Do you feel exhausted? Or lacking energy? One of the top questions I am frequently asked as a health and wellness coach is “What can I do to have more energy?” It seems especially after age 40 adults, especially women, don’t seem to have enough energy for all they need to do. Is that you? If so, you are not alone.
Do You Wish You Had More Energy to —
- Enjoy life
- Enjoy your family
- To play with kids or grandkids
- Work a full-time or part-time job and not feel exhausted when you get home
- Volunteer
- Travel
- Have extracurricular activities
- Have fun
- Energy to serve God
Is that you?
If so, you’re not alone. This is one of the reasons clients want me to help them and sign up for my private health coaching or even a group program. We all want to be energetic. And when we don’t have energy, when feel run down, let’s be honest – It’s hard to enjoy life. We merely “just get by,” right?
We often become frustrated or irritable with loved ones, become easily upset at work or in traffic, with minor inconveniences, not to mention the really big trials in life? And when we have no energy, our gut health or digestion system can often be compromised – leading to constipation, diarrhea, upset stomach, food sensitivities, and chronic digestion conditions as well as autoimmune issues.
So What Can We Do?
I think we are asking the wrong question. Here’s what I suggest instead. Ask yourself this question: “Is _______ going to maximize my energy? Fill in the blank with whatever or whomever.
Here are Examples of Things that Steal Our Energy
Food – Ask the question about food before you eat it. If you’re hungry and didn’t make time to prepare your lunch or don’t have any idea what dinner is going to be when you get home, then you might decide to just grab fried chicken, French fries, and have an apple pie for dessert. But before you do that, ask yourself will eating the fried chicken, fries, and apple pie maximize my energy! If not, make another choice.
Maybe you could get a grilled chicken breast, a side salad, and a fruit cup or wait until you get home to eat some fruit you have there. See how just asking that one question can help you make a better choice with nutrition and what you’re eating. And we all know that fried food is not healthy. Occasionally if you want to it’s okay. But if more of your meals are made of fried, processed, and refined foods, then you’re probably going to gain weight, set yourself up for heart disease, maybe diabetes type 2, and obesity, not to mention you aren’t going to have the energy you want for your life.
The question is not limited to just food. Ask yourself “Will this maximize my energy?”
Social Media – When you want to scroll SM mindlessly and without a time limit, ask yourself if doing so will maximize your energy.
Sitting on the couch – When you want to just veg-out on the couch when you need to do a few chores first.
Watching a movie – Depending on the movie type and what time of day and if you really need to be getting dinner ready or doing something else. There’s a time and place that might be better, right?
Certain People – What about spending time with that certain person who drains you emotionally and mentally and physically?
Volunteering – What about signing up to help or be in charge of a committee when you already don’t have enough time? There are certain seasons better suited for this such as when you don’t have small children or are not the caretaker of an elderly parent.
We are only put here on earth a certain amount of time so what do you want to accomplish while here. What is your God given potential and what are your gifts? And how can you serve your purpose if you’re exhausted all the time?
Now there may be some medical conditions that could be affecting your energy levels. Things like a thyroid disease, autoimmune condition, or hormonal imbalances. So get those checked out by a practitioner. Have lab tests run.
But if you’ve done that, then asking yourself the question “Is this going to maximize my energy” will help.
Because after all, we all have a choice. No one is forcing you to eat that fried chicken. It’s your choice. No one is forcing you to sign up for another committee at school or even at church. If your job is pulling you down that much, you can find another one.
How important is your health to you? You either decide to prioritize it now, or you’ll be forced to later because you’ll be ill if you don’t start asking some of the hard questions to help yourself. So what is going to maximize your energy and really your optimal health this week?
I am a National Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach and help women over 40 who have fatigue, digestive issues like bloating, constipation, brain fog, weight management problems, as well as thyroid and autoimmune conditions. I work with you and as a team, we focus on nutrition and lifestyle factors to help you have more energy, think clearer, and fit into those favorite jeans again. You can do this! You just might need some help from someone who’s been there herself and worked with clients – helping guide, support, and encourage you each step of the way. Contact me here to set up a free strategy session to see how we can work together. — Leah Cheshire, NBC-HWC
