If you randomly ask colleagues at your workplace or even at school, hours of which are more active, they will not hesitate to state morning hours. These hours may start from any hour before 8am, and the energy may go no further than 10am. While energy is associated with one’s diet, the burden is a common deed to many people working, especially those that need more concentration of the brain. Felix Murangwa, an entrepreneur based in Kigali, says a number of facts may influence an individual’s interest and energy t work, even when they have had a proper diet. He says the confusion of not knowing exactly what to begin with or end with can as well cause, not only loss of focus, but energy too while at work, Murangwa says. He recommends that to overcome this, start your day with a plan and underline where your main focus will be, without just picking random tasks. “By this, you will be able to know and pick best strategies to have your day done and productive.” While it can be possible to still lack energy to meet your daily tasks, even when you have already planned for it, Murangwa suggests for people to try other new things such as drinking coffee “I may not be a nutritionist to suggest people what’s good for their health, but drinking coffee helps me improve activity and rev up my energy and get more of my waking hours,” he says. According to Marie Uwimpundu, student at University of Rwanda’s College of Medicine and Health Sciences, coffee contains a drug called caffeine that is absorbed into the bloodstream and travels into the brain, and that this improves various facets of brain function such as memory, cognitive function, mood, energy levels, reaction times and general cognitive function. Uwimpundu adds that staying hydrated as well helps to gain back your lost energy from the activity. This is because, drinking water often helps to flush out excess toxins, transports nutrients and oxygen, while fighting fatigue, increasing energy and productivity One more aspect of keeping your energy level while at work is attending to short breaks while at work, says Claudette Uwamahoro, a communication officer at Real Beam Ltd. “You do not need to remain stuck at your desk trying to meet your deadline yet the head is exhausted. Work ahead your deadline so that you can be able to get breaks where necessary, because a short break away from any email or social media helps you gain focus and more energy to get your work done,” Uwamahoro says. She says people can try calming techniques such as preparing your brain to calm anxiety, “breathe in deeply and exhale. Breathe in fresh air and this will cool down your body and help to concentrate.” Experts say that music has been proven to accomplish personalised goals such as reducing stress, improving mood and self-expression, enhances a person’s overall mood and well-being Felix Banderembaho, an assistant lecturer, department of clinical psychology at the College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Rwanda, however says not all music is as effective. “The right music can help your work feel more enjoyable since it increases the dopamine levels of your brain, and that body system can boost memory and pleasurable rewards and motivation towards your task,” Banderembaho says. He concludes saying that music is based on an individual type of preference because, when you listen to music of which you dislike or new music you are not familiar with, it can lead to distraction hence lower productivity level.
