportunity to explore volunteering, or sports, or music hobbies! Don’t go overboard though—feeling exhausted or hungover on Friday will undermine all that thoughtful productivity planning. Planning special activities on Saturdays may also help you feel excited about wrapping up your work week.

4. Get a Good Night’s Sleep

Maybe what makes Monday feel so full of possibility is how rested you are after the weekend. Get a full night’s sleep mid-week to help you have enough energy to power through.

5. Do Some Self Talk

Burge recommends compiling some motivational phrases or slogans on Mondays. Then, check in with those on Wednesday and Thursday. Words of inspiration while you're in the thick of it might give you that extra push to end the week on a high note! Finally, talk with your colleagues about their strategies, talk to your supervisor if you’re just finding yourself overloaded, and remember... you’re only human!