5 Ways to Stay Energized When “Tired” Is Your Response to “How Are You?” feat. Breakfast Bean Bowl with Seared Pear

No matter what environment you work in, the standard greeting that we always give and receive is, “How are you?” What’s funny/not funny to me is, most people don’t even want to know the answer. It’s become a routine as co-workers enter the building and roam the halls getting from one task to another and one meeting to the next. Whether it’s sincere or not, you’re always going to get asked, “how are you?” Well, when you do get that question, what’s usually your response?

In my previous jobs and the present one at the restaurant, the answer that I often overhear from others is a resounding, “TIRED.” When I was a party-goer in my twenties, that was often my answer too—specifically on Friday mornings. Not quite the decade of excellence in my life. *hand on face* Well that answer has become so common no matter the day—it easily just rolls off the tongues of so many working professionals on a daily basis. A woman that we’ll call, D.T., shared with me that one of her biggest work challenges is just that—being consistently tired at work. She finds that the beginning of her workday is the time when she feels the most tired. She doesn’t have enough energy to give her all and do her best at what she does. But why is D.T., countless other people, and maybe even you, so tired at work? Is it because of juggling errands, the husband, the home, the kids, the homework, the passion project, etc.? Where is this coming from and how can it be nipped in the bud so you can have more energy, power, excitement and looking-forward-to-today type of days from now on? That’s precisely what we’re getting into today. Let’s dive into 5 ways you can stay energized at work when “Tired” is often your response to “How are you?”

Eat and Eat Richly
I want you to test this out. Skip breakfast one morning and see how you feel by lunchtime, then another morning, eat breakfast. And when you do eat breakfast, make it one rich in protein and fiber, like eggs, beans, oatmeal, or fiber-rich fruit. See the difference that type of breakfast makes on your energy levels. You’ll find yourself with more vigor to start the day and it should carry through at least the first half of your day. It’s low hanging fruit, pun intended =), so go for it!

Close Your Eyes
If you’re not getting the recommended 7 to 8 hours of sleep, or even 6 hours at the bare minimum, you’re compromising your energy supply for the next day. So what is it that you’re doing at night that keeps you up so late? Is it that Netflix series that draws you in, leading you to the next episode when one finishes? Is it scrolling through FB and IG feeds? Is it work that you brought home, but could’ve totally been left at work for tomorrow? Is it even chatting it up for hours with your housemate, whether your hubby or gal pal? Whatever it is, don’t let it hijack your precious time of rest. Go to bed at a decent time, my friend. If not, you’ll feel the brunt of it the next day. Side note, beware of Netflix and YouTube, they can totally steal your time as you go from show to show, video to video. Trust me, I know!

Hydrate Yourself
I can’t express how effective this habit is! Water is like the potion that gives the superhero in the movie his super powers before he heads off to battle the villain. Drinking water throughout the day refreshes and invigorates the body. How much water should you drink? I’m sure you’ve heard it’s best to drink 8 glasses a day, which is a good guideline. But for your body, specifically, divide your weight in half and that’s the amount in ounces you should intake in one day. More won’t hurt of course!      

Take a Trip
If you find yourself in a sleepy spell at some point of the workday, get your behind up from the desk chair and take a walk around the office. Visit a co-worker and chat for a few. Go to the cafeteria and grab yourself a tea or better yet, a cup of H2O. Move around and get the blood flowing. Switch up your scenery. Go outside and take in some fresh air. This step will liven you right back up.

Light Your Fire
You know how there are parts of your job that aren’t your favorite? But then there are those projects that light your fire! Sometimes boredom or monotony is the cause of tiredness. I mean when was the last time you had low-energy doing something that really interested you? When we’re engaged in an activity that we enjoy, there “magically” seems to be an extra supply of zeal in our tank. For me, it’s making sauces from scratch, like marinara and sage pesto. I also really enjoy searing and plating scallops, and butchering whole salmon. What do you enjoy? Tap into that energy reserve by doing more of the light-my-fire activities at work.   

What is it that you enjoy doing at work that gives you a boost of energy? Tell me in the comments below.

To powerful workweeks and good morning eats!

Love,
Yardley

BREAKFAST BEAN BOWL WITH SEARED PEAR
Note: I recommend making this recipe the night before so you can slow cook the beans for up to 3 hours

Ingredients
-Beans-
2 cups Red Kidney Beans, dried
1 Red and/or Green Pepper, chopped
1 Celery stick, chopped
½ Onion, chopped
4 fresh Garlic Cloves, chopped
1 Tbsp. fresh Basil, copped
2 Tbsp. fresh Parsley, chopped
2 Tbsp. Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1 Tsp. Cayenne
1 Bay Leaf
Sea Salt & Black Pepper, to taste

-Pear-
1 Pear, medium to ripe
1 Tsp. Coconut Oil
Pinch of Sea Salt
A green to garnish

Instructions
-Beans-
Add all ingredients (except the salt and pepper) to a pot
Add water to the pot 2 inches above 3 inches above the beans
Bring water to a boil then lower the heat to a simmer
Cover pot, leaving the lid slightly ajar to release some steam
Let boil for an hour, then check it
If it should need more water, add it. If not, leave it alone and allow it to continue cooking
Let cook from 1 to 3 hours, all dependent on your desired level of doneness
As they get close to cooked the way you like, stir in your salt and pepper to taste
When cooking process is complete, pour beans into a bowl

-Pear-
Slice pear ¼ inch thick, vertically
Add oil to a non-stick pan (preferably) on high heat
Place as many slices as can fit in the pan
Once one side is lightly browned and salted with a pinch, take a tong or spatula and turn/flip the pear to the other side, i.e. repeat
When both sides are seared and lightly salted, remove pear from pan and add to your bowl of beans
Garnish with your favorite green

Enjoy breakfast!