One thing that can truly transform how we interact with the world is energy. It’s that spark that draws people toward us—whether friends, partners, clients, or potential employers.

It’s straightforward: either you have vitality and energy, and then you’re interesting and attractive, or you don’t, and it doesn’t matter how smart or beautiful you are. Even if you have too much energy, for example, if you’re hysterical or hyperactive, you still sparkle and radiate, drawing people’s attention. But if you lack energy, you’re somewhere between a ghost and a state of gloom. Without energy, nothing is interesting; nothing is desirable. And no, this is not depression. You’re bored, uninterested, and have no purpose. You will sit on the couch watching TV shows or mindlessly scrolling through social media. You just need the strength.

We often spend a lot of energy on movement and communication— even in a queue at a busy store, we lose energy. The truth is, we know our energy recharge routine. If you sit down and think about it, you’ll know precisely how you recharge. To be attractive, we need excess energy, which we can use for contact with the outside world and share with others. This ‘excess energy’ is the surplus energy we have after fulfilling our own needs. It’s the energy that allows us to engage in social interactions, be empathetic, and contribute positively to our communities. This means we not only need to fill ourselves with energy but also get an excess that we can spend on others without losing anything and with enjoyment. So, as long as you lack energy, you’re at least gloomy. At worst, if the energy deficit persists, you become angry because you have to protect the meager remnants of your energy to keep essential bodily functions running.

To replenish your resources, you need to understand one crucial thing: energy isn’t just “getting up in the morning and going.” Imagine you have several “backup batteries,” each responsible for an important area of life. Each of these batteries needs its own recharge, and if you don’t take care of it, at some point, you might run out of energy for something important. So, if you feel that you’re draining energy faster than replenishing it, it’s time to recharge.

Emotional Resource — Our Inner Thermostat

When our emotional resources are in balance, we feel inspired, happy, and ready to create, not to dramatize. But when this resource is depleted, everything irritates us, and we just want to push everyone away and disappear into the sunset. To avoid this, here are a few easy and even pleasant ways to restore emotional balance:

1. Keep a journal or make gratitude lists.
2. Take a break from technology: at least one hour a day without the internet or your phone. Or, if you feel the need, indulge yourself for 15 minutes in a silly mobile game.
3. Yell when you feel like it. Sometimes, this helps release tension. Even better—laugh out loud!
4. Draw, even if it’s just doodles on the margins of your notebook.
5. Get lost in the sky: watch the clouds and the stars, or enjoy the beauty of sunrise and sunset. A walk in the park or simply sitting outside brings calmness.
6. Create little traditions for yourself that bring you joy. Treat yourself to a date with yourself.
7. For women: Take care of yourself — style your hair and apply lipstick or gloss.
8. For men: Find time for your hobby — modeling, tech repairs, fishing, hunting, or preparing a barbecue.
9. Allow yourself to slow down with the concept of Dolce Far Niente — enjoy the moment without obligations and stress.
10. Tune into your feelings throughout the day — name them.
11. Hug your pet or pet a random cat in the park.
12. Once a month, treat yourself to something luxurious—something you usually put off for later.
13. Practice saying “no” and protect your boundaries. Be honest with yourself.
14. Enjoy little pleasures: a cup of tea with cookies or pastries, a piece of chocolate, or a glass of wine.
15. Take a relaxing bath: light candles, play your favorite music, and perhaps treat yourself to flowers.

Physical Resource — Energy for Action

This energy helps you “get off the couch and do something.” If you don’t even have the energy for that, it’s time to pay attention to your body—how it feels and whether your muscles are complaining from all that sitting. Taking care of your body is like investing in your personal “energy bank.” To keep your body in working order and recharge it with energy, here are some things to try:

1. Incorporate some physical activity every day.
2. Go for walks. Explore new places.
3. Dance. Dancing stabilizes the nervous system, even if it’s just alone at home.
4. Get a massage.
5. Sleep enough. Try going to bed an hour earlier a couple of times a week, and take a nap if possible.
6. Spend time outdoors in open spaces.
7. Drink water. If you don’t like it, add some lemon or play around with its temperature.
8. Give your body at least ten minutes of “mindful attention” daily. Apply cream, scrub, or a mask. Look at yourself in the mirror. Pamper yourself.
9. Breathe deeply.
10. Eat colorful food (not M&Ms!).
11. Get a couple of bottles of essential oils—one energizing, the other calming.
12. Take vitamins and probiotics.
13. Buy things made of natural, skin-friendly fabrics.
14. Invest in a good pillow, even if it’s expensive.
15. Don’t self-medicate—if something hurts, see a doctor.
16. Have a health check-up once a year (blood tests, dentist, gynecologist at the very least).
17. You need a vacation. No matter the cost.

Mental Resource — Inner Peace

This is all about your inner calm. It’s simple: the brain doesn’t like being overloaded. When your mental energy is drained, even simple tasks become difficult, and your thoughts get jumbled. Here are a few life hacks that can help organize your thoughts and find balance:

1. Download a meditation app and try—you might like it.
2. Take a solo vacation or weekend getaway.
3. Create a vision board.
4. Find five unexpectedly beautiful things during your day.
5. Don’t refuse help.
6. Write down your thoughts and feelings for a week.
7. Focus on what you’re doing right now.
8. Create a safe space at home—your “den” designated only for relaxation.
9. Change up your routes at least once a week.
10. Spend time in silence, alone with your feelings.
11. Write a letter to your future self with your current important question.
12. Do something that inspires and motivates you, even for just 15 minutes a day.
13. Drink coffee at an unfamiliar café in an unfamiliar area and listen to the conversations around you.
14. Create a personal mission for yourself.
15. Donate a little to charity.
16. Do something with your hands.

Intellectual Energy — Your Inner Curious Child

This energy feeds on new knowledge, discoveries, and inspiration. It gets lazy if you don’t feed your mind with something interesting. So find something that will stimulate it. Here are a few ways to recharge your intellect and reignite your curiosity:

1. Read. Make a list of books to read, including both “serious” books and light, fun reads to unwind.
2. Choose podcasts that interest you, and listen to them.
3. If there’s something you’ve been putting off for a long time, do it now.
4. Listen to different music and try new genres.
5. Solve a puzzle or maze.
6. Clean out your to-do list of tasks you’ll never get to.
7. Change how you make decisions and see what happens.
8. Pay attention to what you usually do on autopilot.
9. Do a mini clean-up of your room or workspace.
10. Finally, throw out the things you haven’t used in the last two years.
11. Try something new at least once a week.
12. Organize something—a gathering with friends, a picnic for your nieces and nephews, a party, or a group walk in the park.
13. NEVER check your email or social media for at least 30 minutes after waking up.
14. Make a list of well-done tasks and compliment yourself.
15. Leave room in your plans for spontaneous fun.
16. Explore something that has interested you but you’ve never had time to delve into.
17. Take a day off if you need it.
18. Simplify your life.
19. Write lists—of tasks, plans, dreams, ideas.

Taking care of your energy is not just a whim but a necessity for a fulfilling life. Every person has their unique way of recharging, but the key rule is the same: treat yourself and your needs carefully. The energy we invest in ourselves returns to us in abundance, making us happier, more confident, attractive, and ready for new challenges. Emotional, physical, mental, and intellectual fullness is the foundation of a harmonious life, where there’s a perfect balance between work and pleasure, inspiration and relaxation. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfishness—it’s the path to becoming the best version of yourself, both for yourself and those around you. Start small, pick what resonates with you most, and make it a habit. We can generously share with the world only from inner abundance while staying in balance.

This article was written by Anna Karlova, who loves learning throughout her life and has a strong passion for Data Analytics.