5 most important things to do when you feel a low energy

Having some time to unfocus (especially at the peak of your lower levels of energy) during your day, is the kindest thing you can do to your body.

Understand this:

Rest and recovery are not optional!

If you don’t rest when you need it the most, your body will force you to rest later, either by cycling down longer than usual or getting sick.

During a natural ‘down cycle’, go for a walk, meditate, or take a twenty-minute nap. Relaxing on the down cycle can restore your energy, allowing you to take full advantage of the next ‘up cycle’.

Unfocusing is a process that relaxes your brain. It’s a deliberate and intentional time for healing & rest. Do not underestimate the power of it.

5 things to do when you feel low energy (benefits or importance of each)

1. Nap 

Take a 20-minute power nap for a quick recharge or get 90-minutes of sleep for full restoration.

2. Daydream

Give your mind the chance to fly away. Being overly focused can overload your brain.

3. Meditate

Ground yourself in the present. This will be incredibly useful for focus times.

4. Take a walk

Stanford researchers found that walking increases creative output. People’s creativity increased by 60% while walking compared to when they sat.

5. Possibility Mindset

Tell yourself that you can do this. There is more than one way to solve a problem. Just remember that success doesn’t happen in a straight line and it doesn’t happen overnight.

The Danger of Burnout Is Real if You Don’t Rest Properly

Burnout is real and it’s ugly. Trust me, you don’t want to get there.

The signs of burnout are:

• Always feeling tired
• Headaches
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Worrying
• Insomnia
• Not feeling inspired to do anything (lethargic)
• Chronic fatigue

It can take weeks, months, or even years to heal from a nervous breakdown or burnout. Burnout will never go away on its own you need serious rest, give yourself the time and space you deserve.

If you recognize these symptoms in yourself don’t beat yourself up. Instead, remind yourself “It’s okay if all you did today was survive.”

How to Recover From Stress and Burnout

First, understand that the stress is natural and accept it.

Stress serves a purpose. Historically, our ancestors needed stress in order to survive. Your forebears likely wouldn’t have survived to live among saber tooth tigers if they did not experience stress. However, too much stress and anxiety will not positively serve you.

Cut out all non-essentials

Socializing or even going to the gym they could be sources of energy drain. You need to pare down your life to the minimum. Do what is essential. Let go of the rest.

Give your body a chance to sleep as much as possible. Implement a good nighttime routine to help you wind down.