How They Do It: Secrets of People Who Are Always Full of Energy

updated Jul 18, 2020
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(Image credit: Esteban Cortez)

You know who I’m talking about. The people who show up at the office bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, every day, like clockwork. They’re the ones eating the kind of food you made New Year’s resolutions about. The ones who never fail to get their workouts in. The ones who stock their calendar planning events and have all the fun. In other words, they’re the people with enviable amounts of energy — enough, it sometimes seems, to power whole neighborhoods. Full disclosure: I am not one of those people. But here are seven things they all have in common.

1. They Have a Morning Ritual

I’m not really a morning person. I’m more of an 11am person. Or a 4pm person. But I can respect the energy and accomplishment a good morning ritual brings to the day. Whether your chosen ritual is as simple as making a smoothie before you head out the door or a more complex 10-step sequence that includes making a to-do list and going for a walk, consistently starting your morning with something you enjoy will invigorate your mind and body and send you out into the day with a sense of purpose.

2. They Exercise

Seems a little counter-intuitive, but one of the best ways to add some extra pep to your step is to… take more of them. Exercise is excellent at clearing any and all traces of brain fog, triggering the release of endorphins and reducing stress and anxiety. The result? A happier, more productive and energetic you.

→ 21 Ways to Sneak Extra Walking Into Your Day (and Hit Your 10,000 Step Goal)

(Image credit: Elissa Crowe)

3. They Get Quality Sleep

Sleep debt is real and it’s also really a problem — one that can lead to a whole host of health issues along with your daily dose of fatigue. It’s also something you can’t snooze away in a single weekend. Instead, focus on getting a good night’s sleep every night. Aim for at least six or eight hours, but remember that quality sleep, which is more closely tied to a consistent sleep schedule and making sure you hit the sack by 10pm, is equally important.

→ You’re Just One Click Away from a Better Night’s Sleep

4. They Avoid Clutter

Chances are you’ve heard of the KonMari method. But if you haven’t picked the book The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, you should definitely consider adding it to your TBR list. Because Marie Kondo is serious. And having a tidy, clutter-free life is powerful stuff.

→ Marie Kondo is Magical: A Year’s Worth of Posts About Tidying Up

5. They Practice Mindfulness

Why is the idea of mindfulness so intimidating? This practice, which can be grounding and affirming, can also help us be more ourselves and more fully present in each moment. It’s also oh-so invigorating.

6. They Save Time for Play

Brene Brown, author of the bestseller Daring Greatly, discovered long ago that one of the commonalities in people who exhibit wholehearted (read: energetic, engaged) living is that they play. Play can be almost anything, as long as it’s something you love, something you want to do and something so enjoyable it makes you lose track of time. In other words, have fun.

7. They Know How to Say “No”

I’m not just talking about turning down additions to an already busy schedule. One super important secret of people who always have energy is that they know when they’ve reached maximum capacity — and how to simplify. This can mean turning down social engagements, working with a boss to ensure better work-life balance, or stepping away from social media for an afternoon or even a weekend.

What’s your secret for boundless energy? Let us know below!