There is a new energy crisis in this country and around the world. I’m not talking about a shortage of gasoline or electricity, although those situations are serious. Right now I’m more concerned about our collective shortage of personal energy. People everywhere feel tired and sluggish. They drag through the day, and sleep fitfully. The next morning it is a repeat of the previous ones. Why is this happening?

Part of the problem of course stems from our technology. Much modern employment is sedentary — sitting at a desk all day — and there is less actual physical labor than ever before. Driving long ago replaced walking and biking. And yet, due to impossibly busy schedules, most people have little time for exercise, and even less enthusiasm for it.

Many years ago, Benjamin Franklin said that going to bed early was a good idea, as it makes people "healthy, wealthy, and wise".

Making your bedtime half an hour earlier than usual can provide a number of health benefits. Whether these lead to wealth and wisdom will be up to you, presumably through increased opportunities and ambition due to greater energy and alertness. And all this begins with being more well-rested.

Studies have shown that people who do not get enough sleep have more difficulty losing weight. Levels of appetite-stimulating and fat-storing hormones increase, while satiety (satisfaction) chemicals decrease. In addition, being tired makes you feel less like exercising. It’s an all-around formula for diet disaster.

Do you sometimes feel you haven’t done anything worthwhile? I think we all feel that way sometimes. Looking at other people, we notice their successes and get the idea that, by comparison, we are insignificant.

So what if you didn’t win the bowling or tennis trophy, or knock down the most bottles at the county fair? Who cares if you didn’t make it into the Book of Records for inflating the most balloons at a birthday party? Or eating the most jalapeno peppers?

Everyone has done something important — probably several somethings — but we tend to overlook these things. We are taught to be modest and humble. Now, I’m not knocking modesty and humility. Some people could use a lot more of those virtues. But most of us are TOO humble, and we are so busy keeping track of our faults that we forget to recognize our strengths.

Have you ever been in the middle of a good workout, when you feel as if you just can’t go on? Instead of getting your second wind, you are suddenly completely pooped. Should you stop? It depends.

If you feel any kind of pain, you should not exercise any further until you determine what is causing the pain. If it is a pulled muscle or a cramp, gently massage the area until you feel better. Then, you can continue if you feel up to it, Otherwise throw in the towel for at least a few hours — or possibly even postpone the rest of the exercise until the next day.

Be sure always to warm up properly before you begin your workout, and cool down afterwards. This can prevent a lot of injuries.

Have you ever watched an infomercial that sells an exercise workout? If so, you probably saw a number of excited people extol the virtues of the program. The product usually consists of exercise videos and a diet, and may include some type of gadget. Many of the products feature one or more exercise bands as their "special bonus".

Do they work? There are several kinds of exercise bands available. One type is a circle of stretchy material with two handgrips at opposite "sides" of the circle. Another is a long piece of stretchy stuff with handles attached at both ends. Others resemble things like rubber scarves and slingshots. All are easily portable.

Making major changes can be scary. Big challenges can be daunting. Overhauling your lifestyle can be intimidating.

You can get a lot done with little changes. What you want is weight loss that you can live with. Use the many-mini-method to simplify your slimming situation. Here’s how…

Everyone knows you need to exercise in order to wake up your metabolism and burn calories. And almost everyone has a hundred and one excuses to avoid exercising. It’s too hot. It’s too cold. I don’t have an exercise outfit to wear. I don’t have the right exercise equipment.

Well… if it’s too hot, turn on the air conditioner or a fan. If it’s too cold, turn up the heat. Wear any outfit, as long as it's comfortable. And as for the equipment, if you have a treadmill, an elliptical machine, a stair-stepper, or a stationary bicycle, you know that you can get a good workout with it. But you can also do some great exercises with just a pair of hand weights (dumbbells) or an exercise band.

Warm up first. This is important to avoid muscle strains, kinks, and other annoyances. Stretch gently in all directions. Don't bounce — move slowly and rhythmically.

Why not go for a walk? It can be a break from your regular exercise routine. It’s an excellent exercise. And it’s deceptively simple!

If you have a dog, bring it along. The dog will appreciate the exercise, too.

When you walk, breathe normally and rhythmically. You can tell if you are pacing yourself properly if you can carry on a conversation while walking. If you can’t do that, or if you become short of breath, you are walking too fast.

Try this workout: Walk for 5 minutes at a brisk but comfortable pace. Then walk faster for 1 minute. Then walk slowly for a few minutes. Repeat as desired. This is better for you than continuing the same pace for your entire walk.