Jennifer Schmidt is Recreation Therapist, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and self-proclaimed "Mental Health Mentor." When consistent triathlon training didn't "cure" her depression and anxiety (as her education promised), Jennifer sought other answers and discovered the root of her mental illnesses were likely being amplified by her intense training regime.
Getting enough good-quality sleep is essential to feeling energized each day. But if you’re getting your recommended 7 to 9 hours each night and still dragging yourself around, chances are there’s something else at play.
And if you’ve exhausted your medical resources (pun fully intended!), it may be time to think outside the box.
You’re out of alignment with your values
Are you moving through your days on autopilot? It’s common to build schedules with little thought, simply filling free time with whatever seems necessary. If you get any downtime, you likely either numb yourself with TV or social media or tackle yet another item on the never-ending to-do list.
Having a busy schedule is exhausting on its own. But what if your schedule, with the same number of commitments, was instead full of activities that made you feel alive? You might still be tired, but it would likely be a more satisfying, fulfilling kind of tired one that’s less dreadful and more rewarding.
The reason your schedule drains you, even if it’s not full, is likely that many of your activities are out of alignment with your values.
Many people confuse values with morals. Personal values are the things that energize you, not necessarily what you believe is right or wrong. Identifying your values allows you to intentionally align your calendar with them. When your commitments align with your values, your days are filled with activities that light you up rather than burn you out.
If you’re unsure how to identify your true values, get in touch! This is the first step I take with all of my clients, and it’s that important!
Tired: It’s a habit
Are you actually tired, or has "feeling tired" become a habit?
Humans are social creatures, wired to connect with others for survival. To fit in, we often mirror the behaviors of those around us. Without realizing it, you may have started thinking and saying you’re tired simply because others around you do. Over time, it became a habit.
If you’re getting enough sleep (7 to 9 hours per night for adults) and still feel tired, consider whether you’ve created a mental pattern of fatigue.
Start to rewire your brain by noticing signs of good energy. For example, observe when you stay awake and focused during low-energy tasks, motivate yourself to move your body, or engage in meaningful conversations. Track these moments in a notebook or on your phone to train your brain to focus on when you feel energized!
You rest but never recharge
If you’re not feeling energized after a lazy day, you might be good at resting but not recharging.
We often assume that passive activities, like a movie marathon or scrolling social media, will give us the rest we need to regain energy. While these activities can rest your body, they may not recharge your mind or soul.
Recharging involves engaging in activities that make you feel alive. These may require effort but leave you energized afterward. Think of activities that have excited or uplifted you in the past, things like creating art, cooking, outdoor adventures, music, dancing, or spending time with friends.
Strive for a balance of rest and recharge activities in your free time, and you’ll likely notice a shift in your energy levels.
Your body is imbalanced
The previous points might make it seem like fatigue is all in your head, but mindset is just one part of the equation. Your body needs to function optimally to sustain energy.
If you’ve already consulted a doctor and ruled out common medical causes of fatigue, consider digging deeper. Routine tests don’t always reveal underlying issues like blood sugar imbalances, chronic inflammation, undiagnosed food sensitivities, or mitochondrial dysfunction.
To get a more in-depth assessment of your body’s energy systems, schedule an appointment with a functional medicine practitioner.
Feeling energized and alive isn’t just about getting enough sleep; it’s about aligning your life with what truly matters to you. Whether it’s discovering your core values, breaking unhelpful habits, or learning how to recharge effectively, there’s always a path forward.
If you’re ready to explore how to feel your most alive, let’s talk! Book a free call with me today, and together, we’ll uncover the steps to help you regain your energy and transform your life.
Jennifer Schmidt, Athlete Mental Health Mentor
Jennifer Schmidt is Recreation Therapist, Functional Medicine Certified Health Coach and self-proclaimed "Mental Health Mentor." When consistent triathlon training didn't "cure" her depression and anxiety (as her education promised), Jennifer sought other answers and discovered the root of her mental illnesses were likely being amplified by her intense training regime. Her personal mental health experience combined with her professional experience in psychiatry fuelled her to start Ignite Health Coaching and Wellness, where she mentors endurance athletes on creating a lifestyle for positive mental health while simultaneously unlocking their true athletic potential.
