We all know (and love to hate) those people in our lives who constantly seem to be full of energy, even in the miserable depths of winter. While everyone else is slugging out on the sofa, these people are always in a positive mood. What makes them different from the rest of us? Chances are it’s down to the things they do on a daily basis.
1. They exercise regularly.
Energy doesn’t disappear or appear, it simply recirculates. We will feel at our weakest when we are doing less. But when we’re kept busy and moving, the body stays in that high-performance space. Not to sound like a nagging parent, but sluggishness begets sluggishness. Get off the couch!
2. They know how to take care of themselves.
Taking care of yourself can take the form of knowing when to push yourself but also knowing when to stop and rest. Energetic people will know themselves well. They know what works for them, whether it be hydrating, socializing, or trying something new. It may seem effortless, but energetic people work hard to stay that way.
3. They’ve been down bad before.
Energetic people aren’t just the “Chosen Ones.” They’re not preternaturally better than everyone around them. They choose to learn from mistakes or periods of suffering. They’re human, just like the rest of us, but they choose every day to be grateful. This alone gives them a pep in their step that keeps them motivated and moving forward.
4. They get their 5-a-day.
Not to sound like a broken record, but your diet is as important to your mental and physical health as exercise. Gut health, for example, is emerging as one of the largest contributing factors to mental health issues, according to Harvard Health Publishing, and a lot of that can be balanced out by having a balanced diet. Your mind will feel clearer and more energized with all the extra vitamin C. It’s not rocket science: you feel better when you eat better, end of story.
5. They’re not scared of trying new things.
For our mental wellness, introducing new forms of enrichment is really important as a daily activity. Everyone needs an opportunity to challenge themselves or take risks. That’s what makes life interesting and gives us all things to learn about the world and ourselves. You can’t help but feel energized when you’re excited about what the day ahead will bring.
6. They really love the outdoors.
We all know how important getting fresh air is, so it will come as no surprise that people retain their energy by spending time outside. This can take the form of a run, walk, or group activity. Next time you catch up with your friend for coffee, sit outside or have it to go and stroll around a park. It’s the everyday, small choices that add up to make a difference!
7. They know how to say “no.”
Spontaneity is probably the quality within energetic people that you admire (or resent) the most. You don’t magically become that person overnight, but for the most part, we have to say and do things a few times before we start to really mean them. Manifest that journey and start saying “yes” more.
8. They drink plenty of water.
Staying hydrated, particularly when spending all that time outside and being active, is a core habit of energetic people. It’s not enough to just pick one good habit like exercising more if you don’t back it up with all the others. Given that dehydration can slow your circulation and the flow of oxygen to your brain according to the National Counsel of Aging, it stands to reason that ensuring you’re drinking enough water would also ensure your energy levels stay up.
9. They know when to rest effectively.
People with loads of energy aren’t hyper every minute of every day. They know all the meditation techniques, have read all the self-care books, and have tried all the vitamin supplements. Be open to new techniques if sleeping in on a Saturday morning isn’t cutting it anymore. Sometimes you just need to slow down on a deeper level.
10. They have a life away from screens.
Social media — and screen time in general — can be both a blessing and a curse. While it’s great to see what people are getting up to, it’s also draining to be expected to be available 24/7. Energetic people don’t rely on validation from Instagram posts — they have inner conviction in what they do.
11. Their friends know how to support them.
Being impressively energetic should not mean living an insular life. These people will have support systems that encourage them to take it slow. They also uplift them when they’re feeling a bit sluggish, instilling them with the energy and excitement to get out and make the most of life.
12. They can let loose when they need to.
One of the best things about energetic people is that they bring out the energy in other people. They make great friends and even better partygoers. You can always trust these people to plan the best night out and unwind together. They’re always up for a good time and know the importance of playing as hard as they work.
13. They won’t turn up if they don’t want to.
By the same virtue, energetic people also hold their alone time in high regard. Because they’re commonly double-booked and in high demand, they’ve also learned how to say “no” and have that be a complete sentence. They don’t overbook their social calendars out of obligation — they RSVP wisely.
14. Caffeine!
It would be remiss to suggest that energetic people didn’t also rely on caffeine here and there. Whether in the form of tea, coffee, energy drinks, or whatever, caffeine is a great tool for people to use to maintain their energy levels. They don’t rely on this, but they do recognize it as the useful addition to their day that it is.
15. They have an ever-growing list of new places to try out.
Having a curious mind comes hand-in-hand with being high energy. People who can’t sit still will always pride themselves in finding a new coffee place or hangout venue. The more avant-garde, the better! Who can afford to be tired when there’s so much to discover?
16. They accept that bad days happen.
Just because a person is high-energy doesn’t mean they’re always in a good mood. Bad days happen, that’s a fact. High-energy people know how to move on and challenge themselves the next day. It’s all about finding a balance.
17. They don’t get dragged down by bad energy.
Negativity brings everyone down, so high-energy people avoid the gossip and rumor mill. They don’t have time for it anyway. Keep in mind the golden rules of leading with self-care and self-knowledge and the energy levels will follow. It sounds simple and that’s because it is!
