5. All Powered Up
Do you go to bed with your laptop or smart phone? Several leading health organizations (including researchers at Princeton) point out that using light-emitting technology before bedtime disrupts sleep cycles, keeping the body and mind active when it should be preparing for rest. This is why it’s vital to unplug and power down in order to replenish energy stores with quality sleep.

6. You’re a Cynical Sally or Sam
Glass half empty folks tend to expend a lot more energy than the glass half full lot. In fact, according to research from the University of Eastern Finland, catastrophizing, or rather always focusing on the negative, is a form on anxiety that not only wreaks havoc both mentally and physically—it can also contribute to early dementia. Instead focus your energy on the aspects of life that you can control.

7. Poor Diet
You are what you eat—and if you chow down on a diet made up of mainly refined sugar, starchy carbohydrates, processed foods, and Trans fats—you will burn through these foods quickly and suffer from a initial blood sugar spike (right after eating) shortly followed by a harsh sugar crash and associated fatigue.

8. Staying Sedentary
I know that when you’re feeling stressed or lethargic that going for a run or taking a yoga class is the last thing on your mind. However, passing on a workout will actually drain your energy even further. Exercise has been linked to improved strength, endurance, cardiovascular health (including oxygen exchange, and immunity according to research from University of Georgia scientists who confirm that if you’re feeling tired the best thing you can do is get some brisk exercise. Even a brisk 15 minute walk will do the trick.

Emily Lockhart
Emily Lockhart is a weight loss expert who specializes in healthy living. She is dedicated to providing health-conscious individuals with the information they need to make great lifestyle choices that will make them look and feel better. In her spare time, Emily teaches Pilates at a local studio and enjoys activities like hiking, rowing and biking.