I sometimes felt tired and unmotivated in life, until I adopted these 8 daily habits

by Lachlan Brown | May 13, 2026, 10:54 am

There’s a huge difference between living life on autopilot and truly experiencing each day. I used to be stuck in a cycle of constant fatigue and lack of motivation, just going through the motions.

Until one day, I realized the power of daily habits in changing my life.

These 8 daily habits didn’t just give me a surge of energy but also a newfound zest for life. And I believe, just like they worked for me, they could transform your life too.

Now, allow me to share these life-changing habits that helped me kick the constant tiredness and lack of motivation to the curb.

1) Starting the day right

Ever wondered why some people just jump out of bed, ready to conquer the day while others struggle to even hit the snooze button?

Well, it all boils down to how you start your day.

For years, I woke up feeling groggy and unmotivated. It was a struggle to even get out of bed, let alone get anything done. And then I discovered the power of a morning routine.

Turns out, successful people across the globe swear by their morning routines. It sets the tone for the rest of the day and gives them a sense of purpose.

So, I decided to create my own morning routine. It was nothing fancy, just a series of steps that included hydrating myself, doing some light exercise, and setting my intentions for the day.

And guess what? It worked like magic!

I started feeling more energized and motivated. My days became more productive and I felt more in control of my life.

2) Prioritizing physical fitness

You’ve probably heard it a thousand times, “Exercise is good for you”. But it wasn’t until I tried it myself that I truly understood its impact.

I used to be the kind of person who would avoid exercise at all costs. My idea of physical activity was limited to the occasional walk to the fridge. And as you can guess, my energy levels were abysmal and my motivation, nonexistent.

Then one day, I decided to give exercise a shot.

I started with just 10 minutes of light stretching every day. It was tough in the beginning, but I pushed through. Slowly but surely, I started noticing changes. My energy levels increased, my mood improved and I felt more motivated than ever.

What really astounded me though was the change in my mental health. Exercise became my stress-buster and the more I did it, the better I felt about myself.

Today, exercise is an integral part of my daily routine. It has transformed not just my physical health but also my mental well-being. And the best part? It’s made me realize that I’m capable of much more than I ever thought possible.

3) Harnessing the power of good nutrition

What you eat has a direct impact on how you feel. For years, I was guzzling down junk food and sugary drinks, completely unaware of the havoc they were wreaking on my body and mind.

It wasn’t until I started exploring the science behind nutrition that things started to change. Did you know that certain foods can actually boost your energy levels and improve your mood? Foods like bananas, fatty fish, brown rice, and sweet potatoes are packed with nutrients that can help combat fatigue and boost motivation.

So, I decided to overhaul my diet. I swapped out the processed foods for whole, natural ones. I started eating more fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. And boy, did it make a difference!

My energy levels skyrocketed, my mood improved, and I felt more motivated than ever before. Plus, I noticed that my skin started to glow and my sleep improved too!

So, if you’re constantly feeling tired and unmotivated, maybe it’s time to take a closer look at your diet. A few simple changes could make a world of difference!

4) Embracing the principles of Buddhism

Buddhism has been around for thousands of years, but its principles are as relevant today as they were when first introduced.

One of the key teachings of Buddhism is mindfulness – the practice of being fully present in each moment. And let me tell you, it’s a game-changer.

Before I embraced mindfulness, I was constantly distracted. My mind was always racing, thinking about the past or worrying about the future. This left me feeling drained and unmotivated.

But when I started practicing mindfulness, everything changed. I found that by focusing on the present moment, I could conserve my energy and channel it into things that truly mattered.

It’s not just about understanding them theoretically, but about applying them in our daily lives.

Incorporating mindfulness and other Buddhist principles into my daily routine has had a profound impact on my energy levels and motivation. And guess what? It can do the same for you too!

5) Creating a work-life balance

I used to be a workaholic, always plugged in, and constantly on the go. My career was my life and everything else, including my health and personal relationships, took a backseat.

But all this constant hustle came at a cost. I was always tired, drained, and felt like I was running on empty. I had no motivation to do anything outside of work and I was on the verge of burnout.

Then it hit me – I needed to create a balance.

I started setting boundaries and prioritizing my personal life too. I made time for hobbies, relationships, and self-care. I learnt to say no to things that were not absolutely essential.

It wasn’t easy, and there were times when I slipped back into old habits. But with time, I learned to manage my time more effectively and created a work-life balance that worked for me.

The result? A happier, healthier, more motivated version of myself.

6) Embracing boredom

In our fast-paced, always-connected world, we’ve become terrified of boredom. We’re constantly looking for ways to fill every minute of our day with some kind of activity or distraction.

But here’s the thing – boredom isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

I used to be one of those people always seeking stimulation. But then I realized that this constant need for distraction was draining my energy and sapping my motivation.

So, I decided to do something radical. I started embracing boredom.

I allowed myself to have moments of doing absolutely nothing. No phone, no TV, no distractions. Just me and my thoughts.

At first, it felt uncomfortable. But as I persisted, I started noticing a change. I felt more relaxed, more creative, and surprisingly, more energized!

Turns out, our brains need these moments of boredom to recharge and refresh. It’s like hitting the reset button!

7) Prioritizing sleep

It’s no secret that sleep is crucial for our physical and mental well-being. But in our fast-paced world, it’s often the first thing we sacrifice.

I was no different. Late nights and early mornings were my norm. I was surviving on coffee and the notion that sleep was for the weak.

But this constantly sleep-deprived state took a toll on my energy levels and motivation. I felt like a zombie, just going through the motions of life.

That’s when I realized the importance of prioritizing sleep.

I started maintaining a regular sleep schedule, creating a calming bedtime routine, and ensuring my bedroom environment was conducive to sleep.

The difference was astounding!

I woke up feeling refreshed and energized. My productivity soared, my mood improved, and I felt more motivated than ever.

8) Embracing self-care

I used to think that taking care of myself was a luxury, something to be done only when I had spare time. But I couldn’t have been more wrong.

Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity. It’s about respecting your body and mind enough to give them the care and attention they deserve.

And it’s not just about bubble baths and spa days, although those are great too! It’s about making time for things that make you feel good, whether it’s reading a book, going for a walk, or just sitting quietly with a cup of tea.

When I started prioritizing self-care, I noticed a significant improvement in my energy levels and motivation. I felt happier, healthier, and more in tune with myself.

Final Reflections: It’s all in the journey

Life is a complex tapestry of experiences, emotions, and interactions. And at the core of this intricate design is our personal energy and motivation.

In my journey of overcoming constant fatigue and lack of motivation, I’ve realized the immense power of daily habits. These aren’t just a set of actions but a way of life that can profoundly transform our physical and mental well-being.

But remember, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution. What worked for me might not work for you. The key is to listen to your body and mind, understand what they need, and then make conscious choices that align with those needs.

Whether it’s crafting a morning routine, embracing boredom, or prioritizing self-care, each step you take brings you closer to a more energized and motivated self.

So as you embark on this journey of self-discovery and transformation, remember – it’s not about reaching a destination but about embracing the journey itself. After all, life isn’t just about surviving but thriving.

Lachlan Brown

Lachlan Brown is an entrepreneur and co-founder of Brown Brothers Media, a digital publishing network reaching tens of millions of readers monthly. He holds a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Studies from Deakin University, though his real education came afterward: a warehouse job shifting TVs, a stretch of anxiety in his mid-twenties, and the slow discovery that studying the mind is not the same as learning how to live well. He started experimenting with Buddhist principles during breaks at the warehouse and eventually began writing about what he was learning. That writing became Hack Spirit, a widely read personal development site, and his book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism became a bestseller. His work breaks down complex ideas into frameworks people can apply immediately, whether they are navigating a career change, a difficult relationship, or the gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. Lachlan splits his time between Singapore and Saigon. He writes about high-performance routines, decision-making under pressure, digital innovation, and the intersection of Eastern philosophy with modern life. His perspective comes from having built things from scratch, failed at some of them, and learned that clarity comes from practice, not theory.