Your energy is your most valuable resource. Your state of energy affects how you think, how you feel, and how you show up in every area of life. If you want this year to be different, protecting and elevating your energy is non-negotiable. Energy is the fuel behind everything you do. When you are energized, your decisions become easier, your creativity flows, and you bounce back from challenges faster. When you are feeling drained, even sending an email can feel exhausting. When you manage your energy, you not only feel better, but you also live better. Here are 10 ways to energize your life in the year ahead.

1. Get Serious About Sleep: Sleep is necessary for high energy. While sleeping, your body recharges its batteries. Aim for 7–8 hours of quality sleep. Create a bedtime routine, by ditching the late-night scrolling, and dimming the lights to make your bedroom a calm zone.

2. Move Your Body: Exercise is a simple energy hack. A quick walk, a stretch session, or a dance break can wake up your mind and body.

3. Eat Like a Superhero: Food is fuel. Choose meals that energize you like lean proteins, colorful veggies, and plenty of water. Skip fast foods and the heavy, processed stuff that leaves you feeling sluggish.

4. Get a Chiropractic Checkup: This might seem like an odd way to increase your energy, but your spine houses and protects your nervous system, which is the information highway between your brain and your body talking through electrical impulses. A misaligned spine can slow down communication between the brain and the body just like how a roadblock slows traffic.

5. Stress Less: Stress is the ultimate energy thief. Try deep breathing, journaling, movement, or even five minutes of mindfulness. Little resets can make a significant difference.

6. Choose Your People Wisely: Your vibe matters. Surround yourself with people who lift you up, not drain you. Protect your energy by creating boundaries from negativity.

7. Take Breaks Without Guilt: You are not a machine. Step away, stretch, and breathe. You are not being lazy when taking a break. Breaks are necessary for sustained energy.

8. Cut Out Energy Drainers: Audit your life for toxic relationships, endless scrolling, and clutter. If it drains you, it may be time to let it go.

9. Consider Cold Laser Therapy: Cold laser or low-level light therapy (LLLT) has been proven to increase energy production in mitochondria by 9 times. Your mitochondria are the energy producing powerhouses of your cells. When they are more energized, so are you.

10. Increase Hydration: Being dehydrated is a major energy zapper. Drink at least half of your body weight in ounces of water daily. More in the winter and during exercise.

Boosting energy is great, but protecting it is just as important:
– Say “No” More Often: Every yes costs energy. Spend it wisely.
– Create Digital Boundaries: Limit notifications and screen time.
– Practice Gratitude: A positive mindset shields you from negativity.
– Declutter Your Space: A clean space = a clear mind.

Your energy is everything. Assess it. Guard it. Nurture it. When you prioritize your energy, you unlock your best self. Prioritizing your energy is how you make this year your most powerful yet. Remember, it is never too late to make a Shift in Health.

Dr. Wendy Henrichs of Timber Land Chiropractic provides comprehensive chiropractic and wellness lifestyle care. Dr. Wendy Henrichs is a Board-Certified Chiropractic Pediatrician and Nutrition Counselor. Timber Land Chiropractic is at 1 E. Courtney Street in Rhinelander. For more information, call 715-362- 4852 or visit www.timberlandchiropractic.com Instagram @drwendyhenrichs, LinkedIn, and Facebook