Do you feel like you’re running on empty? So many people have shared with me that they are feeling utterly exhausted, and it’s not surprising given the uncertainty and unpredictability that has featured in 2020.

While getting enough rest is critical for energy, there are numerous other factors that contribute to whether we feel resilient and vibrant – or not – in our daily lives. If you’re regularly lacking that inner spark, could it be that you’ve been expending too much mental energy? Constant and relentless stress, worry or feelings of uncertainty and overwhelm can be incredibly draining. And, very often when people are trying to cope with this, they start to rely more on caffeine and poorer-quality convenience foods, or alcohol might start to creep in more often than usual – all of which can leave you feeling even flatter.

While we may not be able to avoid stressful or worrying situations, there are many things we can do to support our body’s response. Focusing on the things we can take action on, rather than the things we can’t change, can be a powerful mindset shift and it’s something I really encourage. So let’s explore some ways to help you reignite your energy.

Boost your nourishment It probably comes as no surprise that this is top of my list, but what you eat really matters. Green leafy vegetables are a great source of antioxidants and contain a number of different vitamins and minerals needed for efficient intrinsic energy production. They’re also an excellent source of magnesium, a mineral that can be depleted when we are chronically stressed.

Close open tabs Work on closing what I call ‘open tabs’ – the tasks, emails or endless jobs that haven’t been resolved. It’s as if we walk around each day with so many tabs open – like websites sitting open on your computer screen, that it’s no wonder we feel drained or flattened. Schedule tasks instead of just listing them.

Reduce your caffeine intake Although caffeine can pep us up in the short term, many people are really surprised to find that they experience more sustained energy with less, or none. Try to avoid caffeine after midday, to ensure your sleep quality isn’t affected.

Incorporate muscle-building exercise Incorporating more resistance training helps to build muscle mass. More muscle means more energy-producing mitochondria in our cells—resulting in a higher metabolic rate as well as greater energy production. Naturally you gain better energy reserves as your glycogen (glucose stores) increase, as well.

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