If you want to be successful but often lack energy, say goodbye to these 9 habits

Stop doing these things to combat your sluggishness and be more successful.

A man with gray hair is sitting on a bus, resting his head on his hand against the window, appearing to be sleeping. He is wearing a light button-up shirt and has a strap across his shoulder. The background shows an unfocused passenger.

We all dream of success, but sometimes our energy levels just don’t match our ambitions. It’s frustrating, demotivating, and can lead to a vicious cycle of underachievement. But fear not! By identifying and eliminating certain habits, you can reclaim your vitality and chase your dreams with renewed vigor. Let’s explore nine energy-sapping behaviors you need to ditch ASAP.

1. Stop ignoring the problem.

A woman with blonde hair sits on a gray couch, leaning forward with hands clasped near her face, appearing deep in thought or worried. She wears a light blue collared shirt and a gray cardigan. The background is blurred with some greenery visible.

Feeling constantly drained isn’t normal, and it’s not something you should just “power through.” Your body might be trying to tell you something important. Maybe it’s an underlying health condition, a nutrient deficiency, or perhaps your lifestyle needs a serious overhaul. Whatever the case, burying your head in the sand won’t solve anything.

Take charge of your well-being by scheduling an appointment with your healthcare provider. They can run tests, offer professional advice, and help you get to the root of your energy issues. Remember, addressing the problem head-on is the first step toward reclaiming your vitality and setting yourself up for success.

2. Stop skipping breaks.

A person with short blonde hair sits at a desk with closed eyes, pressing their fingers to their temples in frustration. They are wearing a sleeveless top and have a coffee mug in front of them. The background is a dimly lit office space.

I used to pride myself on working non-stop, thinking it made me more productive. Boy, was I wrong! My output suffered, and I felt constantly frazzled. It wasn’t until I started taking regular breaks that I saw a real improvement in both my energy levels and the quality of my work.

You see, breaks aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity. They give your brain a chance to recharge, helping you maintain focus and creativity throughout the day. Step away from your desk, stretch your legs, or simply close your eyes for a few minutes. You’ll return to your tasks feeling refreshed and ready to tackle challenges with renewed vigor.

3. Stop overcommitting.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses is leaning over a desk, writing in a notebook with a pen while looking at an open laptop. She is dressed in a light pink shirt and jeans. The desk has a white coffee mug and a smartphone. Shelves with books and office items are in the background.

It’s tempting to say “yes” to every opportunity that comes your way. After all, isn’t that how successful people operate? Not quite. Overcommitting is actually a surefire way to spread yourself too thin, leading to burnout and subpar results across the board.

Learn to prioritize and be selective about your commitments. Focus on activities that truly align with your goals and values. It’s okay to say “no” sometimes—in fact, it’s essential for maintaining your energy and sanity. By doing less, you’ll often accomplish more, and with higher quality to boot.

4. Stop sleeping too little or too poorly.

A person lies in bed, appearing awake and staring at the ceiling. They are partially covered with a blanket and rest their head on a pillow. Beside them, an alarm clock on the nightstand displays the time as 2:08. The scene is dimly lit.

Sleep isn’t just a passive state of rest; it’s an active process crucial for your physical and mental well-being. Skimping on sleep or tossing and turning all night can leave you feeling drained, irritable, and ill-equipped to handle the day’s challenges.

Prioritize your sleep hygiene. Establish a consistent bedtime routine, create a comfortable sleep environment, and aim for 7-9 hours of quality shut-eye each night. Your body and mind will thank you, rewarding you with increased energy, better focus, and improved mood—all essential ingredients for success.

5. Stop being so sedentary.

A woman with long hair, dressed in a light pink sweater, is sitting on a plush sofa, resting her head on her hand. She gazes thoughtfully into the distance. The room has soft, neutral tones and a cozy atmosphere.

Our modern lifestyles often trap us in a cycle of inactivity. We sit at desks, in cars, and on couches, barely moving for hours on end. This sedentary behavior is a major energy-drainer, leaving us feeling sluggish and unmotivated.

Break free from this pattern by incorporating more movement into your day. Take short walks during breaks, use a standing desk, or try some desk exercises. Regular physical activity boosts energy levels, improves mood, and enhances cognitive function. You don’t need to become a gym rat—just get moving!

6. Stop being glued to a screen.

A man in a suit is asleep at a desk with his head resting on his arms. In front of him, a laptop displays a graph with blue and red bars. A pen and smartphone are also on the desk.

In our digital age, screens are nearly inescapable. We work on computers, relax with smartphones, and unwind in front of TVs. However, this constant exposure can wreak havoc on our energy levels, primarily due to eye strain and disrupted sleep patterns.

Implement regular screen breaks throughout your day. Use the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Consider using blue light filters on your devices, especially in the evening. By giving your eyes a rest, you’ll find yourself feeling more alert and energized.

7. Stop neglecting things that feed your soul.

A woman rests her head on a closed laptop, looking at the camera. She is sitting at a glass desk with a notebook and glasses beside her. She appears contemplative or tired, wearing a light gray shirt.

Life isn’t all about work and responsibilities. Neglecting activities that bring you joy and fulfillment can lead to a sense of emptiness and fatigue that no amount of caffeine can fix. Whether it’s spending time in nature, traveling, creating art, or pursuing a hobby, these soul-nourishing activities are crucial for maintaining your energy and zest for life.

Make time for the things that light you up inside. Schedule them into your calendar if necessary. By prioritizing these activities, you’ll recharge your batteries and approach your other responsibilities with renewed enthusiasm and creativity.

8. Stop stressing about every little thing.

A man with short curly hair and a beard sits on a couch, resting his elbow on his knee and his head in his hand. He is wearing a green t-shirt and appears to be deep in thought or stressed, with a worried expression on his face.

Constant worry is like a leaky faucet, slowly draining your energy reserves. While it’s easier said than done, learning to let go of minor stressors can significantly boost your vitality and overall well-being.

Start by practicing mindfulness and perspective-taking. Ask yourself, “Will this matter in a week? A month? A year?” Often, the answer is no. Focus on what you can control, and try to accept what you can’t. Consider techniques like meditation or journaling to help manage stress and preserve your precious energy.

9. Stop consuming quite so much junk food.

A man with a beard, wearing a blue shirt, sits at a table with an open pizza box and a bottle of soda. He looks uninterested as he rests his head on one hand and reaches for a slice of pizza with the other hand. The background is a bright room with curtains.

What you put into your body directly affects your energy levels. While junk food might provide a quick energy boost, it often leads to crashes and feelings of sluggishness later on. However, this doesn’t mean you need to swear off your favorite treats entirely.

Focus on incorporating more whole, nutrient-dense foods into your diet. These provide sustained energy throughout the day. When you do indulge in less healthy options, do so mindfully and in moderation. By fueling your body properly, you’ll notice a significant improvement in your energy levels and overall well-being.