The dark season often depresses our energy levels and many of us feel exhausted at the end of the year, literally dragging ourselves into the Christmas vacations. That doesn't have to be the case! There are effective strategies for staying energized and productive during the winter months.

In this article, we have five practical tips for you on how to keep your energy levels high despite the falling temperatures. Find out in our tips and hacks what mirrors have to do with it and which foods, apart from coffee and energy drinks, are real energy boosters.

1. be on the bright side: make maximum use of natural light

Daylight has an invaluable effect on our health and energy levels. Not only does it stimulate vitamin D production, which makes us feel more vital and increases our well-being, but it also influences our internal clock and thus controls our sleep-wake cycles. This in turn has a direct impact on our energy and productivity during the working day.

How to make the most of natural light:

- Correct placement of your workstation: arrange your desk so that it receives as much daylight as possible. Ideally, position it near a window, but in such a way that direct sunlight does not dazzle. This maximizes your light output during the shorter days.

We have compiled more tips for setting up your home office workstation in the best possible way for you here: Furnishing ABC for your home office workstation

- Transparent curtains: Replace heavy, light-blocking curtains with transparent or semi-transparent alternatives that allow more daylight into the room without compromising privacy.

- Use mirrors: To enhance the natural light available, you can strategically place mirrors so that they reflect light into darker areas of your workspace - this is even energy efficient as you'll need fewer lamps.

- Regular outdoor breaks: Try to take every opportunity to go outside for a short break during working hours. Even a short walk in daylight can boost your energy and replenish your vitamin D stores.

2. integrate exercise into your working day

Regular physical activity is a key to more energy and better health, especially during the darker months. Exercise can also be easily integrated into the office or home office to counteract fatigue and increase productivity.

Light exercises for in between:

- Stretching and stretching: A few simple stretching exercises at your desk can boost circulation and relieve tension. You can even do this during a phone call or brainstorming session!

- Mini-workouts: Use small breaks for short workouts, such as squats, lunges or arm circles, that you can do right at your desk. It's actually easy to use your workstation for short workouts.

We have put together more exercises and inspiration for short exercise sessions in the office for you in this article: Workout at Work - 12 Exercises for the Office.

3. set up your work environment in an energy-optimized way

Your working environment plays a crucial role in your well-being and productivity. By making targeted changes, you can turn your workplace into a real energy booster. Here are some suggestions on how to optimize your environment:

- Optimal lighting: well-designed lighting is essential to avoid fatigue and increase work performance. Daylight lamps that simulate natural light can help keep energy levels high, especially in the winter months.

- Ergonomic furniture: Investing in ergonomic office furniture, such as adjustable desks or chairs that support good posture, can not only reduce back problems, but also increase overall energy: you prevent tension and blockages, your energy levels stay in flow.

We have more ergonomic tips for healthy sitting in this article for you in this article!

- Green plants: Plants in the office are not only decorative, they also improve air quality and general well-being. A study by the University of Johannesburg has shown that rooms with plants can improve cognitive alertness and reduce stress.

4. set digital detox times

Constant digital distractions and multitasking are ubiquitous on the PC, but these can lead to significant energy loss and reduced productivity. Constant overstimulation from emails, messages and notifications drains our mental resources and can unnecessarily increase stress levels - which has a negative impact on our energy levels. That doesn't have to be the case!

Strategies for a digital detox:

- One thing at a time: Work on tasks one after the other instead of in parallel. Set blockers in your calendar for times when high concentration is required. During these focused work phases, you should avoid taking calls or checking emails as much as possible. This will prevent small distractions from becoming major energy guzzlers.

- Planned offline times: Set fixed times when you completely refrain from using digital devices. These deliberate breaks, for example directly after work or during your lunch break, help you to regenerate and improve your concentration. The first hour after getting up or the last hour before going to bed are also good times to avoid digital energy guzzlers.

- Digital detox days: If possible, plan entire days on which you do without electronic devices. Such days can be particularly helpful at the weekend to fully recover and recharge your creative energy.

By introducing these digital detox times, you create space for deeper, uninterrupted work. This conscious reduction and disconnection from the digital world can lead to a significant increase in your overall energy and happiness.

5. the right food for more brainpower

Instead of reaching for coffee and energy drinks, which often only provide a short-term energy boost, you can bring your body to a balanced energy level with the right foods. The right food at the right time not only provides immediate energy, but also improves your well-being and performance in the long term.

- Complex carbohydrates for breakfast: Whole grain foods such as oatmeal, quinoa and whole grain bread provide slow-release energy to help you get through the day without the usual energy slumps. These foods keep your blood sugar levels stable, resulting in a more consistent and lasting energy supply.

- Nuts and seeds as a snack: Nuts and seeds such as almonds, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds are excellent snack options. They are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein and fiber, which provide sustained energy while supporting the heart and brain. In comparison, while chocolate bars provide a quick energy boost from saturated fats and sugar, they often lead to a rapid drop in energy and are less beneficial for long-term heart and brain health.

- Leafy greens for lunch or dinner: Incorporate leafy greens such as spinach, kale and other dark green vegetables into your meals to benefit from high levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. These nutrients are essential for iron supply and therefore crucial for energy production. They also support general health and can strengthen the immune system.

Conclusion: Winter is no excuse for low energy

Whether through the optimal use of natural light, regular exercise at work or the right energy food - you are in control of your energy levels. The dark season doesn't have to mean low energy levels and tiredness!

Incidentally, a professional working environment can also make a significant contribution to increasing your productivity and energy levels.

Office Club offers you throughout Germany coworking solutionsthat are flexibly tailored to your needs. Discover the right workspace near you and draw new energy from a professional environment designed to boost your efficiency and creativity!