Habits and Energy
Let's do a thought experiment. If you were intentionally trying to make yourself sleepy and relaxed, what would you do?
I'd probably stay in my home, maybe dimming the lights or closing my blinds, being in comfortable clothes or pjs, doing something low-effort like reading an easy book or watching some tv or playing a game on my phone, eating some comfort foods, sitting in a cozy or comfortable couch or bed. I'm guessing most folks would do something similar.
Now let's flip this. If you woke up feeling low energy, would I be right in guessing that all of the above are what you're likely to gravitate to if circumstances allow? I know I would!
Sometimes taking quiet days to rest and recover from a tiring week is just what we need and there's nothing wrong with that. This is a natural inclination, as we are drawn towards comfort and relaxation when we feel the need to preserve or rebuild our energy.
I'd probably stay in my home, maybe dimming the lights or closing my blinds, being in comfortable clothes or pjs, doing something low-effort like reading an easy book or watching some tv or playing a game on my phone, eating some comfort foods, sitting in a cozy or comfortable couch or bed. I'm guessing most folks would do something similar.
Now let's flip this. If you woke up feeling low energy, would I be right in guessing that all of the above are what you're likely to gravitate to if circumstances allow? I know I would!
Sometimes taking quiet days to rest and recover from a tiring week is just what we need and there's nothing wrong with that. This is a natural inclination, as we are drawn towards comfort and relaxation when we feel the need to preserve or rebuild our energy.
But if these have become daily habits and you're starting to notice your energy and motivation is consistently low, perhaps this approach is no longer serving you. Staying cozy and comfortable might actually be perpetuating the desire to stay that way, increasing the odds of feeling sleepy and feeling low motivation in the process. Of course the challenge with this pattern is it makes it harder to complete daily tasks or engage with the world how we'd actually like to.
If you suspect this may be a pattern for you, it might be time to change your daily habits. If your current habits are contributing to low energy and motivation, explore what habits might be energizing and motivating for you as you start your day. Here are some ideas to start with:
If you suspect this may be a pattern for you, it might be time to change your daily habits. If your current habits are contributing to low energy and motivation, explore what habits might be energizing and motivating for you as you start your day. Here are some ideas to start with:
- Wash face and brush teeth
- Have a shower
- Get dressed (sweatpants don't count)
- Get some sun on your face
- Have a full, nutritious meal
- Engage with another person face-to-face
- Move your body through exercise or a fun activity
- Do something productive - it doesn't have to be big
- Engage with an interesting or challenging hobby
I know, this can be easier said than done. Developing regular habits takes time and requires some real perseverance to get started. Once you've developed the habit though, following through will get easier - especially as you learn how these activities impact your motivation and mood. If you start energizing your routine, you might find the rest of your day follows suit.
Borrowing some wisdom from Newton's laws of motion, an object in motion tends to stay in motion, while an object at rest stays at rest!
If you have experienced ongoing low mood and motivation, there may be a larger mental or physical health concern going on. If this is your experience, please consult with your health care provider.
Borrowing some wisdom from Newton's laws of motion, an object in motion tends to stay in motion, while an object at rest stays at rest!
If you have experienced ongoing low mood and motivation, there may be a larger mental or physical health concern going on. If this is your experience, please consult with your health care provider.