Is your mojo running in slow-mo? Are you dragging through each day, seemingly unable to move out of neutral? Are you fighting a bad case of the grumpies? If so, chances are you need a mojo boost.
Like most of us, you’re being adversely affected by the negativity you absorb in the midst of the world’s widespread challenges—on Wall Street and Main Street―and it’s depleting your energy levels. Going to work when you’re constantly hearing about layoffs or reading about the latest company shutting its doors is difficult. Trying to remain creative, upbeat and productive can be twice as hard.
Before we begin to boost our mojo, we need to understand what it is. Mojo is reflected differently in each person, yet its essence is the same for all of us: It’s the internal energy, inspiration and power that propels us joyfully forward in life, allowing us to fulfill our goals and act upon that which we desire. In short, mojo is our fuel for a happy and productive life. Our tanks get low when we allow our mojo to become stagnant, depleted or sucked away by others.
However, we can fill our tanks whenever we wish. All it takes is some intention, conscious awareness and choice.
Find Your Mojo
How can you boost your mojo? You acquire more when you choose activities that are healthy, balanced and blissful. At work, especially, this means finding the silver lining, even when times are tough. But don’t despair! Below are five simple yet effective mojo boosters to help you out of the recession rut.
Be good to yourself. One of the most important steps you can take to boost your mojo is to adopt a rigorous plan for self-care. This includes choosing the highest quality fuel to run on. Choose healthy foods to eat and snack on, avoid eating on-the-go, and avoid too many empty (albeit comforting) sugary foods and simple carbohydrates.
Get outside at least once a day to breathe in one of nature’s biggest mojo boosters: oxygen! All it takes is a simple walk around the parking lot or office to get your energy boost. Also, don’t be shy when it comes to getting those 40 winks over the weekend, soaking in a tub, or getting a massage. Take care of your body so it will take care of you.
Be playful. When was the last time you saw a child without energy? It rarely happens! Most children have one agenda item on their list: have fun. They revel in the act of creating, exploring and playing. Their days fly by, and they never want to take a nap or go to bed for fear they will miss something wonderful. We can learn something from these smaller teachers by incorporating a little more play into our lives.
At work, think about the ways you can bring more play into your day. Display your favorite bobble head or figurine. Use your lunch break to play a board game with co-workers while you eat. Sign up for a joke-of-the-day e-mail. Outside the office, pick shells on the beach, play with your family outside, or play in the sprinklers in the back yard. Let your inner kid play again!