Neuroscientist and entrepreneur Anne-Laure Le Cunff, founder of Ness Labs, posits a counterintuitive theory on energy management: "It might sound counterintuitive, but doing less can actually make you feel more tired." This insight, shared via Big Think, challenges the common perception of rest as a passive activity solely focused on reducing output. Le Cunff's research suggests that energy functions more like a machine than a battery, requiring active maintenance rather than mere inactivity for optimal restoration.
Le Cunff, a neuroscientist at King's College London specializing in lifelong learning and adaptability, argues that prolonged inactivity can diminish the body's efficiency and readiness for effort. She explains that when individuals reduce activity, their systems become less capable of generating energy, creating a feedback loop that exacerbates tiredness. This perspective highlights that the issue often isn't the demand level, but rather the body and brain's state to effectively meet that demand.
Beyond physical inactivity, Le Cunff emphasizes the significant roles of mood, motivation, and stress in perceived energy levels. She notes that dopamine, crucial for willingness to engage with tasks, can be downregulated, making activities feel draining. Subtle shifts in mood, such as boredom or lack of engagement, can also contribute to feelings of low energy, signaling that the brain is not incentivized to deploy its resources. Even during breaks, persistent worrying or phone checking can prevent genuine restoration.
To combat this, Le Cunff advocates for "active rest" strategies. These include light movement like stretching or walking, which can improve circulation and alertness more effectively than passive rest. She also recommends mental downtime through activities like being in nature or offline hobbies, and autonomic resets via practices such as slow breathing or meditation to shift the body out of a high-alert state. Creative breaks and switching up routines are also suggested to re-engage attention and motivation, fostering true energy restoration.
