Have you ever asked someone how they are doing? What was the response? “I'm tired!” 65% of Americans said that they rarely wake up feeling rested. You may be sad and depressed right now because life has been exhausting. If someone mentions that you should go for a run, forget about it. You don't feel like running because you are too tired. In this week's blog/podcast I will give you 6 steps to creating more energy in your life right now. You may choose to use that energy to enhance your health and take up running for the first time. Those that are already runners, you will find these tips helpful in taking you to the starting line of your next milestone race like a 10k, half, or full marathon.

One of the things that I enjoy doing while working, walking, and on runs is listening to audiobooks on Audible. I listened to a series by Mel Robbins called “Here's Exactly What To Do.” One of the episodes was on how to have more energy. Here are the six steps that I found awesome to have more energy and can help us enhance our running performance.

Put yourself on pause

Slow down every single day. Set your morning alarm to wake up 10 minutes earlier to start your day. This extra time will allow you to enjoy your cup of coffee/juice without rushing out the door and spilling it. A ship needs an anchor from time to time. Putting ourselves in a pause will allow us to be grounded. Imagine for a moment you're walking into a dark house, the electricity is on, we just need to turn on the light switch. We can't see the electricity on the walls, but it's there. Just like you have electricity inside yourself, we just need to turn you on.

I put myself on pause and went to the beach mid-week! No work and was able to witness this beautiful rainbow around the sun. I came back refreshed. Take a pause it helps alot!

Get More Sleep

Lose weight, improve memory, and get more energized. Some marathoners decided to prioritize sleep. They all notice improved marathon times. One such runner was Brad Kearns. In his book “Primal Endurance” He stated that he spent less time running and would get 12 hours of sleep and take a 2-hour nap during the day. We are not getting enough sleep because of nighttime phone usage. If we put our phones down we can get more quality sleep and wake up energized. Let’s try to get 8 hours of sleep for 7 days in a row.

Stop Revenge Bedtime Procrastination -

After a day full of filling other people's demands, we may start to procrastinate our bedtime. We find ourselves mindlessly scrolling on our phones, binge-watching tv, or playing video games. 30 minutes of scrolling on our phones quickly turn into 1-2 hours. Call Yourself Out When You Catch Yourself Doing This. Use bedtime modes on your phone which will alert you that it’s time for bed. This setting will even darken your screen!

Get Moving -

Energy does not create itself…… we must create it. Exercise every day. Something as little as 10 jumping jacks can flip the script. Going out for a 20-minute lunch break walk can boost your energy. A ten-minute yoga video or early morning jog can set the tone for the whole day.

There is a young man by the name of Chris Nikic, and he became the first person with down syndrome to complete an ironman triathlon! Chris' father would help his son get better by setting him up to do just 1% more every day. One more push-up, a few more steps on the path. Read Chris’s amazing story (here)

What can you do with the extra energy that you can have by just 1% every day?

Social Interactions -

Have you been isolated? Don’t get caught in the trap of being too busy for family and friends. Make the time for yourself to have the release that we all need. Make sure you surround yourself with those who energize you. We may have that one friend that drains us of energy by constantly complaining about their lot in life. We can still love them, but make sure those that are around you bring you energy and not rob you of yours.

Listen To Music -

Music releases happy hormones in your body! Music can decrease depression and anxiety. Word of caution: Just like our friends, choose music that will lift you. There is a lot of music that could make you depressed or angry.

Can These Tips Help Me Become A Better Runner?

Yes! There are times when we may need to pause from running, due to stress, illness, and family responsibilities. When we return we will feel refreshed and ready to enjoy our running practice again. We may even see improved race times. Taking a day off from work to help energize your mental health is also recommended. When you take this day off, fight the urge to do a ton of house chores. Instead, go to the beach, read a good book, or simply do nothing but hang out with a loved one. If you need any help with any of your health and running goals, check out ways in which to join our supportive community.

Be Kind To Yourself -

Be kind to yourself because you deserve it. You work so hard, celebrate what you do…..it will boost your energy and help you keep the lights on.

You have energy within you, just like the electricity in the walls. I hope that this article/podcast helped you find the light switch. You just have to turn it on.