Managing your energy is a key part of well-being and goal achievement.

 

It's difficult to be your best if you don't have the energy to do what you need or want to do. If you are sleeping 8 or so hours per night, and are happy you are eating and drinking healthily, then here are two other elements you can look at that may be affecting your energy levels.

 

The first is recovery... your body's nervous system operates like the accelerator pedal and the brake in a car. 

 

The sympathetic nervous system is the accelerator pedal, it speeds up your heart rate an enables you to 'go'. This is often called the 'fight, flight or freeze' response. 

 

The parasympathetic branch of the nervous system is the brake. It slows your heart rate down so you can 'rest and digest'. 

 

When you are healthy, the nervous system works in balance - just like a car that can speed up, slow down, speed up and slow down again as and when you require. 

 

When you are all go and there is more stress and action than there is rest and recovery, this system can get a little out of balance - like having the accelerator pedal to the floor whilst the car is parked. Over time, this can reduce energy. 

 

Taking time to do things in which you feel relaxed can help put the brakes on a bit more and help you feel more energised.