We all have them in our lives. The Debbie Downers. The Wendy Whiners. The Polly Perfects. Those people you dread talking to, whose calls you screen. They complain incessantly about their problems, gossip ruthlessly, or thrive on making you feel bad about yourself. Call them frenemies. Or toxic. But perhaps "social vampires" is the best name for them, because people who bring you down are basically sucking the energy right out of you. You can feel the mental drain. And the energy zapping is only compounded by how you internalize the interactions -- be it muscle tension, teeth grinding or churning stomach acid.
The easiest solution, of course, is to cut them loose. If your problem is someone you can't shake -- like a boss or a relative -- try limiting contact, warehousing tactful conversation-changing phrases, or gently confronting the situation head on. And be sure to spend time with your real friends and loved ones, laughter will boost your energy.
Photo 6/8
The Zapper: Too many choices
If you've ever tried to choose one moisturizer from the dizzying selection at your local drugstore, you've run into one of life's surprising energy zappers: there are quite simply too many options available. And it's not just lotion, it's coffee drinks, designer denim, cellphone apps, you name it. All day long we are making decisions -- big and small -- and at every turn we are forced to weigh many different possibilities. It's exhausting.
The "Journal of Personality and Social Psychology" conducted a series of experiments, which demonstrated that people faced with having to make numerous choices find it difficult to stay focused. One of the experiments, conducted in a mall, found that people who made a series of shopping decisions reported being more tired than those who merely browsed. The act of choosing, the study's author noted, can cause mental fatigue.
Short of finding a rock to crawl under or a time machine headed for the days of yore, the best thing you can do to reduce the energy drain from making choices is not to weigh every decision so heavily. Small choices --what's good for lunch? or which movie to see? -- can be made quickly. For bigger decisions, try to narrow your options ahead of time. Establish a budget. Eliminate the impractical choices right away. Do your research before you go shopping so that you have a better idea of what you are looking for before you are bombarded with what's available. And take along a friend for support. A real friend. Not a social vampire.
Photo 7/8
The Zapper: Your Posture
Your mother called. She wants you to sit up straight. That slouching you're doing -- over the computer, over your lunch, over your paperwork -- it's compressing your chest and reducing the amount of air coming in and, therefore, oxygen that is getting to your brain. That's robbing you of energy. To get even more oxygen, try focusing on breathing deeply two or three times a day: Take a long, slow, deep breath, hold it and then release the air slowly (repeat 10 times).
Sitting up straight will also reduce strain on the muscles in your upper back and neck, which might otherwise wear you down. Your mother just called back. She says to tell you that she told you so. (See? Should've left your phone at home.)
Photo 8/8
The Zapper: Faking it
OK, so now you are focused on some under-the-radar energy zappers and are going to try to mitigate their impact on your life. But since, as Simpson notes, "a lack of energy and nutrient deficiencies will have an effect on one's appearance be it dull hair, blemished skin, or red eyes" what, you ask, can I do today to look revved up and raring to go? Here's what:
To make your eyes appear less puffy: Sleep with your head elevated; gently massage the under-eye area with your fingertips (from inside to outside); keep your eye cream in the fridge or use cold tea bags (black or chamomile) as compresses; and curl your lashes and apply mascara to your top lashes only.
To combat under-eye circles and redness: Use eye drops; get your circulation going by bending over and reaching for your toes for a couple of minutes; and apply light beige eyeliner along the insides of your lower lashlines.
For a brighter-looking complexion: Moisturize before bed; use a face mask with vitamin C (for luminosity); and let your makeup do the heavy lifting -- try a tinted moisturizer, a concealer containing light reflective particles, a cream blush and a sheer berry lip color.
And if your hair looks as limp as you feel: Switch up your shampoo and styling products; change your hairstyle (or cut off a couple of inches); and try adding some highlights (to your whole head or just a few framing ones).
There's an energy shortage in today's society that has nothing to do with fossil fuels. It's a health issue. We're talking about the kind of energy you need to get through the day. And, with the proliferation of energy bars, energy drinks and energy supplements, it's clear that a lot of us are wishing we had more of it.
The problem is energy zappers -- the drains on our bodies and minds that make us feel like we're running out of steam and like our health is in jeopardy. And, as if feeling like you're moving at half-speed isn't bad enough, that energy void is often telegraphed by your appearance: dull skin, under-eye circles, lifeless hair -- you get the picture. It's like wearing a giant sandwich board that says "Will Work for Pep."
Some of the biggest energy zappers in our day-to-day lives are obvious: job pressures, financial stress, relationship conflicts, poor eating habits, lack of sleep, and lack of exercise. Just listing them is exhausting.
But there are some surprising drains out there that may also be taking their toll on you and your health. To help figure out what they are (and what can be done to avoid them), we spoke with celebrity nutritionist Paula Simpson, which is a good thing because, as they say, knowledge is power and once you know what forces are working to wear you down, maybe you can do something to reclaim that lost energy.
And, P.S., if all else fails, we have a backup plan for you -- a few tips to at least help you look refreshed, revitalized and healthy -- even when you feel everything but.
