To think some people simply have more energy than others

[Unsureaboutitall]

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

I think to a degree, but for most people I think you can do something about it and it is choice whether or be lazy or not. This is wrapped up with lifestyle choices so it can be changed. I find the more you exercise, the fitter you become and the more energy you have. I go to the gym 4-5 times a week, swim, regularly do long hikes and climb mountains in the summer etc, walk every day, and I feel terrible if I don’t get any exercise for a week, and my energy levels dip. What you eat also massively impacts on energy levels, so if you make poor choices, it will effect your energy level e.g. UPFs, sugar, fast food, ‘white’ food (rice, bead etc).

Of course, certain medical conditions cause incredible levels of fatigue. Debilitating fatigue that stops you doing basic activities. For those people, although diet and exercise will help, it certainly won’t cure it.

Stress and mental health are hugely relevant as well. Depression will reduce motivation, which is very unhelpful, as doing more and being more active/eating more healthily has a positive impact on mental state.

So in summary, I think natural disposition accounts for some of the variance, but lifestyle choices and health (both physical and mental) probably account for far more.

i think this can be seen by people who suddenly lose weight/take up exercise etc declaring they have a new lease of life, and have so much more energy.

Ha! I can relate to this. I sleep for about 6.5 hours, and wake early ready to go for the day. My partner sleeps for a ridiculous amount of time given the chance, maybe 10-11 hours. It drives me mad and I don’t like him sleeping around my house as then I feel like a prisoner in my own home waiting for him to wake up, and half the day has gone

I'm glad someone understands

6 hours is a little! Why do you think resting or watching TV is a waste of time? Sounds very puritanical to me I must say

You obviously didn't bother reading my answer to that.

Puritanical?? Lol that's the first time I've ever been called that

My energy is nonexistent these days.

I feel exhausted on less that seven hours. I often sleep in the afternoon and get massive exercise hangovers.

I have a connective tissue disorder though and I have to walk about 10k a day with DDog.

Sucks, I wish I had more energy!

I wonder if a lot of mums are 'on the go' and never sit down because they have to, especially if the dad is never on the go and is always sitting down. Someone has to do stuff, tidying, sorting, laundry etc. I used to consider myself to be quite lazy before having kids. Now I am a whirlwind of energy and get so much done in a day it's unreal compared to pre-kids. For me I think upbringing and context are what make the difference.

I agree with you, OP! My mother is one of those people who can't just sit down, hence why she struggled when she had a broken ankle that forced her to stop rushing around. She found it all very boring, because she couldn't focus on any sit-down and/or unsociable hobbies like reading a book or making things, and daytime TV does not hold much appeal for her.

We were supposed to be the same kind of people, e.g. going to one or two sports classes every day after school, and again on weekends. My sibling loved it and kept it up. I dropped everything at 16, mainly because I couldn't cope any longer with it all, and got called lazy as a result. School and socialisation all day was just too much for me, without anything extra.

It's carried on into adulthood. I go to work (it's a manual job that keeps me fit and surprisingly strong for a small woman). I have tried doing extra things on top, but it's so exhausting that by Wednesday, I'm worn out!

I'd love to have more energy, because I feel that I'd be much more productive and I'd have a much nicer house and garden, more pets, etc.

Tbh I think there is a lot of ND at the extremes of energy that you describe

I seem to have a lot more energy than other people (very healthy & well young people, like my own 20-something offspring!). I end up puzzling how they can be content to sit so still and seem to do so little.

But I dunno if it's somehow "natural" and innate and can't be changed. I used to much lazier & less active.

This could almost be my family although my job isn’t very demanding it can be a bit stressful. I have 3 kids and my eldest is out almost seven days a week and wants to try out new sports (been told no more). Second child is out a bit less but it is beginning to ramp up while third is only four and will be starting swimming lessons. She does drama once a week at after school club.
Swimming takes most of our time, then rugby, soccer, taekwondo, and in the summer tennis and maybe cricket. I’m forever ferrying the older two everywhere.