“The difference between one person and another is not mere ability, it is energy.” Thomas Arnold

You can have the best plans in the world. You can be full of ideas and inspiration. But if you don’t have the energy to actually implement your ideas, you’re not going to get very far. Even worse, your energy levels are so low that you cannot even be bothered to make any plans. By energy I refer to both physical and mental energy. You will need to take care of both your body and mind in order to get energised.

Having energy and vitality is about enjoying and getting the most out of your life. You feel good about yourself, your life and the world in general. You are able to enjoy the present and be excited and hopeful about the future. When things go wrong it is essential to have the energy to keep going. It is about persisting at challenges, without pessimistic thoughts or people, dragging you down.

By attending to your energy levels, you will recognise that the more you have, the more you will get out of life. Inevitably you will want to do the right things for your body and mind to maximise this. Through this focus, not only will you be more productive and happier, but as an additional bonus you will also be healthier and less stressed.

There are however a number of things that will sap both your mental and physical energy levels. Leading a sedentary lifestyle will slow you down generally and as you get used to doing very little, you will soon struggle to motivate yourself to do anything. Smoking is not good either, nor is alcohol, which is actually a depressant. Overeating will leave you feeling sluggish and lifeless, as does eating too many unhealthy foods. Not dealing with the stress in your life will also deplete your energy levels. At the other extreme, so will boredom.  Finally, be aware of people who criticise and try to impede you. Such people will do nothing for your energy levels.

Now we know some of the energy sappers, let’s look at some energy boosters.

You need to eat well. You want healthy foods and make sure you always eat breakfast.

Exercise energises. Exercise can eliminate lethargy, giving you energy you didn’t think you had and make you feel brighter and uplifted. Make sure you choose something you enjoy doing though. Try exercising outside. Yoga and meditation can also increase energy levels.

Get your rest. Sleep will recover your depleted energy sources.

Keep your mind interested and occupied. Enjoy your routines, refresh what’s becoming stale, or try something new. Focus on the here and now, rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past. Become aware of times during the day when you are most energised and motivated. During this time make an effort to do those tasks you would normally procrastinate over.

Try to give your all to everything you do. Focus completely on the task and make a conscious decision that the work you do today will be the best work ever. Take the time to notice your achievements – then celebrate them.

Surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate. Get sucked in by other people’s enthusiasm.

Last thing at night write down all the things you are looking forward to the next day. The next morning, remind yourself of this list, then rise and shine!

Written  2009 and originally published in Wellbeing and Happiness ezine, Issue 10.