I usually wake up full of energy and ready to live the day, but I don’t always feel this way.  The up-side is that it’s taught me a thing or two about how to feel more energized.

Quick story:

A couple years ago I was in peak shape, eating well, coaching others in fitness and health… and I was exhausted.  I had a job to do, a body to keep up with it, and dreams that needed my most powerful and creative energy… and I had NONE. Zero. Ziltch. Not a scrap to snack on.

As it turned out, I realized I wasn’t the only woman in the world who was feeling tired before the day even started.  The primary challenge I still hear from clients is that they are tired all the time and what they’re doing isn’t working.

I’m talking about fit, health-conscious woman that need more energy.

We have an incessant need to squeeze more in.  It’s why we’re late to appointments, over-committed, and overworked at the end of the day.  There’s a lot of stuff in our world that saps our energy, and I have a few tips to harness it back so you can be your most action-taking self!  Sound good?

Turn off distractions

Texting on the go and talking on the phone while checking emails – you’ve probably done it (I have). Did you know that doing more than one thing at a time is not only inefficient, but that it drains the brain faster than if you only focus on one?  Give yourself a mental massage – pick a task, do it, and then move on.

Kick the caffeine crutch

Coffee, energy drinks, soda – in whatever form, or whatever amount – if you’re using it to give you a boost, jolt, or pick-me-up, it’s a crutch for the energy problem and you’ve got to kick it.  You can cut it out completely or back off the throttle a little bit at a time – whatever works better for you.  You’ll never know and experience real energy if you don’t remove the caffeine because it’s masking reality.  You need a clear picture of how you feel when you’re not running on caffeine.  Witness where you are and take a step.  You can do it.

Be flexible with your workout

I know you’ve got a fitness level to maintain, a race to train for, and a body that loves to move.  Plus, working out normally GIVES you energy.  That’s great if it does, but pay attention if it doesn’t.  If you’re consistently struggling through workouts, feeling lazy and unmotivated (and you’re not menstruating), your body may be telling you something important.  Fatigue can be a warning sign.  In some cases, pushing through exercise and exhaustion is the last thing you may need in order to get more energy in the long run.  Do you need to back off, listen up, and slow down?

Say no before you commit

How high is your energy bar?  Do you over-commit and regret it?  Are you involved with things you don’t really care to be involved with?  Those “I-said-yes-because-I-had-to” commitments are energy suckers in disguise.  Try this: only say yes to those things you really want to do.  You now, that job that really lights you up, and the goals that you love reaching for.  I’m not saying there’s never a case where you might do something that you don’t really want to be doing, but you’re doing it anyway.  Just remember what you said yes to, and what you asked for in the first place.  Is it part of the assignment?  Is it THE way to get it done?  Check in deep.  You’ll know what to do.

Listen to music

Tune in to a beat you love when you’re working out, writing a new blog post, or on your way to teach a class.  Music soothes the soul, and heightens our energetic vibe.  Try music, mantras, and movement in my Inspire Workouts for a heart-pumping routine that will change your life! (Try it for yourself, FREE, by entering your name and email below this post).

To sum it up?

Turn it off, kick it, flex it, say no, listen in. (TWEET IT!)

What are you going to do to get more energy now?  Tell me in the comments below.