Need a boost in energy at work? APQC recently interviewed Perry Lieber, founder of FoundWellness and creator of the Workplace Workout for some tips on how you can make healthier choices at work and increase your energy levels. Perry’s tips stem from his work as an elite personal trainer to athletes, celebrities, and corporate executives.
APQC: What is the biggest mistake people make every day that makes them lethargic at work?
Perry: The biggest mistake people make every day that makes them lethargic is not having a clear perspective. A shift in their mindset and perspective can change everything about their day for the better. For instance, if someone wakes up in the morning and starts their day off by saying, “Really? Another day at the same old job? This is going to be a long one.” Guess what? Everything about that person’s day is going to feel long and drawn out. If they are already in a negative mindset, it becomes more difficult to make positive healthy choices throughout their day; for example, choosing multiple diet drinks instead of water, eating candy bars as snacks rather than an apple or some almonds, not working out, etc. At the end of the day, it is all about perspective so living a more positive lifestyle helps with everything across the board.
APQC: What is the easiest thing people can do to give them more energy during the work day?
Perry: The easiest thing people can do to give them more energy throughout the workday other than having a positive perspective is doing The Workplace Workout on a daily basis. If you don’t have access to it, just email me and we will get you all set up. Other little things help too: drink water throughout the day, try to walk at least 20 minutes a day, and of course, eat right for your desk type. Typically, I tend to always work better being a little hungry rather than being full - so just watch the portion sizes and start moving!
APQC: In working with corporate CEOs, what is the unhealthiest thing you saw them do on a daily basis?
Perry: So, after working with many corporate CEOs, the unhealthiest thing I have seen on a daily basis is the amount of fake sugary drinks had throughout the day. This isn’t every CEO, but a lot of them drink anywhere from 2-6 diet drinks, energy drinks, or loaded coffee drinks a day. Yes, I know a lot of those drinks say “tons of vitamins and minerals” or “zero calories” but the truth of the matter is there is a lot of bad stuff in those drinks.
APQC: What is a way that lack of sleep affects people which they don’t even realize?
Perry: Lack of sleep affects people without even realizing it. For instance, lack of sleep can raise your cortisol levels, which then affect your mood (potentially leading to depression) and will cause your body to hold to more fat. So you may feel like you are getting enough sleep but if you feel like you are swimming in a pool of cortisol, I would beg to differ.
APQC: If you could get people who travel for work to do one thing to be healthier, what would it be?
Perry: The one thing I would recommend to people who travel for work and want to stay healthy is just be self-aware and keep your routine. We have all traveled for work on some occasion or another and it is really easy to stray away from your routine. While traveling, have any of you ate that donut or piece of cake, or slept in on your workout and then said, “it is ok I am traveling?” So, the next time you are traveling, just be a little more self-aware when you are out. Watch what you eat, still work out, and stay hydrated, and you will live a much healthier lifestyle on the road.
APQC: Is there anything companies can do at the beginning of meetings to make people more alert?
Perry: I always think it is fun when companies start meetings out with a personal shout out to someone or a team that has performed really well that quarter or month. People like to be praised and recognized, so if you start off by praising them, they will tend to be more alert throughout the entirety of the meeting.
Want more information on thriving in the workplace? Check out this free webinar recording and the slides to find out what you need to know to manage your energy and the healthy habits that are the building blocks for fostering success and innovation.