Do you know or remember activities or things that make you truly happy? Imagine feeling free, elevated, and joyous—maybe even smiling. When did this last happen? What were you doing at the time? How often do you usually engage in this activity?

If you identified an activity that makes you feel free or elevated, it could be an important source of energy for you. Try to integrate this activity into your week, month, or year, depending on your time and financial constraints.

If you couldn’t think of an activity that brings you joy, you’re not alone. Some people feel disconnected from enjoyable activities or may not know any that truly make them happy. If this is the case, reflect on your childhood memories and recall what made you happy then. Childhood activities often align well with our personalities, so there’s a good chance you may still benefit from these or similar activities as an adult. Try to reintroduce some of the joys you experienced as a child into your life.

Do you engage in activities where you pursue a common goal with others? This could be related to doing something good for the community, such as supporting a neighbourhood or school activity. How often do you engage in this activity? If you’re not currently involved in such activities, is there a goal or cause you would like to support?

If you’re already engaged in activities that support a good cause or important value, this can be a great source of energy. While it’s essential to balance these activities with your time and other commitments, they often provide a sense of purpose that can buffer everyday stressors and boost your energy, especially during challenging times.

Sometimes we hold assumptions that are not true, or no longer true, such as “I’m not good at maths and don’t enjoy it,” “I suffer during my commute,” or “I prefer working alone.” Regularly question these beliefs: After a workday or the next morning, assess how you felt during and after work. If you felt better or worse than usual, what was different? Did that activity make you feel joyful?

This assessment may help you identify new activities that bring joy to your day or rediscover activities that now bring you joy. An activity may feel different if you spend it in good company or combine it with something pleasant, like reading a good book or chatting with a colleague during your commute. If possible, increase the frequency of activities that enhance your well-being. Use these small sources of energy to counterbalance the negative stress you may experience throughout the day.

Think about the most extraordinary experiences of your life. This could be a trip to a unique geographical or cultural location, a physically or mentally challenging activity, or something that inspired and energised you. Note down these experiences without worrying about how others might classify them—only you can judge what is extraordinary or inspiring for you.

Reminding ourselves of extraordinary experiences, whether related to travel, culture, adventure, food, or other interests, can be powerful sources of energy. These memories not only evoke positive feelings but also highlight our multifaceted nature. Especially for those who started their careers early and work long hours, recognising yourself as a person with diverse interests and extraordinary experiences can be beneficial. If possible, print and display photos of these experiences or use objects, like stones or souvenirs, as visible reminders to bring some energy into your workday.