Have you ever had those days where you just feel … tired? Maybe exhausted or unmotivated? We have all been there. Personally, in my twenties I have always felt the need to push harder, work longer hours, and say yes to everything. I also felt like I had SO much .. energy! Now, that I feel like having a lot of energy is a little harder to come by (and this might be subjective), but I’m a lot more intentional with my energy. There are many factors that can affect how we feel emotionally, mentally, and physically and the choices we make everyday can have an impact on us and our energy.
Here are a few factors that might be affecting your energy, too.
Social Media
Don’t get me wrong, I do like what social media has given us — a platform to share, connect, and get inspired. However, social media platforms have been inundated with advertisements and sponsored content that the benefits of social media are now being outweighed by priorities to profit. Where we used to spend hours connecting with our friends, we are now mindlessly scrolling through the apps — past so many useless ads selling us something, psychologically telling our minds that we need a product to feel worthy — and all of this is energy draining.
Small change? Limit screen time, turn off notifications, and use social media to intentionally connect or create. Immediately turn off that app once you catch yourself in a mindless scroll.
Nutrition
We all know that eating healthy can have significant impact to how you feel but what exactly is eating healthy? And if we all know this, why do so many Americans have poor diets and nutrition?
Finding and preparing healthy food requires time and money. We live in a country where you are more likely to find a fast food restaurant sooner than a grocery store. And when you’re feeling exhausted or coming home after a long day … preparing and cooking a meal (and washing dishes afterwards) doesn’t sound too exciting.
But the types of food you consume play a significant part in your energy. And if you’re eating shitty, then you’re feeling shitty, and it becomes a negative cycle. Recently, I did a body scan and realized that my protein levels were lower than where it should be and my sugar levels higher (ah .. which wasn’t too much of a shock). I always assumed that I was eating healthy, but seeing the data was realization that I needed to make changes in my diet for my body to feel better and to be healthier.
Small change? Learn one healthy recipe that you can prepare by memory – that way it takes the stress away from decision making (deciding which groceries to buy) and you can quickly create in the kitchen. A habit we’ve been doing is going to the grocery store every weekend, regardless of how tired or busy we are … so that we are less inclined to eat out during the week and have veggies in the fridge.
Moving Your Body
Exercise and moving your body can be different and look different to everyone. That is the beauty of it. There are a variety of exercises from walking, yoga & Pilates, strength training, stretching that are all beneficial to increasing energy. When I started my new role, my schedule changed and required my to go into the office more and as I was ramping up, I was working longer hours so I went from having a workout everyday to not. This affected my energy + my mood, and it ended up being a cycle of going through the motions, lacking excitement and joy.
Small change? Start with a 15-min morning or evening (or both!) stretch. Time for the mind to decompress. Then find a form of movement that excites you – maybe use this time to experience different ways of working out (whether in a workout class, or searching up a YouTube video for free). Of course, continue listen to your body and take the rest days you need.
Relationships
The people, your community, your relationship all have the ability to affect to be an energy-giver or an energy-drainer. Take the time to prioritize the people who support you, uplift you, and help you feel like you can be yourself. Are these people who make you laugh and who make you feel fulfilled after you’ve spent time with them? Finding your people and finding your community who make you feel a sense of belonging — this is what will fill your energy.
Relationships are two-sided and just as much as you are receiving, it’s important to equally give and balance the emotional support.
Small change? Communication and sharing your support and connection with your loved ones. And setting healthy boundaries for yourself.
Energy is multifaceted and encompasses physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. It’s not going to be a perfect balance of all aspects every time. But it takes one change, one habit, to get you closer to where you want to be and help you feel your best.
