What you eat and when can have a huge impact on your outputs and overall effectiveness. Getting proper rest is also critical if you’re going to get the best out of yourself.

Any kind of stimulant – caffeine, alcohol, sugar, etc – at the back end of the day can really wreck your ability to sleep naturally and eating foods high in sugar, for example, at the start of the day can also create energy peaks and troughs at times when you don’t really want them.

I’m no nutritionist but my wife has studied nutrition in depth and has a great understanding of what works and why because she has suffered over the years from ME/chronic fatigue syndrome – a really horrible illness. The number one issue that has helped her to get away from this illness and now lead a normal life has been diet and there are some simple things that you can do to help you keep your focus and deliver when you really need to.

1 – Do some exercise, even if it’s only a walk, on a regular basis. Daily is best but manage what you can, when you can and get into a habit.

2 – Go for natural products and avoid processed foods where possible. Highly processed foods contain loads of sugar and fat which are not good for you at all. Your body has to work hard to get them through your system where natural foods are absorbed much quicker and leave you feeling fuller (and eating less overall).

3 – Find a regular sleep pattern. The more you can get on a regular basis, the better but it’s not always possible and we all do have to have a life! Getting proper sleep can help you to feel more energised in the mornings and this is always good.