November 8th, 2022

Why Feeling Lazy Doesn’t Mean You Are Lazy (And What You Can Do About It)

Do you feel too tired to workout? You aren’t lazy. But you might feel that way if you lack the energy to get up and take action to exercise. The truth is, in our work-hard, play-hard society, it’s easy to get rundown and tired. Luckily, there are some things you can do to decrease fatigue and increase your energy. Let’s take a look!

How to get your energy back

Tip #1: Take Time to Recharge

The body and mind need time to recharge, and there are many ways to do this. A big one is sleep; getting enough is crucial if you want to go about your day with energy. Here are some important sleep hygiene tips to set yourself up for quality sleep:

Limiting screen time 1-2 hours before bed
Going to bed and waking up at the same times
Getting between 7-9 hours of sleep each night
Having a wind-down routine, such as reading or performing gentle stretching
Ensuring you have a comfortable pillow and mattress
Making sure your room is dark and cool, which is ideal for sleeping

Downtime is also important! If we continually go-go-go, we will, inevitably, hit a brick wall and burn out. So, as hard as it is, find windows of time in your days and weeks to slow down and dedicate to yourself. For some people, this will be passive rest (reading or Netflix) and for others, it may be more active, like a class or coffee date with a friend. The important thing is to understand what makes you feel recharged and do that!

Tip #2: Tweak Your Diet

You are what you eat. The food you consume directly affects your recharge cycle and energy levels. For example, if you’re not leaving enough of a gap between eating and going to sleep, you may have difficulty obtaining quality night’s rest.

Additionally, eating chips, pop, and other junk food is going to make you feel sluggish. These types of foods don’t give your body the nutrients and fuel it needs to function at its best. Ideally, you want to consume a variety of whole foods, such as walnuts and carrots, and predictable intervals throughout your day to help you feel more energized. That doesn’t mean you can’t ever have your favourite kettle chips though; an 80/20 approach is a good goal that will ensure you’re getting the fuel you need without depriving yourself.

Tip #3: Don’t Forget to Mentally Recharge Too!

During your daily activities, remember to take time for mental time-outs to refresh yourself and your mind. This may involve going for a quick and brisk 15-minute walk or listening to calming music and performing a quick stretch session.

Additionally, deep breathing practices can also enhance your energy and tame any stress that stands in your way. The goal here is to take time to intentionally recharge and relax. You want to make sure it’s not just a form of escapism or distraction.

If you need a confidence boost, this is where Nielsen Fitness can help you out. We’ll bring the confidence with a customized, safe, and effective workout program just for you and accountability so you can enhance your health and your life. Contact us today and team up with the best personal trainers in Toronto!