Beyond nutritional requirements needed to give us energy, there are other important contributing factors that may surprise you.

1. Ask yourself before you eat or drink anything, “Does this food give me energy or deplete me?”  Perfection should not be a goal, but obviously at the end of the day, you want more positives than negatives.
2. What you focus on affects your energy.  Focusing on negative things (like the nightly news), or what you don’t like or want, is energy draining.  Find what makes you feel good and do more of it.  Appreciating music, art, nature, books, and friends can be very positive and revitalizing.
3. Some people aren’t good for you.  If it’s toxic to be around certain people – don’t.  It’s not worth it and you DO have a choice (even if it’s a family member).
4. Some places aren’t good for you.  If you hate your job, for example, (most Americans do), quit.  Figure out what you love and follow your passion.  If you don’t know what that is, start by thinking back to what you loved doing as a child.  Sometimes working for someone who has found their passion will help you find yours.
5. It’s not what happens that determines how you feel, it’s how you react to what happens that counts.  Any seemingly adverse stressor is a great opportunity for growth.  Develop a trust that it’s exactly the right lesson for you at the exact right time.
6. Be aware of how you talk to yourself.  Negative self-talk is one of the biggest energy drainers.  That voice isn’t you.  It’s usually somebody else’s that you unconsciously let get implanted into your beliefs.  Cancel it and replace it with positive affirmations.

Making lifestyle changes isn’t easy, but the reward for making them is well worth the effort.  You will find that these new perspectives will bring about not only increased energy levels, but everything else in your life will improve as well.  The good news, the choice is yours.