Why Am I So Tired? 4 Steps to More Energy

By Steph Nickel

The current heat wave has sapped many of us of our energy—except, apparently, our host, who seems to have more get up and go than the Energizer Bunny. You’re an inspiration, Kimberley.

Besides the heat, what steals our ambition?

1. Lack of Sleep – No, d’uh! I know. I know. That’s a given. But there’s more to it than that. Some people get by very nicely with less than the suggested eight hours.

Part of the trick is going to bed at the same time and rising at the same time—even when we don’t have to. We program our bodies and they make the necessary adjustments.

Establishing a regular sleeping pattern isn’t always possible, but the more consistent we can be, the better.

2. Not Enough Exercise – Some of you are thinking, “She’s crazy. I’m exhausted after a workout . . . or after climbing the stairs.”

If you’ve read enough of Kimberley’s writings, you already know why we need to get adequate physical activity. Let me highlight a few reasons:

Regular exercise releases endorphins, those hormones that make us feel more positive.

Physical activity can clear away the mental fog.

That walk or resistance workout reminds us we’ve done something good for ourselves and gives us a sense of accomplishment.

Many people find they sleep better if they’ve had adequate exercise—just not too close to bedtime.

3. Poor Eating Habits – I like carbs and I like sweets . . . and I don’t intend to give them up. However, eating well is typically about attaining a healthy balance.

Carbs help us think clearly (that’s why we can only go without them so long before we start walking around in a daze)—and some carbs are better than others. However, if we have starchy food morning, noon, and night, not only will we gain weight we’ll drag ourselves from one task to the next. Too much of a good thing is no longer a good thing.

And how about those sweets? I find if my diet is high in veggies and fruits, I feel lighter (even if the scales don’t reflect it) and have more energy. Plus, I don’t really miss the cheesecake and chocolate. (Mm, chocolate cheesecake . . . but I digress.)

You know the saying about moderation. It really is a good thing. Some people eat well six out of seven days and give themselves a cheat day. If you’re eating a healthy, balanced diet six-sevenths of the time, you’ll do well. And those cravings for sweets will likely start to subside.

4. Focusing on the Negative

I’m not talking about the power of positive thinking, but it is scriptural that we take our thoughts captive to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5).

Though God doesn’t promise that life will always be sunshine and rainbows, He does promise to work all things together for good for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose (Romans 8:28).

Even in the darkest periods of life, many people are able to keep their eyes on the One who has a bigger plan than the immediate challenges.

If we dwell on the negatives in life, it will wear us out, emotionally and physically. While redirecting our focus may not give us enough ambition to run a marathon, it will go a long way to chasing off the weight of despair.

Read the Word. Listen to uplifting music. Grab a coffee with a friend. It just may give you enough energy to look beyond life’s challenges and heartaches.

Make a Commitment

We have to look past the scales. My plan is to eat well, at least six days out of seven; walk or do some other form of cardio exercise three or more times per week; and do resistance training three times per week. If I do this for a month, I will be well on my way. It isn’t about the number on the scale or the size of clothes I wear. It’s about finding my body’s Happy Place. And when I do, I will have more energy and drag around far less often.

Who’s with me?

Steph Beth Nickel is an author, a freelance editor and writer, a labour doula, and a former personal trainer. She’d love to connect with you on Facebook or Twitter, on her website or blog.