"And what is a man without energy? Nothing - Nothing at all." - Mark Twain

When someone tells you that you have a high energy level, what she sees is your vitality, enthusiasm, drive and determination.

She notices your strength and confidence. She is filled with awe of your physical and mental powers in creating, resolving and materializing your dreams and goals.

But if you lack the stamina and are sluggish or experience fatigue and inertia by midday, you may need to curiously explore your habits and tendencies.

• What's your passion?

Do you have something that you are committed to achieve or experience? Is there something that gives you lots of enthusiasm and joy? Do you have the desire to add more value into your life?

Having an ambition or purpose will allow you to channel your energy to produce outstanding results.

You will diligently and forcefully push yourself to reach your goals when you have a clear vision of your dreams in your mind.

Look for something that is fun, intriguing and is worthwhile for you to pursue to keep you driven and motivated.

• Your health and fitness.

The condition and state of your body affect your energy level. A more efficient body allows for a healthy mind and enables you to produce peak performance.

Do some stretching and aerobic exercises each day or take long walks alone or with your family.

Keep your body in shape. Physical activities and a healthy lifestyle keep you active and improve your health.

• Your diet.

Your diet can either gives you more stamina or leaves you feeling sluggish and tired. Certain food taken during lunch can make you sleepy and will affect your productivity and your work.

Cut on caffeine and nicotine and drink lots of water or fruit juices. Avoid overindulgence in food especially those that drain your energy. Supplement your diet with vitamins and minerals.

• Rest and recreation.

Stress and anxieties from the daily tasks and challenges can drain your vitality and make you feel tired and unhappy.

Sleep provides sufficient rest and allows your body to repair and regain your stamina.

Inertia happens when you stop moving. You need to rest only long enough to gather your strength and then get up and start back on track.

Take breaks at intervals during your work. A short nap can revitalize and recharge your day.

Allocate time to relax through yoga or any relaxation exercise. Put aside some time to enjoy a good movie or listening to music that lifts your mood and spirit.

Lavish yourself with body massage or unwind in a relaxing bath.

• Your state of mind.

You need to develop a positive expectancy about your future. Optimism and feeling good on the inside encourages you to carry on regardless of what has occurred in the past.

Maintain a positive attitude. Look out for the good in people and challenging situations.

• Your priorities.

Too many things to do can make you feel overwhelmed and exhausted. One of the ways to keep you focused and manage yourself and your time is to write down your plans and activities in advance.

Do the important things in your list first. Check each one out when you finish one and then proceed to the next activity.

Negative people exhaust your time and can make your feel weary around them. Learn to say "No" to the unimportant things and people.

Choose your associations intelligently and decide to spend more time with your family and people who provide more value in your life.

Return to top of energy page.