"I'm so TIRED" is the predominant complaint reverberating in my universe. Why are so many people of various ages and genders feeling drained, exhausted? Because you are so tired, I will list possible causes for this effect plainly and simply, so as not to deplete you further:

• A sugary diet which causes you to surge and crash and irregular, unbalanced eating. Complex carbs are initially energizing while proteins go the distance.
• Weighty worries which you carry throughout the day
• A lack of exercise because you feel too tired to work out
• Toxicity in your physical or mental environment
• Same old uninspiring surroundings

To feel more energized you need to plug into an energy socket. To find the right socket identify your personal energizers. Here is a menu for you to pick and choose.

Ten strategies to lift you up and put a spring in your step:

1. Nature will restore your natural rhythm. The sun is the earth’s energy source as any plant will demonstrate through photosynthesis. Go out into the light. Let a garden or park restore you. A simple butterfly bush which attracts Monarch butterflies will remind you of the power of transformation.
2. Music soothes the soul and will help you put one foot in front of the other to move forward in your life with purpose and rhythm to reduce worries. Upbeat music is a great persuader.
3. Get up and move your body to stimulate your mind. I never get tired of saying, “no matter how tired you feel, exercise will give you more energy and give you the confidence to find solutions.”
4. Open up your life to novelty. Rearrange furniture and paintings, purge the clutter, change up your workout, act like a tourist in your own neighborhood –most of us feel excited to travel and tour on an excursion - so get inspired and see things from a fresh new perspective.
5. Move away from toxicity. Don’t eat foods which depress your energy and don’t absorb toxicity and bad moods from other people. Socialize with people who uplift and stimulate you.
6. Plan ahead and anticipate a fun experience. Anticipation activates the imagination.
7. Get creative and delve into a hobby which inspires you.
8. Relax your mind with sleep, meditation, deep breathing, aromatherapy and music. Experiment with fragrances, songs and meditation apps to release you from aggravation, irritation and negativity. Practice reframing negatives into positive stories. Don’t vent as this will keep the negativity going. Appreciate and be grateful for what you have, so you are not exhausted by thoughts of what you don’t have.
9. Act like a surge protector which means tackling conflicts and problems one at a time and managing personal stressors before they overwhelm you.
10. Help others in order to take yourself out of your narrow context and feel empowered by your relevance.

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    Debbie Mandel, MA is the author of Addicted to Stress: A Woman's 7 Step Program to Reclaim Joy and Spontaneity in Life, Changing Habits: The Caregivers' Total Workout and Turn On Your Inner Light: Fitness for Body, Mind and Soul, a stress-reduction specialist, motivational speaker, a personal trainer and mind/body lecturer. She is the host of the weekly Turn On Your Inner Light Show on WGBB AM1240 in New York City , produces a weekly wellness newsletter, and has been featured on radio/ TV and print media. To learn more visit: www.turnonyourinnerlight.com