Eighteen Things That Give Me Energy

Even in the most chaotic times

It’s been a tough 18 months, and it’s not getting a whole lot better. Sometimes it feels like it’s getting worse. Covid is still here. Vaccinations aren’t the magic bullet we hoped for. Misinformation based on personal preferences abounds. And the world is still falling apart in all kinds of ways unrelated to the global pandemic.

If you have the chance to focus on what you can control, no-one is going to blame you for that. It’s OK to do the things that give you energy in these most uncertain of times. Here’s what works for me.

Movement

Often, when I start to feel extreme apathy set in, it’s simply because I’ve been sitting at my desk for far too long. Movement is all that’s needed. A few stretches. Some gentle yoga. A long walk.

Sunlight

It’s not always in abundant supply where I live, especially in the winter months. But sunlight is essential. It delivers immune-boosting vitamin D and is an immediate mood lifter. If the sun is shining I try and get out in it, even if it’s only for ten minutes or so.

Nature

I’ve written before about the importance of green and blue exercise. Being out in nature lifts my spirits and makes me feel more energised, whether I go for a walk, get out on my paddle board, or just sit under a tree.

Fresh air

Most activities in nature come with a free side of fresh air. If you don’t have time for a nature activity though, a few breaths of fresh air can still help. Unless you live in a highly polluted city something as simple as opening a window and breathing deeply can boost your mood.

Water

I don’t mean drinking it (though you definitely should). I mean being near, in, on, or under it. Swimming, kayaking, surfing, paddle boarding, snorkelling and scuba diving will leave you both physically tired and mentally energised. Blue Mind is a great book that explains the science.

Music

Studies suggest the right music can improve your mood and reduce anxiety. Put together a customised uplifting playlist that boosts your happiness and gives you energy. Here are 100 uplifting songs to pick and mix.

Dancing

A few of the things on this list go hand in hand, but none more than music and dancing. As the song Dancing in The Moonlight suggests, you can’t dance and stay uptight.

Sleep

Getting a good night’s sleep is surprisingly challenging, for many of us, but it’s more important than you realise, and good sleep hygiene should at least improve things, if you’re one of the many people who struggle to sleep. Sleeping well even helps you to lose weight and build muscle.

Rest

We all need downtime. Probably more than we realise. And it doesn’t matter what form that downtime takes. So much advice in the often toxic self-improvement space makes you feel like a failure for ‘binge watching Netflix’. Ignore it. If you enjoy binge watching shows you love, you’re recharging at the same time.

Meditating

My monkey brain struggled to ‘meditate properly’ for the longest time. Now I accept that there is no properly. Different things work for different people. Some people can switch off completely. Some need a guided meditation. Some need a mantra to repeat. Calm, Headspace and Balance are all useful meditation apps you can try for free.

Nutritious food

Eating healthier is probably one of the most important factors in managing energy both short-term and long-term. You could start with trying these 28 energy boosting food and drinks, but remember your body will have its own ideas (along with its own sensitivities, intolerances and allergies). Experiment (and track) to find what works best for you.

Decluttering

I don’t know why but I always feel energised after a thorough declutter. I have fewer things, more space, and (if I sold those things), more money. Living a minimalist life leaves more energy for what matters.

Organising

After decluttering, organising the stuff I still own makes me feel more in control and satisfied with my life. Living in a disorganised space can be draining, emotionally and even physically, especially if you routinely spend time looking for stuff.

Reading

I read a lot of non-fiction, both in book form and online. I also read as much fiction as I can make time for, because you literally can’t worry or overthink while your brain is engaged in following a story.

A sense of achievement

A sense of achievement is uplifting, and it doesn’t have to be a huge achievement. Sure, if today is the day you finish a big project, get the degree, sell the house or birth the baby, you’ll be flying high emotionally. But if you just cross most things of your to-do list, you’re doing great too.

Reflecting on the past

Happy memories are energising. Dwelling on past mistakes, of course, isn’t. But even that can be fine if you finally realise what the lesson was and how it ultimately impacted your life positively. Take a tip from Jane Austen:

“Think only of the past as its remembrance gives you pleasure”

Planning for the future

I’ve written recently about how everybody has a plan until they get punched in the mouth. The last year and a half have made planning extremely challenging. But putting even small plans in place so you have positive things to look forward to can give you a boost.

Living in the moment

Pretty much the only positive that’s come out of the pandemic for me has been that a lack of the ability to plan has forced me to live in the moment, focus on what matters, and enjoy the present a little more. It’s not easy but I’m trying to follow the age old advice to learn from the past, live in the present and plan for the future.

For more articles like this, follow me on Medium. And take a look at my lists. There’s one all about living a happier life.