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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think some people simply have more energy than others

86 replies

Unsureaboutitall · 16/03/2026 18:58

And that there isn’t much one can do to be the same.
I have always been naturally quite lazy, even thought I get on with things like full time work, parenting, try to carve time to be active (failing currently but have been a regular gym goer for years pre DC) etc. But my default is to try and do as little as I can, I love my sofa and love sleeping, would always choose a lie in over anything else. I know some people who have 3 DC (absolute nightmare for me as I feel full on with just 1!), demanding jobs and yet have time to run marathons, be super fit, bike everywhere etc. they just seem to naturally have morw energy and enjoy leading busier lives.

AIBU to think thay you either are like that or you are not? There is no amount of healthy eating and supplements that will get me that level of energy

OP posts:
Bex071509 · 16/03/2026 19:18

I totally agree. One of my friends is forever socialising & works 3 different (part time) jobs. Kids are older now, but when they were younger she was getting them to every club going. I think sometimes even her own kids couldn’t keep up.

I do feel like my energy levels are low, but I did have chemotherapy a few years back & they have never fully recovered after.

Original poster
Unsureaboutitall · 16/03/2026 19:18

SardinesOnButteredToast · 16/03/2026 19:15

You're making an assumption that people who do things, find the doing of those things naturally easy. For example, if you know someone who runs, your assumption is that they are just naturally more energetic than you. That may be true, but it may also be accurate that once people make themselves do activities that this sparks the urge and ability to do more activity.

What I think is that some people deliberately choose to get into high demanding careers and then have 3 children and then take on lots of activities and sports etc as partnof their daily life. These are all choices people make, and most of the ones I know seem to just get on with things whereas I struggle with just 1 DC, a normal professional job and barely doing any sport!

OP posts:
Helppleasestuck · 16/03/2026 19:17

I do agree and have also struggled with low energy and fatigue since teen years pretty much, but I do find exercising is also the best thing to energise me. Even if I do need a nap afterwards.
Without exercising and fresh air I feel super lethargic without much respite. At least when I go for a run i feel quite spritely for a little while!

FuckEverything · 16/03/2026 19:16

I think most people have the energy and motivation for the things that suit them.

Original poster
Unsureaboutitall · 16/03/2026 19:16

stargirl27 · 16/03/2026 19:03

Yes I think so, although I think things like mindset/upbringing may come into it. I’ve always been an early riser, routine disciplined kind of person pretty much as you describe in your op, but I think I’m like that because my mum was and that’s how I grew up.

Yes I do think that upbringing makes a bit difference too

OP posts:
SardinesOnButteredToast · 16/03/2026 19:15

You're making an assumption that people who do things, find the doing of those things naturally easy. For example, if you know someone who runs, your assumption is that they are just naturally more energetic than you. That may be true, but it may also be accurate that once people make themselves do activities that this sparks the urge and ability to do more activity.

Original poster
Unsureaboutitall · 16/03/2026 19:14

Gwenhwyfar · 16/03/2026 19:10

I agree with you. Obviously those who are sporty will have more energy because the sport is very good for them, but there are also naturally sporty and un-sporty people imo.
Yes, also there are some like stargirl who were probably told growing up that resting is bad and that they should always be active and others are active all the time because they're quite anxious people and can't sit still alone with their thoughts. I think quite a few of those super active people really struggle underneath it all.

Interesting that you say that as I think that of a colleague of mine. She has 2 small DC with autism, a difficult situation with her parents having bad mental health and other ongoing things but yet she struggles to switch off or relax, for example she hates having her hair cut as gets bored. I often wonder if it’s a self defence thing more than anything!

OP posts:
Plasticdreams · 16/03/2026 19:12

My boyfriend is one and he wears me out. I can’t keep up.

Gwenhwyfar · 16/03/2026 19:10

I agree with you. Obviously those who are sporty will have more energy because the sport is very good for them, but there are also naturally sporty and un-sporty people imo.
Yes, also there are some like stargirl who were probably told growing up that resting is bad and that they should always be active and others are active all the time because they're quite anxious people and can't sit still alone with their thoughts. I think quite a few of those super active people really struggle underneath it all.

stargirl27 · 16/03/2026 19:03

Yes I think so, although I think things like mindset/upbringing may come into it. I’ve always been an early riser, routine disciplined kind of person pretty much as you describe in your op, but I think I’m like that because my mum was and that’s how I grew up.

Duckyfondant · 16/03/2026 19:00

Tend to agree, and I'm quite jealous of naturally energetic people