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Greetings !
Welcome to the month that kicks off an onslaught of whirlwind activities - the holidays, school events, end of year projects, and planning for the New Year, just to name just a few! I have friends, who love this time of year, but many dread it. So in this month's issue of Nebo for Women, we will share some ideas on how to manage your energy and build in time during the day for renewal.
For some energizing ideas, we turned to some of our favorite women, who inspire us with their ability to "do it all" and yet seem calm and focused. What you find in their advice is that it is often the small, everyday habits of renewal that help us refocus on our priorities and not get caught up in the buzz of activity. So instead of thinking that "I'm too busy to think about this now", why not use this season to practice just one simple new way of restoring your energy during the day?
What do you have to lose? Not much. And you stand to gain more focus, the ability to shift gears back to your priorities, and even enjoy the excitement of the holiday season.
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with joy and gratitude!
Warmest regards, 
VP, Mentoring Solutions
Please send comments and suggestions to SheLeads@nebocompany.com. |
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Nebo Asks Four Remarkable Women:
What do you do to restore your energy and get that sense of renewal during a typical hectic day? And what benefit do you get from that practice?
 Lenna Neat Arango
Senior Global Health Program Manager for RTI International and founder of One Degree South, an e-commerce site selling jewelry made by Kenyan artists
When you own your own business and work a full-time job, it's hard to set defined start and stop times for working. It's important to schedule personal time just like you schedule meetings or work tasks in order to clear your mind and reset. I've found that when I carve out an hour a day in the morning to go to the gym or go for a run outside, it provides me with the time I need to reset and refocus for the rest of the day and it starts my day with a sense of accomplishment.
 Christine Chance
Director of Corporate Strategy, NII Holdings, volunteer on projects for homeless, and Sunday school teacher
I have found the best thing to do is get away from my desk and step outside for 10 minutes or so, maybe get some coffee - even if it is decaffeinated. The fresh air, time away from my desk and refueling clears my head and energizes me to take care of the next set of tasks.
 Reggie M. Kouba
Principal of RMK Productions and mom to two sports-loving boys
When I am in need of a pick me up during the day, I go to my iTunes account and find a great song and turn it up really loud and sing. Singing always brings me to a place of joy and peace, so a few minutes of singing allows me to reset and move on.
 Anitha Raj
President of ARAR Technology and recent heart transplant survivor
Being an executive in the technology industry, I am faced with a demanding, busy lifestyle. I try my best to workout at least 3-4 days a week. However, that is not enough for the long work hours and hence I practice the following for a couple of minutes to rejuvenate myself:
R - Revitalize by meditating, reflecting and relaxing.
E - Energize by massaging and squeezing my hands, legs, face.
N - Novelize by thinking of new things or nothing at all.
E - Empower by breathing deeply and closing my eyes.
W - Work by exercising while standing or sitting.
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Resources and Inspiration
A tip for the weak: you really don't need more willpower
Avoiding that tempting cupcake for too long can deplete your limited supply of willpower. Scott Adams, cartoonist and creator of Dilbert, suggests the way "to avoid using up your willpower is to stay away from situations in which your only options are pleasure or deprivation. Given those choices, pleasure usually wins." He provides some serious advice with real, but humorous examples, which go beyond diet and fitness. One of our favorite sayings is, "It's not about willpower, it's about strategy." And it's a new way of thinking, especially for the holidays.
Be happy! Take time for small talk with relative strangers
Taking a moment to engage in a friendly exchange with your local barista or the clerk at the pharmacy actually enhances the sense of belonging and a more positive outlook. So next time, instead of rushing in and grabbing your purchase, take a deep breath, smile and exchange a few words with those you encounter. It can serve as a mini-renewal for you - not to mention making another human being feel acknowledged.
http://spp.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/08/30/1948550613502990.abstract
Some books and articles related to managing your energy:
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Nebo helps organizations work "smarter, not harder"
Nebo has helped many leaders embrace proven strategies and new behavioral practices to better manage to their priorities, thus achieving more success in the workplace and life. We call it the Nebo Leverage Model. So whether your organization is seeking an innovative leadership development program for your team or an engaging, effective workshop for an employee resources group, Nebo has the experience and tools to deliver for your organization. Contact us today for more information.
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More Ideas for Restoring Your Energy and Focus
Operate in sprints, not marathons. Take a break every 90 minutes or so.
Practice taking a few deep breaths. Breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
Get up and walk to get a drink of water. Visualize a favorite place by the water or in the mountains or the woods.
Stand up and do a few stretches. Maybe even jog in place or shadow box (yes, it may look silly, but it feels so good).
Keep some healthy energy snacks in key places. at work, car and home at all times.
Get 7-8 hours sleep every night.
Learn to meditate. It only takes 3 minutes to feel the benefits.
Laugh and feel joy in the simple things.
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