“How Do I Find More Energy?”

You don’t need to ‘find’ energy like it’s lost somewhere – you need to regenerate it by removing blocks, honoring your current state, and taking tiny, aligned actions.

Firstly, you are not lazy, broken, or lacking willpower – you’re simply experiencing a signal. Something feels off, stagnant energy going nowhere, or energy depletion. Where is your body and mind currently expending and restoring your energy? Is it going to people who don’t deserve it? Is it going on a harsh, critical inner voice telling you that you should be doing more, or you should have more energy? Judgment can drain more energy than almost anything else. Is it due to poor-quality sleep, dehydration, nutrient gaps, or overcommitment?

It's important to reclaim your energy before you spend it on exercise. When your tank is empty, it feels punishing to force exercise on your body, don’t you think? And it doesn’t feel rewarding or fulfilling a need in any way. Exercise is important for physical, emotional, and mental well-being, and I’m not saying not to exercise.

 1. There are ways to move your body that don’t need to be punishing right out of the gate.  Start off gently. A 15-minute walk before or after work. A beginner yoga class once a week. Stretching or doing 10 sit-ups before bed. When you start off with small changes, you are more likely to stick to the new behavior. You can add more exercise when you generate more energy.

 2. Be sure you get 7-8 hours of sleep each night. If you find it challenging to fall asleep, adjust your sleep habits and turn off all screen time 60 minutes before bed. Take a bath if need be. Drink peppermint tea. Find what helps you relax before bedtime. Be mindful of what you need to relax and plan for it each evening.

 3. Make time in your day to be outdoors. If the sun is out all the better. We spend too much time indoors with no fresh air. Allow yourself to hear the sounds, smell the air, and feel the wind on your face. It is better for you if you are simply with yourself without the distraction of your phone, talking to someone or listening to music. Make it a deliberate practice to absorb what nature has to offer, even if it’s just for 10 or 15 minutes. Make it a gift to enjoy Mother Nature. Make time to recharge and allow your mind to wander.

 4. Hydrate with water. Carry a travel water bottle with you throughout your day. It is easy to reach for a snack when we think we are hungry, but often it’s because we need clear liquids. Try drinking water before reaching for the snacks. Dehydration greatly reduces our energy levels.

 5. Be mindful of how you show up in your day at work and with people. Are you a people pleaser, requiring you to expend a lot of energy on tasks that are not usually for your benefit? Make sure to ask yourself, “Is this for my highest good?”  We all want to be loved and accepted, but you can’t give from an empty cup. Making you a priority in your day will revitalize your energy, help you do things that matter to you, and fill your cup first.

 You’ve already taken the first step by asking the question. That tells me you’re ready. Now, let’s generate more energy for you!

 What’s one small change you’re willing to try first? I’d love to hear.