Humans experience different energy states that affect physical and mental well-being. These energy states relate to energy balance, which is the relationship between the energy consumed (calories in) and the energy expended (calories out).
Here's a breakdown of high, neutral, and low energy states:
High energy state
- Physiological characteristics:
- High levels of activity and energy.
- Increased physical activity, including exercise and movement.
- Higher Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) and Total Energy Expenditure (TEE) due to physical activity and muscle mass.
- Psychological characteristics:
- Feeling enthusiastic, animated, and sociable.
- Openness to new experiences and challenges.
- Increased resilience to setbacks and failures.
- High confidence and a positive outlook, as seen in some instances of mania, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
- Energy balance: Often associated with a positive energy balance where energy intake exceeds expenditure, or a neutral balance if a high level of activity is sustained through adequate intake, according to the NASM blog.
- Examples:
- An athlete in peak training, consuming a caloric surplus to build muscle mass.
- Someone experiencing a manic episode (though this requires medical attention).
Neutral energy state
- Physiological characteristics:
- Maintaining a stable body weight.
- Balanced energy intake and expenditure.
- Psychological characteristics:
- Feeling content, composed, and undisturbed by emotional fluctuations.
- Equilibrium where energy levels are neither excessively high nor low.
- Energy balance: Characterized by an equal energy balance, where calories consumed roughly match calories expended, says imago nutrition.
- Examples:
- An individual maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
- A person practicing mindfulness and achieving mental and emotional balance.
Low energy state
- Physiological characteristics:
- Fatigue, tiredness, and sluggishness.
- Difficulty with physical activities and daily tasks.
- Potential physical symptoms like headaches, body aches, and digestive issues.
- Psychological characteristics:
- Difficulty concentrating and focusing.
- Lack of motivation and enthusiasm.
- Feelings of apathy, indifference, and sometimes hopelessness.
- Increased irritability and emotional detachment.
- Energy balance: Can be associated with a negative energy balance (energy expenditure exceeding intake) or be a symptom of underlying physical or mental health conditions, says MedicalNewsToday.
- Examples:
- Someone experiencing mental or emotional exhaustion due to chronic stress or overwork, according to Healthline.
- A person struggling with depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions.
These energy states can fluctuate throughout the day and over time. Factors like diet, exercise, sleep, stress levels, and underlying health conditions influence energy levels. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle with adequate sleep, balanced nutrition, and regular physical activity is crucial for achieving and sustaining a balanced and healthy energy state.