This week I posted a question on Twitter: What is giving you energy these days? I got great responses about the projects in people’s lives and work about which they are passionate. Some of the answers were about positive people, clear vision, gratitude, helping others and kids as sources for energy. I was surprised to find out that 90% of the responses were: coffee. Coffee? Since when does coffee give energy? A caffeine buzz, yes, but energy? This reminded me of an article I read in the International Journal for Coaching in Organizations last year, and I’ve gotten permission from the owner of the publication to share it with you. By the way, if you have not yet subscribed to the IJCO, it is a fabulous publication, peer review articles, research and best practices for anyone who leads or coaches in organizations that utilize coaching. I highly recommend it! Anyway, here’s the article which includes some John Preston’s research and a brilliant assessment tool called the Caffeine Consumption Questionnaire to determine if you are overdosing on caffeine as a daily practice.
Instead of caffeine, try upping your water intake. It’s better for your brain, according to many neuroscientists. Also, learn the activities that provide rituals of recovery for you, as described in one of my favorite books, The Power of Full Engagement. Of course, it always helps to work on balancing your life and work and all the things that give you energy. You can read two blog posts about finding the elusive secret to balance here:
The one I wrote
The one at Zen Habits