Test: What’s your instant energy booster?

Self-doubt can often feed low-level anxiety which over time can take its toll on energy levels. Even enjoyable social interactions feel exhausting when we put a lot of energy into reading the room, second-guessing what people want to hear, or adapting our mood and behaviour to fit in. There are few things more undermining to resilience and peace of mind than living with a sense that you’re a heartbeat away from being disapproved of or rejected.

Self-doubt often goes hand-in-hand with self-criticism and if you fall back on being hard on yourself as a quick-fix way to motivate and generate energy over time, it will chip away at your mood, with a knock-on effect on energy levels. You may already know that you need to work on your self-compassion and your relationship with yourself, but it can be hard to hold this in mind under stress.

Repeating a simple ‘I am loved’ affirmation may help you snap out of a negative thinking spiral and self-soothe feelings of anxiety fuelled by self-doubt, minimising the toll on your energy levels. For best effects, imagine yourself bathed in a circle of love from the people closest to you. The more often you do it, the bigger the effect on your peace of mind and general wellbeing, including your energy levels.