When life knocks you down, it’s easy to think the best thing to do is rest. You tell yourself you’ll get up tomorrow, or when you feel stronger, or when the weight in your mind doesn’t feel so heavy. But here’s the truth most people don’t realize—when it comes to energy, your body doesn’t work like a bank account. Spend it, and you often end up with more.
The first step is always the hardest. I know it sure is for me. Rolling out of bed early, lacing up your shoes, stepping out the door—these things feel impossible when you’re in the middle of a mentally challenging season. But movement changes the game. The moment you start, your breathing quickens and your heart works harder, sending more oxygen-rich blood to every cell in your body. Those cells use that oxygen to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the fuel that powers you. Does anyone remember the Mighty Mitochondria from Biology class? The act of moving literally manufactures more energy, even when you thought you had none left.
Over time, something deeper happens. Your body adapts, building more mitochondria—tiny powerhouses inside your muscle cells—so you can produce even more energy in the future. Your circulation improves, delivering oxygen and nutrients where they’re needed most, not just to your muscles but to your brain. That sharper, clearer thinking is a lifeline when your thoughts feel tangled and heavy.
And then there’s the chemistry. Physical activity triggers the release of endorphins, those natural mood-lifters that make stress feel lighter and problems feel less impossible. The more you move, the more your mind begins to believe that forward motion is possible in other areas of your life too. At night, your body rewards you again—better sleep, deeper rest, and mornings that start with something you thought was gone: genuine energy.
Surviving mentally hard times isn’t always about waiting until you feel ready. It’s about creating the conditions where readiness can grow. Movement is one of the simplest, most powerful tools you have. Even when life feels overwhelming, your body holds the key to unlocking more clarity, strength, and drive. When you push through the resistance and use your energy, you don’t lose it—you make more of it.
Photo by Shengpengpeng Cai
