The information and advice contained in this book should not be used for the purposes of diagnosis or as a substitute for medical advice. Neither the publisher nor Dr John Briffa assumes any responsibility or liability for any consequence resulting directly or indirectly from any action or inaction taken based on the information contained in this book.
First published in Great Britain by Fourth Estate 2014
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Text © John Briffa 2014
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Source ISBN: 9780007547913
Ebook Edition © January 2014 ISBN: 9780007547920
Version 2014-12-18
Contents
Do you sometimes feel exhausted or overwhelmed by work? Can you find yourself ‘putting in the hours’, only to find you have little to show for it at the end of the day? At times, do you get the feeling that the bulk of your energies and efforts are going into your career, and that there’s not much left over for your loved ones and interests outside work?
If any of these scenarios resonate with you, then you are not alone: they are just the sort of cries I’ve heard time and again from the individuals I have worked with in the corporate arena over almost two decades. But it needn’t be this way: workplace issues such as reduced vitality, faltering focus and sub-par productivity are usually rooted in issues that are not only identifiable, but easily solved with the relevant knowledge, understanding and practical know-how.
Drawing on cutting-edge but little-known research, as well as the real-world experience of thousands of business professionals, A Great Day at the Office equips you with the knowledge required to run your body and brain at maximum capacity. This book explores the fundamental factors that determine our vitality, mental functioning and mood, and how to put them together in a way that will take your energy, performance and sustainability to new heights.
This book offers key insights in wide-ranging factors including diet, physical activity, sound and light exposure, breathing, psychology and sleep. Put even a fraction of the strategies offered here into practice, and you stand to be rewarded with a tangible increase in your energy and vitality, and an ability to get more done more easily.
Solving the Energy Crisis
While most of us acknowledge that our professional lives can be rewarding on many levels, we may also recognize that they usually come with considerable challenges, too. Long working hours and the stresses and strains of a demanding and competitive environment can drain our physical and mental resources. This, in turn, can take a toll on our wellbeing and performance. My experience with organizations around the world tells me that eroded energy, faltering performance and problems with sustainability are common and pervasive issues throughout all business sectors.
The vast majority of the individuals that I have worked with in seminars and workshops clearly have the skillset and knowledge necessary to do their job very well. Some are demons at satisfying the most demanding of clients and have supreme technical knowledge. They may be masters in the principles of effective leadership or know ninja tactics for handling the daily onslaught of email. However, whatever someone’s knowledge, skills and experience, they know that none of this counts for much when they find themselves short of energy