Cost-Free Solution to Create Energy

Simple way to create energy whenever needed.

In my favorite weekly newsletter (which is saying a lot), James Clear, author of one of my favorite books (which is also saying a lot), “Atomic Habits,” recently made this quote:

“One of life's counterintuitive lessons is that you will often gain energy by spending a little bit of energy. 

When you feel lethargic and like you want to lay around all day, it is usually the case that getting up and moving will make you feel better than simply sitting around. Getting outside for 10 minutes or doing the first set of a workout or simply stretching on the floor for a moment — anything to get your body moving — will often leave you feeling more energized. 

If you want to get your day going, then get your body going. It's harder for the mind to be sluggish when the body is moving."

- James Clear

The power of a physical routine to jumpstart your mind and body cannot be overstated. You are going to have hard days. You are going to have tough nights. You are going to feel tired and unmotivated prior to important events. Having a go-to routine to move your body through can get your blood moving, your muscles loosened, and your nervous system activated. In a world that promotes “hacks,” this truly is a cost-free solution that anyone can quickly do to create energy whenever wanted. 

I learned the power of a physical routine for this purpose from one of my now close friends seven and a half years ago. It was when I attended my first mixed martial arts (mma) class in Guam, and we all did a series of movements prior to training. JJ Ambrose, owner of Steel Athletics and veteran mma fighter, taught a series of movements while explaining it is the same routine he does prior to training, exercise, or competitions. It was something he had done many times and now could do in his sleep but was still important because it was the signal for his mind and body to prepare for exertion. Before this class, my pre-exercise routines were never consistent and typically involved a series of static stretches and maybe a few calisthenics based on the activity. No intention. No consistency. No real benefit.