5 Useful Tips to Raise Your Energy at Work

Skyrocket Your Energy Levels at Your Job London Drugs Blog

Maintaining positive mental and physical wellbeing at work allows us to stay at the top of our game and succeed at our job. Of course, trying to balance our busy lives with work can get in the way of self-care and leave us feeling run down and lacking energy. The Mental Health Commission of Canada explains that decreased wellbeing at work can lead to a loss of productivity, absenteeism, and presenteeism, too (that’s working while sick). This is why it’s important to try simple tricks that boost our daily vitality.

Don’t worry! Whether you’re managing stressful deadlines, long hours, or physical demands, we’ve got five simple self-care steps to keep you healthy and energized at work.

Step 1: Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated at work helps us to feel alert and think clearly. A common recommendation by HealthLink BC suggests consuming six to eight 250 mL (8 fl oz) glasses of water each day. Buying a funky new water bottle, trying a new tea, or setting an alarm on your phone are great ways to remind yourself to drink more! You can also check out this video for 4 ways to trick yourself into drinking more water.

Step 2: Perfect your posture

Improving your posture involves a bit of mindfulness practice, but the rewards offer renewed, sustainable energy throughout your day—as well as long-term health benefits. Start by trying a new seating position, or a laptop stand to go on your desk. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has great guidelines for good body position, and what to avoid.

Office furniture also impacts your posture. If you’re sitting at a desk all day, try using an office chair with different ergonomics or a standing desk to increase your circulation and decrease fatigue. 

Raise Your Energy Levels at Work London Drugs Blog

Step 3: Quick office desk makeover

Whether you work from home or in an office, your environment can affect your vitality, productivity, and wellbeing. Get creative and give your desk a makeover! Spruce up your workspace with positive quotes, plants, and pictures. Aromatherapy products are great too—try a diffuser, salt lamp, or blend of essential oils from London Drugs, which help to boost energy and mood, and relax the mind.

Step 4: Take time to stretch or walk the block

Rest breaks, stretching, and movement all help combat the 3pm afternoon slump. Try setting an alarm each day to complete a few new desk stretches, or take a short walk around the block. Exercise is a golden way to recharge, increase stamina, and promote brain health at work—read more and discover 6 ways exercise benefits your mental health.

Steps to Stay Energized at Work London Drugs Blog

Step 5: Treat yourself (and a coworker!) to lunch

What better way to boost your energy than great food and great company? Break up your workday by taking a coworker out for lunch or treating yourself to a new healthy spot. Social breaks can take your mind off of work and allow you to return refreshed and rejuvenated. Eating healthy food can also increase energy levels—you can create your own food guide to make healthier menu choices, as well as gain inspiration for future lunch recipes.


Self-care requires commitment and time, so it’s ok to go slow and try one new tip a week. Little steps make a difference, and patience and persistence are key! You’ll be on top of your game, sustaining your energy, and doing backflips around the office in no time. Stay well! 

Why Fika is the Key to Happiness at Work

fika - coffee and an alarm clock on a table

One could certainly say that Scandinavians have a lot of things figured out. They consistently take top honours when it comes to prosperity, education, and happiness ratings, so we’d probably be wise to take their advice. We’ve posted before about the delightful, Danish notion of hygge (or the art of getting cozy). Our new Scandinavian obsession is the Swedish tradition of fika. Read on about why we love the idea, and why we think everyone should incorporate it into their workday.

What is Fika, anyway?

Fika Swedish Tradition Coffee Work London Drugs

There is no literal translation for fika in English, but it is defined as “a concept in Swedish culture with the basic meaning to have coffee, often accompanied with pastries, cookies or pie.” But ask any Swede, and they will tell you that fika-ing (yes, you can use the word as a noun or a verb) is about more than just grabbing a coffee; it’s a moment to leave work behind. Traditionally taken twice a day (first at 10am and then at 3pm), it’s not a strategy for more meetings with coffee in hand, it’s a chance to actually relax with co-workers. Despite Sweden being the world’s third-largest coffee drinking nation, Fika doesn’t necessarily even have to involve coffee—tea or lemonade are popular alternatives. The point is to slow down and connect.

Why should I Fika?

Work is inherently a social activity. It has to be; even if you don’t work around a lot of people that often, you do work for people. At the same time, people are getting busier than ever, and our work increasingly involves more technology and less interaction every day, so that can lead to more isolation in the workplace. When we’re not connecting with the people we spend so many hours a day with, there is potential for loneliness.

Studies have shown that loneliness and isolation at work can not only lead to depression, they can kill your job performance. Recognition, gratitude, encouragement, emotional support, and camaraderie are all important factors to finding fulfilment at work, and life in general, so nurturing these things with regular personal connection can increase productivity, improve motivation, and foster company loyalty. The stripped down, casual style of fika breaks can even lead to new ideas and more creative problem solving.


So, Ska vi fika? Let us know how you practice fika in the comments below, or if you’ll incorporate it into your work day!