Habits That Are Killing Your Energy (and How to Break Them)
Do you often feel drained and sluggish throughout the day? Your energy levels might be suffering because of a few sneaky habits you’ve picked up. Breaking these bad habits can lead to significant improvements in how you feel, think, and perform. Let’s dive into six habits that are killing your energy and how you can fix them.
Poor Sleep Routine
Why It’s Killing Your Energy:
A poor sleep routine is one of the biggest contributors to low energy. Sleep is absolutely crucial to living a healthy, happy life. If you’re not getting enough sleep or maintaining poor sleep hygiene, your body doesn’t have enough time to recover, leaving you groggy and fatigued.
How to Fix It:
- No caffeine after noon.
- Avoid phone screens after 9 PM.
These small changes can improve your sleep quality, helping you wake up refreshed and ready to tackle the day.
Scrolling in the Morning
Why It’s Killing Your Energy:
Scrolling through social media or emails first thing in the morning floods your brain with cortisol and unearned dopamine. This instant flood of stimulation can leave you feeling drained and sluggish, which sets a bad tone for the rest of the day.
How to Fix It:
- Keep your phone off for at least one hour after waking up.
Instead of scrolling, start your day with something more mindful, like stretching or journaling. This will help you maintain a calm, focused mind as you kick off your day.
Eating Over-Processed Food
Why It’s Killing Your Energy:
Over-processed food takes a toll on your body. Whether you’re following a specific diet like paleo, keto, or something else, consuming highly processed foods requires a lot of energy for your body to break down. This leaves you feeling sluggish and tired after meals.
How to Fix It:
- Stick to single-ingredient foods with fewer processing steps.
Eating clean, whole foods will give your body the fuel it needs without sapping your energy.
Not Moving Your Body
Why It’s Killing Your Energy:
Lack of movement can be a major energy killer. While it might seem counterintuitive, physical activity is one of the best ways to boost energy levels. When you get your heart pumping, it sends more oxygen to your brain and muscles, making you feel more alive and energized.
How to Fix It:
- Make it a goal to have at least one moment every day where your heart is beating fast, and you’re catching your breath.
Whether it’s a brisk walk, a short workout, or dancing around your living room—just get moving!
Lack of Sunlight
Why It’s Killing Your Energy:
Sunlight is a natural energy booster. A lack of sun exposure can lead to low serotonin levels, which are linked to depression and low energy. Sunlight helps regulate your sleep cycle and boosts your Vitamin D levels, both of which are essential for maintaining energy throughout the day.
How to Fix It:
- Go for a ten-minute walk outside every morning for the next week.
If sunlight isn’t an option, eat Vitamin D-rich foods or consider taking a supplement to compensate for the lack of natural light.
Holding Onto Anger and Resentment
Why It’s Killing Your Energy:
Holding onto anger is like carrying around a heavy backpack of negative emotions, which drains you physically, emotionally, and mentally. This kind of stress wears you down and can leave you feeling exhausted, even if you’re doing everything else right.
How to Fix It:
- Practice forgiveness. Let go of anger and resentment, not for others, but for your own peace of mind.
As the Buddha said, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.” Letting go of those negative emotions will free up energy and lighten your mental load.
If you’re constantly feeling tired and unmotivated, these six habits might be the reason why. The good news is that with some simple adjustments—like improving your sleep routine, avoiding morning scrolling, and getting more sunlight—you can reclaim your energy and feel revitalized. Take small steps today to break these bad habits and start living a more energized and fulfilling life.
