But when you're constantly feeling drained, it might be time to look at what's bringing you down. ... Check out these energy zappers and see how many apply to you.
There are four types of energy drainers that are particularly detrimental to us: Stuck on It, I Wish, Worrying, and What Ifs. All of these are double whammies in that they not only drain us of our energy, but they produce no positive results. This is when we use our energy to focus on things that can't be changed.
Common culprits include gluten, dairy, corn, soy, and eggs. Eating too LITTLE. Not getting enough fuel (i.e., food) can make you feel tired – and so can eating a poor-quality diet without enough nutrients. Not getting enough protein.
Not getting enough sleep is one reason why you may be tired. Other possible reasons include a nutrient deficiency, stress, an underlying health condition, and drug side effects. If you have chronic fatigue, see a doctor for a diagnosis. If you're feeling overly tired or have little energy, you're not alone.
You may be too exhausted even to manage your daily affairs. In most cases, there's a reason for the fatigue. It might be allergic rhinitis, anemia, depression, fibromyalgia, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease (COPD), a bacterial or viral infection, or some other health condition.
Too much screen time can negatively impact your energy levels in several ways, including by interfering with neurotransmitters and by causing eye strain. In order to avoid lack of energy, aim to reduce your screen time.
Washing machines, dishwashers and tumble dryers account for 14% of a typical energy bill, taking the top spot in our list. The power needed to heat the water that they use pushes up consumption, making them energy-hungry household appliances.
"Overthinking can affect how you experience and engage with the world around you — preventing you from making important decisions, keeping you from enjoying the present moment and draining you of the energy you need to handle daily stressors," explains Dr. Fowler.
Do Fans Use a Lot of Electricity? Running a fan takes a lot less electricity than running an air conditioner; ceiling fans average at about 15-90 watts of energy used, and tower fans use about 100 watts.
Do you waste electricity by leaving things plugged in?
The short answer is yes! A variety of different electronic devices and appliances, including televisions, toasters, lamps, and more, when plugged in, can consume electricity even when they're turned off.
This is known as eye fatigue or eye strain. If you've felt that nagging pain behind your eyes after staring at your digital devices all day, you've probably experienced it, too. Often, it manifests in the form of: Achy, tired, itchy, burning, dry, or watery eyes.
Many people find that sleeping with the TV on helps them sleep. However, experts generally agree that this isn't a good idea. Sleeping with the TV on increases your exposure to blue light, which can increase your risk for obesity, diabetes, and other health problems.
Get moving. Exercise is a natural energy booster, because whenever you do it, oxygen-rich blood surges through your body to your heart, muscles, and brain. Regularly squeezing a workout into your day -- even if you can spare only 10 minutes at a time -- will help keep your energy levels at their peak.
A lack of energy and motivation can be a sign of depression. Reach out to a mental health professional if you need help. They may be able to tell you if something else is causing your low mood.
