Success in life requires energy, focus, and drive.
But how can you muster up these qualities when you’re constantly feeling drained?
Well, you might be surprised to learn that some of your everyday habits could be sabotaging your energy levels.
In this article, we’re going to dive into eight daily habits that could be leaving you feeling exhausted.
Let’s get started.
1) Poor sleep hygiene
The first habit you need to bid farewell to is poor sleep hygiene.
We all know how important sleep is for our bodies and minds. But far too many of us treat sleep as an afterthought, something we squeeze in between Netflix binges and early morning alarms.
We stay up late scrolling through social media, or we skimp on hours to meet work deadlines.
The result? We wake up feeling groggy, irritable, and far from our best.
Practical Tip: Start treating sleep as the sacred, rejuvenating activity that it is. Establish a regular bedtime routine and stick to it.
That means turning off screens an hour before bed, winding down with a book or some calming music, and ensuring your sleep environment is dark, quiet, and comfortable.
Prioritize a full night’s sleep – your body and mind will thank you for it!
2. Skipping breakfast
Now, I’ll admit, I used to be guilty of this one myself. In the rush of the morning, it often feels easier to just grab a coffee and run out the door.
But skipping breakfast is like trying to start your car with no fuel – it’s not going to get you very far! Breakfast kick-starts your metabolism for the day and provides your body with the energy it needs to function optimally.
Without it, you’re likely to feel sluggish and fatigued by mid-morning.
Practical tip: Make time for a healthy breakfast every morning. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy – a bowl of oatmeal, a smoothie, or even a piece of fruit and some nuts will do the trick. If you’re really pressed for time, prepare something the night before that you can grab and go.
3. Stress
Let’s face it, our lives are filled with deadlines, responsibilities, and constant demands that can easily lead to chronic stress. And I’ll be honest with you, this is a tough one.
Stress is not only mentally exhausting, but it also wreaks havoc on our physical health, leaving us feeling constantly worn out.
But here’s the good news: managing stress is possible.
One thing I’ve found incredibly useful in dealing with stress is the advice from life coach Jeanette Brown in her book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World. She offers practical tips and strategies for coping with life’s messiness and embracing happiness despite it all.
Practical Tip: Start by identifying your stress triggers and finding healthier ways to respond to them.
Maybe it’s taking a walk when work gets overwhelming, or practicing mindfulness to stay grounded during chaotic moments. Remember, it’s okay to take a step back and take care of yourself. After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup!
4. Drinking too much caffeine
Now, I know what you’re thinking. Isn’t caffeine supposed to give us energy? Well, yes and no.
While caffeine can give us a quick energy boost, it can also lead to an energy crash a few hours later. Plus, drinking too much caffeine can interfere with sleep, leaving you feeling tired the next day.
Practical Tip: Try reducing your caffeine intake or swapping out a few cups of coffee for herbal tea or water. You might experience some withdrawal symptoms at first, but stick with it.
Over time, you’ll likely find that you have more consistent energy levels throughout the day without the need for constant caffeine top-ups.
5. Sitting too much
As someone who spends a lot of time at a desk, I know how easy it is to fall into the trap of a sedentary lifestyle.
But research has shown that sitting for long periods can lead to fatigue and other health problems.
Even if you’re doing mentally exhausting work, your body interprets long periods of sitting as a signal to wind down and conserve energy.
Practical tip: Get moving! Try to incorporate more physical activity into your day.
Take a short walk during your lunch break, do some stretches in between tasks, or swap your chair for a standing desk. Every little bit of movement counts! Your body will thank you with more energy and improved overall health.
6. Negative thinking
I’m not going to sugarcoat this; negative thinking is an energy vampire. It’s draining, exhausting, and can take a serious toll on your overall wellbeing.
Obsessing over past mistakes, worrying about the future, or constantly criticising yourself consumes a lot of mental energy. And let’s be honest, it’s not doing you any favours.
Practical tip: Kick negative thinking to the curb.
It’s not easy, but it’s possible with practice and patience. When you catch yourself slipping into a negative thought spiral, pause and challenge those thoughts. Replace them with more positive or balanced ones.
7. Neglecting your social connections
As famed poet John Donne once said, “No man is an island.”
We’re social creatures by nature, and meaningful relationships are vital for our wellbeing. Isolation or lack of social interaction can lead to feelings of loneliness and fatigue.
Practical tip: Invest time in your relationships. Make a point of connecting with friends, family, or colleagues regularly. This could be a catch-up over coffee, a walk in the park, or a simple phone call. Don’t underestimate the energy boost that comes from a good chat with a loved one!
8. Not drinking enough water
Dehydration can sneak up on you, and before you know it, you’re feeling tired and sluggish.
You see, water plays a crucial role in our bodies, from aiding digestion to keeping our brains functioning optimally. When we’re not properly hydrated, our bodies can’t perform at their best, leading to fatigue and decreased concentration.
Practical tip: Make hydration a priority. Carry a water bottle with you throughout the day as a visual reminder to drink up. Try to aim for eight glasses of water a day – more if you’re exercising or it’s particularly hot.
Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to boost your energy levels.
Conclusion
Rrcognizing these habits is the first step to making positive changes.
Don’t try to overhaul everything at once. Start slow. Choose one habit to focus on and make small, manageable changes.
Over time, these little changes will add up to big shifts in your energy levels and overall wellbeing.
And if you’re looking for more guidance on creating a happier, more energized life, I highly recommend checking out Jeanette Brown’s book A Toolkit for Building a Happier Life in a Messy World.
It’s packed with practical tips and strategies that will help you navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience and positivity.
Success in life isn’t just about hard work and hustle. It’s about taking care of yourself too.
