Energy is defined as: en·er·gy (noun):  the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity. We rely on energy to get through the day, the week, the year.  We know that losing out on sleep can leave you drained, but sleep deprivation is only one of a long list of possible reasons behind feeling exhausted. We rely on energy to get through the day, the week, the year. We know that losing out on sleep can leave us feeling drained, but sleep deprivation is only one of a long list of possible reasons behind feeling exhausted.

5 Habits That Are Draining Your Energy

You don’t drink water. Even slight dehydration will cause a drop in energy level. This may be surprising, but dehydration actually makes your blood thicker, meaning your heart has to work harder to pump oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and organs, ultimately slowing you down.

You don’t eat breakfast. It’s not called the most important meal of the day for nothing! Skipping breakfast can often leave you feeling lifeless the rest of the day.  We rely on breakfast to kickstart our metabolism after a goodnight’s sleep. The body continues to burn through food and nutrients even as we sleep, leaving our stores depleted by morning.  A meal shortly after waking up is important to replenish these depleted energy stores and re-energize the body.

You have a drink to unwind. Many adults enjoy an alcoholic beverage after a long day of work, to help them unwind before bed.  However alcohol can actually interrupt your sleep at night.  Initially, the alcohol will depress the nervous system and produce a tranquilizing effect helping you to fall asleep. But as it breaks down while you sleep, it gives your body a surge of energy, likely to wake you up at night.

You stay up late on weekends. Altering your sleep cycle on the weekends can leave you feeling tired by the time Monday rolls around.  It is unrealistic to expect people to stay in on the weekends to avoid a case of the “Mondays,” but trying to stay close to your regular bed time, or at least wake time, is essential for your body. Keeping your sleep patterns regular will keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.  

You check your phone in bed. The light given off by your most prized electronics – phones, TVs and tablets – can actually throw off your sleep cycles. Your body typically follows the rule of if it’s bright it’s time to get up, if it’s dark it’s time for sleep. The glow from the modern tech devices that surround us can keep us awake for longer, and make it difficult for our bodies to wind down.  

TIPS TO INCREASE ENERGY LEVELS

The key is to keep stress at bay and energy levels high, but this is much easier said than done, especially as the day progresses. Here are 5 tips to consider:

1. Be mindful of your body language: The way you move directly links to your mood and therefore your energy levels. If you walk in a depressed style (minimal arm movement, shoulders pushed forward) you will probably experience a worse mood than if you had walked in a happier manner, as suggested by a recent Canadian study. Your posture matters when it comes to energy levels. Try standing with your back against a flat, sturdy wall, practice deep breathing and roll your shoulders up and down. 

2. Simplify Your Life: Clutter and chaos is likely to evoke stress, causing your energy levels to plummet. Even a cluttered mind is likely to have this same effect. Concentrate on getting organized. Focus on tasks that need immediate action. 

3. Smile More: A positive attitude is likely to create more energy. Positivity goes a long way and smiling triggers activity in the area of the brain that registers happiness; this will instantly improve your mood and energy levels.  

4. 20-second energy makeover: Be mindful of what decreases your energy during the day. Is it after you eat lunch? What did you eat? Making small changes really can lead to healthier habits. Try visualizing what makes you feel sluggish then imagine throwing it away. 

5. Let your mind go: Some people find sitting in a quiet place and writing helps relieve stress and clears the mind. Try sitting in a comfortable place for 10 minutes and allow your thoughts to wander.