You often ask yourself, “Where did all my energy go?” If so, you are not alone.

In today’s fast-paced world, where keeping up with the trends is a lifestyle and FOMO (fear of missing out) is real, it is becoming increasingly common for American youth to feel fatigued.

Table of Contents

However, could certain habits be quietly draining your vitality? Let us unpack this together.

Habit 1: Overuse of Digital Devices

In the digital era, our lives are dominated by screens.

According to a 2022 study by Common Sense Media, American teens spend an average of seven hours daily on their devices, not including time for school or homework.

While technology can provide countless opportunities for learning and connection, too much screen time can lead to digital fatigue, eye strain, and poor sleep, which can severely drain your energy.

Moreover, let us not forget the impact of cyberbullying and social media pressures on mental health.

Habit 2: Lack of Physical Activity

A report from the CDC in 2023 showed that only 26% of US youth meet the recommended daily physical activity guidelines.

In addition, physical inactivity can lead to weight gain, increased risk of chronic diseases, and—you guessed it—lower energy levels.

On the other hand, regular exercise has been scientifically proven to boost energy, improve mood, and promote better sleep.

Habit 3: Poor Nutrition

You are what you eat, as the old saying goes.

However, unfortunately, the Western diet—characterized by a high intake of processed foods, fast food, sugar, and unhealthy fats—has been embraced by many American youths.

This nutrient-poor diet can lead to energy crashes, weight gain, and chronic health issues.

Habit 4: Inadequate Sleep

The CDC also found in 2021 that 7 out of 10 high school students were not getting the recommended eight hours of sleep on school nights.

Lack of quality sleep can have severe impacts on your mood, focus, and of course, energy levels.

Habit 5: Chronic Stress

Balancing schoolwork, part-time jobs, extracurricular activities, and social lives can place a significant amount of stress on young people.

A survey by the American Psychological Association in 2022 revealed that Gen Z individuals were the most stressed-out generation.

The constant pressure can exhaust your body, leading to burnout and reduced energy levels.

Habit 6: Dehydration

Believe it or not, even slight dehydration can noticeably impact your energy levels.

A 2022 study from the University of Connecticut’s Human Performance Laboratory found that dehydration can decrease concentration and increase the perceived difficulty of tasks, resulting in an overall lack of energy and motivation.

However, many American youths need to drink more water.

Replace sugary drinks with water, and carry a reusable water bottle to remind yourself to hydrate throughout the day.

Habit 7: Multitasking

The myth of multitasking being more productive has been busted.

Research has shown that our brains are not designed to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.

Instead, multitasking can lead to mistakes, reduced productivity, and, yes, a significant drain on our energy.

Instead, focus on one task at a time for more efficiency and less energy depletion.

Humans are social creatures by nature.

While the ongoing pandemic has made maintaining social connections more challenging, the importance of these bonds cannot be overstated.

The American Psychological Association suggests that strong social connections can help increase feelings of happiness and self-worth, boosting energy levels.

If you are spending too much time alone or neglecting your relationships, you might be inadvertently draining your energy.

Implementing these changes can initially seem overwhelming, but remember that progress is made through small, consistent steps.

Therefore, do not strive for perfection; aim for gradual improvement.

Your body and mind will thank you for it.