The best habits to stay energized

There are many things to enjoy during the day, but sometimes the energy just doesn't seem to be there to take advantage of the opportunities presented. Having full energy usually means you have a great chance of lasting happiness. Being energetic usually means you're active for longer periods of time. Your physical health will likely improve along with your mental health. Lack of energy is normal, but prolonged periods of low energy can mean other things and you may want to get this checked out by a doctor. To get you going, here are the best habits to keep yourself energized.

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Go to bed early

The most obvious advice for getting more energy is also the most important. If you don't get enough sleep, you're more likely to feel less energetic and have less productive days. Seven to eight hours of sleep is the recommended amount to stay energized and keep your mind sharp long-term. Develop a sleep routine and it will become part of your body's muscle memory.

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Use your morning for hard work

Some people let important tasks go until the evening, but that's probably not their own choice. Time pressures, juggling multiple jobs, and other pressures can cause you to put off important tasks until later in the day, leaving you unmotivated and low on energy. Young argues that it's important to get the important things done in the first four hours of your workday because it shapes the rest of your day and gives you a sense of accomplishment.

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Focus on the solution, not the problem

Focusing on the problem rarely helps. Instead, it wastes time and energy going over it over and over in your head. Ruminating like this can leave you exhausted with anxiety and worry and prevent you from taking decisive action. Many people spend a lot of time and energy trying to understand, describe and quantify the problem they are facing, but this can be a waste of time if it distracts you from finding a solution.

Invest in good friends

Friends have a positive influence on you, especially if you feel energized and inspired by talking to them. Focus on those types of friendships where you feel like there is a two-way relationship, where you feel heard but also able to listen.

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Take 20-minute naps

While naps are considered a luxury, studies show that they can provide cognitive benefits and motivate you to complete a task late in the day. The most important thing about naps is to limit them to 20 minutes so they don't turn into a long sleep and take up the rest of your day.

Train daily

Going to the gym every day sounds like a big challenge, especially if you're not already used to it. Young recommends push-ups, burpees and other exercises you can do at home throughout the day to get your body moving without taking up a lot of time. These can be supplemented with gym visits and fitness classes.