Energy In the Pits? Maybe It Is Your Wardrobe

I read an interesting article recently about women and energy.  One of the items highlighted in it had to do with your energy being zapped because of your wardrobe choices. 

That didn't come as a big surprise to me.  Most women I know, especially busy professional women, have more energy and are more confident when they feel comfortable and also feel that they look their best.  This is often the result of favorite outfits that fit them well.

What did surprise me was what the article actually had to say about common professional outfits on energy levels - it wasn't at all what I expected. 

It stated that women who tend to wear professional dress, such as slim skirts and heels, are more likely to have less energy.  Why?  Because, on average, they take 491 fewer steps throughout the day than women who wear more casual dress.  This is less physical movement (even if you don't think of it as exercise) and that equates to lower real energy levels regardless of the confidence boost...yes, even on that day (not just over time although that is an impact, too!)

That isn't a green light to start schlepping - comfort and office fashion don't have to mutually exclusive.  It does mean that putting just a little more thought into the various side effects of your wardrobe choices is well worth it.  The more energy you have, the more able you will be able to keep up not only at work but also in the rest of your life.  So, find a place in your day for more comfortable shoes - even if that means carrying your stilletos in a stylish bag to wear just around the office or for that big meeting.  Or consider wearing fashionable pantsuits that look best with the latest styles of mid to low heels - and make you likely to walk more.

Who wouldn't want to make a change this easy to up that energy level?

Here Come the Holidays!

Officially, we are in HOLIDAY SEASON! Thanksgiving has come and gone as has Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Do the holidays fill you with anxiety and a whole new round of to-do lists or are you energized by spending more time with family and friends?

Do you find your energy lagging as the days get shorter, the food gets more plentiful, more sugar-y and more tempting?

Yep. The holiday season is in full swing. Why not take advantage of it and swing through it with style, energy, vitality and even stronger relationships?

Think it is not possible? Try these quick tips and see how you feel even by the end of this week.

• Breathe. Several times a day - whether you feel stressed or not - breathe in and out slowly (to the count of 10). Close your eyes if you can. It calms you and energizes you at the same time.
• Drink...water. The air is drier. The alcohol and caffeine are around more. All that spells dehydration...and big energy drains. An extra glass or two of water goes along way. I like mine with lemon and lime!
• Take just a taste of your most favorite food stuffs. That means 1-3 bites. And then stop. And walk away. Far away. Unless you have much better willpower than most people, distance is a great thing and can be your biggest ally.

I know these sound easy and very common. I didn't say that these were groundbreaking nutrional insights. But they are all totally doable - and they really do make a difference.

What is your favorite tip for keeping your energy up during the holidays?

Is Your Diet Sabotaging Your Energy?

Many busy executive women get up grab a cup of coffee and head out the door. Maybe you grab an energy bar for the road while you are also grabbing your laptop, smart phone, the kids' lunches and a pair of tennis shoes just in case you want to walk over lunch. Then lunch time comes. What to eat, what to eat.

On your best days, you might have brought a frozen "healthy" dinner or maybe you grab a salad from Panera. On bad days, it's popcorn out of the office vending machine (the light kind!). Diet Coke in the afternoon and then it's time to head home. On soccer and dance class nights, you grab another energy bar or drive everyone through the local fast food restaurant. You order off the light menu - that's healthy, right?

And, still, you are dragging tired as soon as you stop moving (which is usually when you take a seat to watch that night's practice or game). Piles of work - whether for your corporate job or for your household - are waiting. Where are you going to find the energy to get through it all?

Have you lived this day - maybe even over and over again?

Here's a secret (credit to JJ Virgin): your body is not a bank account; it is a chemistry lab. What you put in is not all equal, and it all causes a reaction. The reaction you want is for it to create more energy. With your diet, it probably isn't. But who has time to fix it? Doesn't that take lots of time and studying?

Sure, it can. Or you can use a few very simple rules and stick to them always. Try these for a week diligently (and I mean no exceptions!) and see how you feel.

• Eat real food. Limit your packaged food to almost nothing. Your goal here is to get off the chemicals and preservatives. No matter how healthy the option is, it is still processed so it has been altered.
• Eat more volume. This doesn't mean eat more period. You are actually probably not eating a tremendous amount - you are just eating the wrong stuff. Load up on veggies and fruits. Put lots of spice or lemon juice to flavor it up. Plain ol' veggies can be a little boring.
• Drink more water. I am not going to tell you to get off of caffeine. Just drink more water too. I cannot live without my morning (and afternoon) coffee, so I don't expect you too!