Looking for ways to feel less sluggish in life.

[Metalhead]

I know I have to change my diet and my daily routines in order to make myself more energetic and productive in my daily life.

I also know that clinical depression is a factor in my sluggishness.

Anybody have any ideas on how I can build up my energy and endurance levels?

 

[Hypnalis]

Food (including hydration), Sleep, Exercise

Manage all three carefully, but remember that 80% of perfection is enough

Modern life tempts us to be careless with all three, so a general principle:

* If you find yourself in a hole: first, stop digging
* It's not easy to change bad habits, but food is where modern life is most inclined to trick us. If you're not sure where to start, cut out "white foods".


PS: I looked for a good, simple definition of "white foods", but couldn't find one.
This is better than nothing, but I can't vouch for the site as a whole:
https://www.drstandley.com/food_whitefood.shtml
The main thing is to get rid of processed sugar, and of foods that are rapidly converted into sugars by normal metabolic processes. This isn't "all foods that are white", but many of the culprits are white or very pale (sugar, pasta, white rice, ...).

If you cut way back on sugar for a couple of weeks you lose the "addiction". When e.g. carrots start to taste sweet, you know your body is working the way it should.

 

[Yeshuasdaughter]

A lot of people in the PNW are feeling sleepy and unmotivated. It's the smoke.

 

[Jeff T]

I know I have to change my diet and my daily routines in order to make myself more energetic and productive in my daily life.

I also know that clinical depression is a factor in my sluggishness.

Anybody have any ideas on how I can build up my energy and endurance levels?

Go on long walks, or join a group to go hiking with? Start small, before too long you should have some stamina

 

[Aspychata]

Caffeine, l swear by this to power thru. Especially on those really tough days. And meals high in protein like powders, there are many choices out there. Self-talk at the gym, like just 20 more mins of a fast jog, then l can leave. Let us know if you discover what works for you. Affirmations don't really work trying to get to gym, it's more like, you gotta go, now -do it. Lol

 

[Sasha22]

Start small, before too long you should have some stamina

Agreed, start small and see what happens. Walking more, drinking enough water, getting enough sleep, cutting back on sugar, artificial sweeteners, fried foods, and such. Can do wonders.

 

[Metalhead]

I am addicted to junk food. I already quit alcohol, now it is time for me to modify my diet and cut out the junk food.

No more Diet Mountain Dew - black coffee and tap water will have to suffice instead.

 

[Sasha22]

That can really have an effect on your mood and energy levels. Also it's often easier to maintain a healthy diet if you're exercising too (one fueling the other). Even just walking can be a good start.

 

[Sasha22]

Strength training can help with that, no?

 

[Dagan]

The things I thought were the most untrue actually ended up true. Eat more green vegetables. Exercising more boosts your energy.

 

[Sasha22]

Yes! Sleep, food, water, movement are very underrated. Our species would be in trouble in the jungle.

 

[Tristan_USA]

I was feeling the same way and recently began drinking black tea with a little milk throughout the day. It has less caffeine than coffee so you can drink it more often, and I like the taste better than black coffee or coffee with just milk. I find it less bitter and more enjoyable. I drink PG Tips with a splash of whole milk made in an electric kettle or microwave. I've been getting a lot more steps in and have been much more productive.

If you want energy without caffeine, or in addition to, you can also try drinking half your body weight in ounces of water every day. So, 200 pounds would be 100 ounces of water a day. A water bottle of the proper size or measurements on the side helps. That is if you use those measurements, you may be able to convert them to your own countries if not. Your milage may vary. Wish you well.