It’s all very well saying you want to embark on a new exercise regimen, but you’re not going to be able to do it unless you have enough energy. Some of that’s about the physical steps you take, but you also need to convince yourself that you’re raring to go.
The most obvious source of energy is food. You eat carbohydrates – preferably starches, like bread and pasta, but sugar as well – and the body converts it into energy. You eat before exercise so you’re fueled up and ready, and you eat afterwards to replenish yourself. Regular meals through the day ensure you always have enough energy.
What food also does, however, is help you focus and concentrate. That can make you feel more energetic, too, regardless of your physical state. You need to feel like you’re ready to exercise, and that requires mental preparation. It also helps make other things that sap your energy levels, such as stress and depression, feel a little less daunting.
Sleep is another factor with a similar impact. You need to get enough sleep for your body to recuperate and restore your energy levels, but you also need it to clear and sharpen your mind. Both of these things together will ensure that when you get up in the morning, you’re feeling ready for any challenge, both physically and mentally.
Motivation and energy are closely related. They’re both forces that can push you to go further. In yoga, tai chi and similar exercises, there’s a particular focus on the body’s energy flow and on using meditation and your mindset to influence it, but exercises that combine mind and body are becoming more popular across the health and fitness worlds.
You may also be surprised to know that by exercising hard, you can actually give your energy levels a boost. Lying around at home can just leave you feeling lethargic. A good workout will set all your endorphins firing, filling you with energy and positivity. That’s why it may be difficult to get started, but once you do, you might actually find you’re enjoying yourself and want to do more.
Similarly, an active day with lots of exercise will make it easier for you to sleep at night. Then you’ll be able to store up even more energy for tomorrow. It’s a self-fulfilling cycle where as soon as one aspect is improved, the others will follow, which in turn boost those original parts again. That’s how you can continue building, spending and rebuilding your energy levels, getting stronger and fitter every time you do so.
This doesn’t always work. Sometimes your low energy levels are through no fault of your own, such as because of a medical condition. Sometimes exercising too hard will make you feel worse, whether that’s because of physical or mental injury. If that’s the case, feeling too guilty is only going to aggravate the situation. You need to know your own body, and if you’re unsure, talk to your doctor or another professional. What works for you may be slightly different than what works for everyone else.
