Energy Tips for Interior Plant Technicians on the run

or not! The demands of the holiday season — office parties that interfere with maintenance schedules, extra deliveries, late night installations and thousands of red poinsettias — place extra stress on your body and push your energy level to its limit.

Before the extra demands creep into into your life, reduce the tension by developing some healthy habits.

Eat healthy

Your body derives energy from the foods you consume. Stay away from the empty calories found in foods that contain fat, salt or processed sugars. Eat a diet balanced in protein, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals. Snack on fruit, energy bars, natural grain muffins and fresh vegetables. Drink at least 8 glasses of water each day and more if you’re doing heavy work. Wean yourself off of artificial sweeteners, caffeine and sodas.

Exercise regularly

Keep yourself in tip-top shape by exercising regularly. Exercise aids health by improving blood circulation, breathing, digestion and metabolism. Exercise improves strength, power and endurance. You will feel better and have more energy when you participate in activities that require running, lifting, squatting or other movements that put the muscles to work.

Deep Breathing

When you feel yourself getting frazzled, use a technique called “controlled breathing.” Inhale deeply, hold it for a few seconds, then exhale slowly. Repeat at least five times. This technique produces a calming effect and temporarily distracts you from the source of your annoyance.

Change of scenery

Boost your coping behavior by taking a break from the task at hand. Take a quick walk down the hall or step outside for five minutes. Re-energize your system by adding a few simple stretches for your arms, back and neck. The holiday work load and the subsequent stress are annual phenomenas in the interiorscape industry. By listening to your body and responding to the limits of your endurance, you’ll stay healthy, energized and get the work done.