Feel so sluggish. How do I get a spring in my step?

[Steala]

I've had blood tests, and there is nothing medically wrong, but I feel slow and sluggish. I would love to be one of those people who gets loads done, and moves quickly when they're doing things (do you know what I mean)?

I exercise regularly (most days really), but I run slowly, cycle slowly and feel like everything I do takes effort and thought. Everything feels like hard work.

I'm approaching the end of dry January, and I'm minded to continue, but I must admit I had hoped to see benefits by now. I'm sleeping ok most nights, slightly depressed, but definitely under control. My diet could improve and I'm overweight (but not obese). I've noticed that the people who always seem brimming with energy are slim. Does the energy make them slim, or does being overweight drain the energy?

Cold as you can handle 3 minute shower every morning. Hard going to start with but after 2 months of persisting I feel buzzing for most of the day afterwards.

Being overweight drains energy.

Skinny people don’t get it!

I say put a backpack on that’s the weight of the extra weight a fat person carries and see how well you do climbing stairs/ walking/ running even bending and stretching

It’s exhausting being fat

Urgh. Lose weight or cold showers (I'm such a wimp). Perhaps energy is overrated. Thank you though!!!

I'm in the same situation but am not overweight. Been feeling awful. Had loads of blood test results yesterday and all fine (better than fine, really good!). Actually only the vitamin D was low so have been prescribed a high dose. She said it might give me more energy. Wish I had the answer for you!

I know what you mean. Is there anything in life you aren't happy with? Not great relationship? Friendships? Work? I find these things can zap energy if we aren't careful.

For me sleep and exercise mean everything. Not eating too late matters. Strength training as in weights or circuits and core/mat classes hugely boost my ability to speed up. I have a lot of stairs at work which is a good substitute. Still 2 stone overweight...

If you’re suffering from depression too that will massively effect your get up and go, even if you’re only “midly” suffering. My bad days I barely scrape myself out of bed, medium days I just do the bare minimum to get by, but the good days I’m full of energy and bouncy like a springer spaniel lol. I’m overweight too and eating the food stuff and ditching the junk does wonders too.

Could try couch to 5k? They have an extension podcast to boost speed.

OP you're training too hard. You need rest days in between your exercise days or you'll end up with muscle fatigue. That's what's making your limbs feel heavy. If you're not careful you'll do yourself some damage. Cut your cardio to twice a week with at least two days in between. Never start two sessions in a row with heavy legs.

You also need to make sure you're drinking enough water. Dehydration can also make you feel heavy and sluggish.

Haha, "perhaps energy is overreacted'. That made me laugh, I agree, I'd rather be fat and warm! 😂

Slowly plodding through all exercise is of limited benefit. Mix it up with a couple of tougher sessions and gentler active rest days. Tougher can be shorter too. I find the C25k+ podcasts good, particularly the 27 minute Speed track which is less than 20 minutes of actual running, but it's set to vary your pace, and is more useful than plodding a 45min 5k every time.

Eat well. Take vitamins. I often crave sugar when I'm tired, but then get the slump later. Keeping my blood sugars more stable with proteins, fats and complex carbs is better.

Get as much daylight as you can.

I'd suggest stopping alcohol for 90 days if possible. From experience, you get some benefits early, but you get the full benefit closer to 70-100 days.

Also take a look at one of Dr Chatterjee's book - All about lifestyle medicine and information is easy to digest and action.

Thank you for your ideas. I'll overhaul my diet, and I like the idea of concentrating on building up speed, rather than repeating the same slow plod reach time. I also think mild depression and general life dissatisfaction may play a role, so I'll have a think about what makes me happy and carve time out to do it.