The beginning of the school year is an exiting time to look forward to cooler weather and a fresh start. But once the newness has worn off, how do we keep the positive attitude and productive energy going?

People function best when they feel good physically, are well rested, and have calm, focused energy. They learn and work better when they are organised and can think and remember easily. Of course, everyone would agree with this, but in our high pressure, fast-lane society, it’s hard to imagine how it might be achieveable. Here are seven everyday life ideas that can impact how we feel, function, and learn.

Drink water

Did you know that the brain is thought to be 85 per cent water? Since water conducts electricity, good hydration (plenty of water) supports faster transmission, which, in turn, supports faster thinking and learning. When we dehydrate our brain with soda and coffee, we make our thinking slower and less productive. Teachers should encourage students to have water bottles at all times. And parents, get your kids in the water habit!

Include protein in breakfast, snacks

Nutrition has an important influence on learning, attitude, motivation, and productivity. The high sugar content of many of today’s breakfast choices results in fluctuating blood sugar.

This can cause high energy followed by low energy and sleepiness, making

it difficult to focus, learn, organise, and think. Not a good recipe for a productive morning in the classroom or at work.

Add movement

The body and brain need movement to function properly. Movement is a must

for establishing a sense of self as a reference point and spatial orientation. Listening skills, visual skills, motor skills, coordination, and an understanding about the environment are all impacted by movement.

Get organised

Some people love structure and routine; some thrive in organised chaos, but regardless of personal style, people need some kind of intentional organisation to manage the demands and paperwork of school and work. The sooner students learn to manage their time and their ‘stuff’ the better, but it’s never too late.

Up with down time

We are bombarded with noise, visual stimulus (TV, computers, electronic games), information, and commitments on a continual basis. Providing quiet time will allow you to rest and restore the body and mind. It allows for creativity, daydreaming. Energy, motivation, productivity, and attention are outcomes of taking the time for down time.

Extra activities

Limit extracurricular activities to one or two during the school year like a tennis game, piano lesson, et cetera.

Sleep

We tend to be a sleep

deprived society and often fail to connect challenges with memory, clear thinking, problem solving, and

concentration with lack of sleep. — Agencies