Lack of Energy: Your Guide to Boosting Energy

Time management and energy management are closely intertwined. When you master your energy, you’re essentially taking the reins of time, guiding your day, your tasks, and ultimately, your life.

If you’ve ever felt that time is slipping through your fingers, it’s not just about the clock ticking away. It’s about your energy. Most of us have been taught that time management is the magic wand to productivity. But there’s another layer we often miss: energy management.

When you think about energy, what comes to mind? Is it just the physical stamina required to walk, drive, or move? Or is it that mental zest, the one you need to focus, think, and feel?

The truth is, our day-to-day efforts tap into two distinct reservoirs of energy: physical and mental.

The physical one is quite straightforward. It’s the energy our muscles and limbs need to do stuff—walk, jump, even simply sit.

But then there’s the mental energy, the more elusive kind. This powers your emotions, concentration, and your capacity to absorb and process data.

While these two might seem worlds apart—one outward, driven by bodily functions, and the other inward, fueled by the brain—they’re in fact intertwined. One can bolster or drain the other.

Think of that post-workout high: your legs might be jelly, but your mind? Razor-sharp. Yet, when you’re mentally drained or stressed, even lifting a pen might feel like a Herculean task.

But here’s an interesting twist. These twins, physical and mental energy, aren’t on an equal footing. While a grueling workout might leave you physically spent without impacting your mental state, the reverse isn’t true. A mentally taxing day almost always affects your physical energy.

Why? Our bodies have limits.^[1] You can’t eat, sleep, or run beyond a point. In fact, research shows humans can only use about two and a half times the energy they use while resting.

But the mind? It’s a vast, limitless expanse. The only chains that can bind it are the ones we self-impose.

So, as we explore ways to boost our energy, remember: it’s not just about the body. It’s about liberating the mind, too.

The Importance of Flipping Your Lack of Energy

Picture this: Your phone’s at 1% battery. It’s sluggish, barely responsive. That’s you, running on low energy. But when charged, it’s a powerhouse, functioning at its peak.

You’re no different. You see, managing your energy isn’t some new-age fad. It’s vital, like oil to a car engine. So why should you care about keeping your energy tank full? Let’s break it down:

More Energy = More Time

It’s simple math. Higher energy equals better productivity. Tony Robbins said it best:

“Where our focus goes, our energy flows.”

You can’t be all in on a task if you’re half-asleep, drained, right?

If you hit the office dragging your feet, you won’t just perform poorly; you’ll also find yourself racing against the clock, getting more frustrated by the minute.

But come in energized? You’re not just ticking boxes; you’re owning the day.

Don’t take my word for it. A study^[2] involving over 4,000 U.S. workers showed that poor sleep led to poor performance, affecting productivity and even safety. The cost? Almost $2,000 lost per worker, per year. Good energy is not just a mood booster; it’s a money saver too.

More Energy = More Life

Life isn’t just about punching in and out of work. You’ve got dreams, hobbies, and a ‘you-time’ that also demands energy. A drained battery won’t get you far. You’ll barely make it through work, let alone have the juice for anything else.

But when you’re charged, even the challenges life throws at you feel manageable. You can think clearly, react wisely, and yes, even make room for joy.

Better Energy = Better Health

The stakes are even higher when it comes to your health. Low energy isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a health hazard.

Stress hormones shoot up. Your immune system falters. Even the brain chemicals that should be making you happy are MIA. Over time, this energy deficit can lead to bigger problems like high blood pressure and heart disease.

The risks don’t stop there. Research has shown that fatigue can even influence your mental sharpness and increase the odds of accidents and some types of cancer.^[3]

In a nutshell, energy isn’t just about getting through the day; it’s about getting the most out of life.

Now, let’s dive deeper into the causes of your lack of energy, and the strategies you can use to boost your energy: