6 habits that are draining your energy

In our fast-paced world, feeling drained of energy has become the norm. While mental and physical exertion do drain us of energy, they are not always responsible for chipping away at your vitality and sapping your energy. There are several activities we indulge in daily that affect our hormonal balance and can interfere with our energy utilization. Here are 6 habits that are silently taking a toll on your health:

Doom scrolling

Doom scrolling is the act of continuously consuming media content in the form of photos, videos, and news. It floods the brain with cortisol and unearned dopamine which can leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated.

Solution: Set limits on your screen time, especially on social media. Allocate specific times for checking the news and ensure you engage more with positive or neutral content rather than soaking in negative content. Consider digital detoxes or using apps that help limit your time on certain sites.

Not getting enough sunlight

Sunlight is crucial for maintaining healthy levels of vitamin D, which is essential for energy production and mood regulation. Lack of sunlight can have many unpleasant effects such as a dip in serotonin, a hormone that mediates pleasure and happiness, feelings of lethargy, and seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Solution: Try to get at least 15-30 minutes of sunlight every day, preferably between morning and midday as studies have shown that our body produces vitamin D most efficiently around noon.

Living a sedentary lifestyle

A lifestyle that does not include too much movement or physical activity reduces the need for your body to perform optimally, thus leading to a dip in energy levels. This affects both mental and physical health. 

Solution: Incorporate more movement into your daily routine. This could be in the form of playing a sport, taking a walk, or engaging in physical activities like yoga or strength training. Even small amounts of physical activity can make a big difference.

Having a bad sleep routine

Inconsistent or poor-quality sleep is one of the most significant factors that can drain your energy. Sleep is when your body and mind repair and rejuvenate, so not getting enough can lead to chronic fatigue.

Solution: Establish a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day, even on weekends. Create a bedtime routine that promotes relaxation, such as reading or taking a warm bath. Avoid screens and heavy meals before bedtime.

Eating processed food

Processed food contains high levels of sugar and unhealthy fats, which can cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar levels, leaving you feeling tired. They are hard to digest and require an abundance of energy for digestion. 

Solution: It is absolutely fine to indulge in junk food once in a while. However, limit your intake of processed foods and focus on a balanced diet rich in whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Drinking plenty of water and avoiding excessive caffeine and sugar can also help maintain stable energy levels.

Holding on to anger & resentment

Negative emotions like anger and resentment can consume a lot of mental and emotional energy, leaving you feeling drained. Holding onto these feelings can also have long-term effects on your physical health.

Solution: Practice mindfulness and stress-relief techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or journaling. Seeking professional help, like therapy, can also be beneficial in processing and releasing these emotions