Weird Ways to Get Your Energy Back

By Vikki • Low Energy • Burnout Recovery • Nervous System

Why Normal Energy Advice Often Doesn’t Work

If you’re low on energy, you’ve probably already heard the usual advice: sleep more, eat better, exercise, think positive.

And yet… you still feel flat.

That’s because this kind of low energy isn’t physical.
It’s nervous system fatigue.

Energy Comes From Safety, Not Effort

When your system feels under pressure, energy shuts down. When it feels safe, energy slowly returns.

That’s why some of the most effective ways to get energy back feel a bit odd — or even counterintuitive.

Weird Ways to Get Your Energy Back

• Stop trying to be productive
  Your brain relaxes when it’s no longer being evaluated.
• Sit somewhere boring
  Neutral environments calm overstimulation.
• Stare out of a window
  This activates the brain’s default mode network.
• Do one repetitive task
  Folding laundry or washing up can be regulating.
• Lower the lights
  Bright light keeps the nervous system alert.
• Unclench your jaw
  Jaw tension drains more energy than you realise.
• Drink water before food
  Dehydration often feels like fatigue.
• Leave things unfinished on purpose
  Perfection drains energy fast.

Why These “Weird” Things Actually Work

Each of these tells your nervous system the same thing:

You’re safe. You don’t need to perform.

When that message lands, your system stops conserving energy and slowly allows it to return.

Energy Returns Quietly at First

Don’t expect a sudden burst of motivation.

Energy comes back subtly:

• clearer thinking
• less dread
• more patience
• small interest in doing things again

That’s how you know it’s real.

What Drains Energy Without You Noticing

• constant self-monitoring
• scrolling without enjoyment
• trying to fix yourself
• forcing positivity
• overexplaining your tiredness

Energy leaks are often quieter than energy boosts.

The Most Important Weird Rule

If something feels soothing but “unproductive”, it’s probably exactly what your system needs.

You don’t get energy by chasing it.
You get it by letting your system settle.

This Isn’t Laziness — It’s Recovery

If your energy has been low for a while, it’s likely because you’ve been strong for a long time.

Nothing is wrong with you. You’re just coming back online.

Save this for you — especially on low-energy days.

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Keywords: weird ways to get energy back,low energy,burnout recovery,mental fatigue,nervous system regulation,energy recovery,brain exhaustion,self compassion,rest and recovery,Vikki