If you’re like many people, you feel low energy on a nearly daily basis. You might feel unmotivated, slow-moving, or like there isn’t enough energy in your body to keep you moving. There are many potential root causes of this phenomenon, but there are also many strategies you can use to counteract this effect.
The Most Likely Explanation: Lifestyle Factors
The most likely explanation for your low levels of energy is that there’s one or more lifestyle factors influencing how you feel. Our energy, or lack thereof, typically stems from how we engage with the world around us and how we take care of ourselves. If you have bad habits, or if you lack good habits, it can take a serious toll on how you feel overall.
If you work with a nutrition and weight loss clinic, you’ll get access to expert advice on this front. Your advisor can help review the lifestyle habits you currently follow and come up with a plan for how you can be healthier – and ultimately feel better.
Most people struggle with at least one of the following:
- Food. The phrase “you are what you eat” isn’t literally true, of course, but what we eat does have a massive impact on how our bodies work and how we feel. If you eat nothing but junk food, you probably aren’t going to have much energy. The same is true if you eat too little or too much. It’s important to eat the right amount of healthy, varied foods so you can feel your best.
- Water. It’s also important to drink enough water throughout the day. If you’re feeling exceptionally fatigued, irritable, or otherwise out of it, drink a full glass of water and see how you feel afterward. You might be surprised how much of a difference it can make. Generally, you should drink water throughout the day.
- Sleep. We all need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep every night as adults. This is challenging to get, especially with our busy schedules, but you need to make time for it if you want to have more energy throughout the day.
- Exercise. Perhaps counterintuitively, exercise can boost your energy levels. There are many reasons why this is the case, but the bottom line is that you should aim to get at least some exercise every day. You don’t need to become a bodybuilder or a world-class marathon runner, as even a brisk walk can lend you the benefits of exercise.
- Stress. Many of us suffer from low energy levels because of the amount of stress we face. If you have a particularly demanding job, family issues, or other significant stressors in your life, they might be taking a toll on you. Sometimes, it’s hard to realize this is happening until it’s too late.
- Substance use. Certain types of substances can also reduce your energy levels, especially if you’re addicted to them and not using them. Nicotine, for example, can give you a temporary rush, but make you feel more tired when you aren’t using it.
Make Positive Changes (and Monitor)
If you’re struggling with specific lifestyle issues, try to make positive changes, even if you only take baby steps. Sometimes, even a minor change can lead to a big difference in your energy levels and outlook.
These are some great ways to get started:
- Make healthier eating choices. Try to swap your eating choices for healthier options. For example, instead of driving through a fast food restaurant, take the extra time to cook yourself a nice meal. Instead of getting a side of French fries, get a side of broccoli or another vegetable.
- Take some time off work. If you feel like your low energy levels are a result of stress, consider taking some time off work. This is especially important if you’re starting to show signs of burnout. When you’re on vacation, do you feel your energy levels returning to normal, or is there something else going on?
- Swap unhealthy beverages for water. If you drink unhealthy beverages, like sodas, alcohol, or sugary coffee drinks, consider swapping them for water or tea. It can help you stay hydrated while improving your nutritional intake overall.
- Get exercise every day. Get at least some vigorous activity every day, even if it’s just a walk around the block.
- Cease (or reduce) substance use. If you indulge in any unhealthy recreational substances, consider quitting the habit or at least reducing your total intake.
If you feel like your lifestyle can’t be improved any further, and you’re still struggling with low energy, it could be a sign that you’re struggling with an unseen health issue or something equally serious. Consider visiting a doctor for a consultation if this is the case.
Image Source: BigStockPhoto.com (Licensed)
Related Categories: Advice, Health, Reviews
