Finding Energy When You’re Running on Empty: A Physics Lesson for Life

I’ve been feeling a serious lack of energy lately. As someone with a long history of depression, this isn’t unfamiliar territory. I know the heavy weight of fatigue that settles in and refuses to budge. But knowing it doesn’t make it less frustrating. I’ve been wracking my brain, trying to figure out how to shake myself out of this slump, and then my sister said something that caught me off guard.

“You have to start doing something, and the ball will start rolling,” she said.

At first, I almost brushed it off, but then, something clicked. I loved physics in college, and her words brought back memories of studying energy—specifically, the concept of potential and kinetic energy.

Could this be it? Could I really just put the ball in motion and access my energy? I’ve decided to find out. For the rest of the week, I’m going to experiment and see if action really can kickstart the energy I’ve been missing.

What Is Energy, Really?

Let’s take a quick trip back to high school physics class (don’t worry, I’ll keep it simple). Energy comes in two basic forms:

• Potential Energy: This is stored energy. Think of a ball sitting at the top of a hill, waiting to roll down. It’s full of potential but not doing anything yet.

• Kinetic Energy: This is energy in motion. When you give that ball a little push, it starts rolling, and that stored energy transforms into movement.

Here’s the key: potential energy doesn’t do anything unless it’s activated. It’s only when you apply a force—a push, a shove, or even a tiny nudge—that it converts into kinetic energy.

How This Relates to Us

When we’re feeling low on energy, it’s like we’re stuck in potential mode. We’re sitting there, full of untapped capability, but we can’t seem to get moving. The idea of doing anything—getting out of bed, going for a walk, tackling a project—feels impossible. But here’s where physics comes into play: once you take that first step, no matter how small, you create momentum.

Why This Matters for Us at Fifty Plus

At this stage of life, energy feels like a precious resource—and let’s be honest, it doesn’t always come easy. But we’re also wiser now, and we know that small changes can lead to big results.

We don’t have to run ourselves into the ground trying to do it all. Instead, we can focus on simple, intentional actions that honor where we are and what we need.

Kickstarting Your Energy

So, how do we put this into practice? How do we move from being stuck to gaining momentum? Here are some simple steps to get the ball rolling (literally and figuratively):

1. Start Small

Remember, you don’t need to sprint down the hill. A tiny push is enough to start. Maybe it’s as simple as getting dressed, making your bed, or stepping outside for five minutes.

2. Build on the Momentum

Once you’ve started, let that momentum carry you forward. One small action often leads to another. You might find that a quick stretch turns into a short walk, which turns into a burst of productivity.

3. Focus on Action Over Motivation

Waiting for motivation is a trap. Instead, focus on action. The act of doing, even when you don’t feel like it, often creates the motivation you’re looking for.

4. Celebrate the Wins

Every step you take is progress. Don’t minimize it. If you managed to do one thing today that you couldn’t do yesterday, that’s a win. Celebrate it.

5. Be Patient with Yourself

Building momentum takes time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t feel instant results. Trust the process and keep pushing, even in small ways.

This Week’s Challenge: Let’s Activate Our Energy

Here’s where the experiment begins. I’m challenging myself—and you—to take one small action every day this week to get the ball rolling.

Pick Your Push

Choose one activity that feels doable but energizing. It doesn’t have to be huge. Here are some ideas:

• Go to the gym or take a walk outside.

• Spend 15 minutes tidying a cluttered space.

• Cook a simple, healthy meal.

• Start your day with 10 minutes of stretching or yoga.

• Write down three things you want to accomplish this week.

The goal isn’t to do it all—it’s to start with one thing.

Build Momentum

Once you’ve done your small action, see where it leads. Maybe going to the gym makes you feel motivated to meal prep. Maybe tidying one drawer inspires you to organize another. Let the momentum build naturally.

Track Your Progress

Keep a journal or use a notes app to jot down what you did each day and how it made you feel. Did you notice a shift in your energy? Did it get easier as the week went on?

Why Small Actions Matter

Starting small might feel insignificant, but it’s incredibly powerful. That first action—no matter how tiny—creates movement. It shifts your mindset from “I can’t” to “I did,” and that’s where the magic happens.

Think of it like lighting a match. One small spark can ignite a much bigger flame.

What I’m Doing This Week

Inspired by my sister’s advice and a little physics refresher, I’m running a personal experiment. For the rest of the week, I’m going to push myself—gently—into action. No huge goals, no overwhelming expectations. Just small, deliberate steps to see if I can activate my own energy.

I’ll start with simple tasks: making my morning tea, tai chi, or going to the gym. I’ll let each action feed into the next, and I’ll track how I feel along the way. Not for an intense, sweaty workout—just to move, stretch, and see what happens.

I’ll also make a point to spend 15 minutes each day tidying up a part of my space. Clutter drains my energy, so this feels like a good way to recharge.

What About You?

Now it’s your turn. What’s one small action you can commit to this week? Maybe it’s something physical, like a walk or a workout. Maybe it’s mental, like journaling or reading a book that inspires you. Whatever it is, make it something that feels manageable—and then do it.

If you’re up for it, share your progress with me! Let’s hold each other accountable and celebrate those small wins together.

What This Means for You

If you’ve been feeling stuck, consider this your invitation to give it a try. You don’t need to have it all figured out. Just start somewhere, anywhere. Push the ball a little and see what happens.

And if it doesn’t work right away? That’s okay too. Sometimes, it takes a few tries to get the momentum going. The key is to keep experimenting until you find what works for you.

Final Thoughts

Energy isn’t always something that just appears—it’s something we create. Like that ball sitting on top of the hill, we all have potential energy waiting to be activated. Sometimes, all it takes is a small push to set things in motion.

So, if you’re feeling low on energy, remember this: start small, keep going, and let the momentum build. You might be surprised at how far you can go.

I’ll check back in at the end of the week with the results of my little experiment. Until then, what’s one small step you can take today to kickstart your energy?