8 Ways To Feel Energy When You Feel Exhausted

It’s a bad feeling when you need to do something, but you just don’t have the energy to do it.

Do you feel exhausted? Tired? Fatigued? If you have ever experienced a depressive episode, you know what I am talking about.

If you are or have ever felt this way, then you know how hard it can be to function. The fast-paced speed of everyday life can be daunting if you cannot get through the day because you can hardly keep your eyes open or get out of bed.

The good news is that you are not alone if that is any consolation. There are some practical strategies you can use to get some of that allusive energy back.

Today, I would like to share with you my top 8 ways of feeling energized when you feel exhausted.

8 Ways To Feel Energized When You Feel Exhausted

#1 Way to Feel Energized

Exercise

Exercise can change your life. Most people think of working out to lose weight. The positive mood-altering effects of exercise have been out of this world. I am not overdramatizing either. It can take a few sessions of exercise to get into the swing of things and to feel the positive benefits, but it is all worth it.

Exercise is a natural antidepressant. It floods your body with all those good endorphins and other good stuff. Generally, aerobic exercise is a better mood enhancer than anaerobic exercise. Note the word “generally.” Sometimes lifting weights can have the same positive benefits. It just depends on how you work out. You should focus on getting your heart rate up.

Do you have a favorite activity to get your heart going? What activity helps you feel energized?

That is key as well. You need to find something you like to do to adhere to a program. If you dislike lifting weights, then do not lift weights. Do you like to swim, run, walk, use the elliptical, or bike? These are just a few ideas to get you started.

#2 Way to Feel Energized

Take a Catnap

Everyone does not have the luxury of taking a short catnap during the day. I am talking for 15 minutes to half an hour. If you can rest, a cat nap can rejuvenate you and provide the needed energy you need to get through the rest of the day.

Make sure that you do not doze too close to bedtime. This can interrupt your sleep and wake cycle. You may not get to sleep at night.

Have you ever had a restoring experience with a cat nap?

#3 Way To Feel Energized

Get Blood Work Done

Getting blood work done every year is important. You may have a lower level of Vitamin B or Vitamin B count. Your thyroid could be off. These are a couple of situations that can contribute to daily fatigue and tiredness. This list is not exhaustive and you should speak to your doctor.

Some medications used to treat bipolar disorder can directly affect your thyroid. If you take any medications that affect your thyroid or other function of the body, your doctor will require routine blood tests.

Right now, a medication I am taking is affecting my thyroid. I am simply going to stop it and replace it with another mood stabilizer under the supervision of my Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. There are so many options out there that you should not limit yourself.

#4 Way To Feel Energized

Make Healthy Food Choices

I understand that eating healthy is important, but I also understand how your eating habits can go astray when you get depressed, overly tired, or exhausted.

If you are trying to get back on track, focus on three meals a day. These meals should comprise protein, carbohydrates, and a serving of vegetables for at least two of your meals. The serving size can be around the size of your clenched fist. Focus on not eating more than this amount.

Try to stay away from sugar, fatty foods, processed foods, and fast food. These can all reduce your energy and dull your mood. It is okay to have a cheat meal each week, but only if that helps you keep on track.

If you get hungry between meals, you can have a protein shake with a fist-sized amount of carbohydrates.

Try this lifestyle change and see if it helps.

#5 Way To Feel Energized

Get Outside

If you can get outside each day for a minimum of 20 to 30 minutes, you will do your mind and body a service. Both the sun and supplementation are sources of Vitamin D. Low levels of Vitamin D are a contributor to depression and, hence, low energy levels. You will feel energized!

Put on sunscreen if you are in a sunny environment. Even if it is cloudy out, you can get low-level sun rays that can still help give you the Vitamin D you need.

Vitamin D aside, getting outside in the fresh air can do wonders for your well-being. If you can get outside and take a short walk, all the better. Focus on breathing in all the fresh air and breathing out all the negativity and fatigue you have bottled up inside. You can even start an exercise walking program.

If there is no way to take a short walk, just sit outside on your porch or even on a park bench.

#6 Way To Feel Energized

Drink Coffee

Drinking coffee in small doses can have a positive and beneficial effect not only on your energy, but on your mood as well. I am speaking around a cup of coffee.

I am not pushing everyone to drink coffee and stay away from energy drinks. This is not an ad for energy drinks, but a slight recommendation for coffee to help you feel energized and get you going in the morning.

My reasoning is I am already taking mood-altering chemical medication that alters my mood. Caffeine is natural and used in moderation, can be a good adjunct method of treatment to your overall maintenance plan for stability.

#7 Way To Feel Energized

Take Your Medications Consistently

Taking your medications consistently is the foundation of your overall wellness program. Take your medication at the prescribed dosages and times. Generally, the times are morning and night.

Do not make any changes without talking to your doctor first. This is very important because we are the patient and not the doctor. This allows you to have greater doctor and patient communication.

#8 Way To Feel Energized

Keep A Consistent Sleep and Wake Schedule

Keeping a consistent sleep and wake schedule is paramount, along with taking your medications consistently. The idea is to have a strong wellness program to provide a solid base for your recovery.

Protecting your sleep is so important. You should focus on this to help provide another important part of your wellness plan.

Having too little sleep or too much sleep can trigger a manic episode or depressive episode.

Last Thoughts About Feeling Energized When You Feel Exhausted

These 8 suggestions are intended to help you get going and help you feel energized.

What does your wellness plan look like? I would love for you to comment below with the details. What do you engage in to feel energized?