It’s the start of a new year and in my head I keep hearing that oh-so-energetic Michael Bublé number:

It’s a new dawn!

It’s a new day!

It’s a new life!

Then I mentally roll over and hit the snooze button.

As much as I want to launch into this year firing on all thrusters, something seems to be holding me back. In my case, that something is a reluctance to admit the holidays—and my vacation—are over and it’s time to put nose back to grindstone.

But what about you?

Does it seem that lately your brain’s been smoldering without catching fire? Or have you noticed you’re alert and energetic in the late evening or early morning but your spark seems to die out at midday? Maybe the problem is more than afternoon blahs. Here are some suggestions to keep you at your best around the clock:

• Get a physical. How long has it been since you’ve visited your family physician? Schedule an appointment for a complete checkup—just to make sure all systems are operating properly. Be sure to discuss with your doctor sleeplessness, dietary issues, and depression symptoms. Insomnia, sudden weight gain or loss, and depression can have a significant impact on your productivity. And all are treatable conditions.

• Research your meds. Once you’ve addressed any possible medical conditions, you should also take a look at any medications you may be taking. More than 85 percent of the most frequently prescribed medications list “drowsiness” and “fatigue” among the possible side effects. What’s more, many medications can deplete the body’s supply of essential nutrients such as B vitamins and folic acid, which play a key role in boosting energy. And don’t overlook non-prescription medications. Many over-the-counter sleep aids and allergy medications also cause drowsiness. Discuss the medications you’re taking with your doctor to ensure they’re not creating more problems than they’re solving.

• Improve sleep habits. Start working on getting more and better sleep. Just because you think you can function well on five hours’ sleep a night doesn’t mean your body agrees. The brain and energy drain you’re experiencing may be your body’s way of telling you it needs more down time and REM cycles. Listen to what your body is saying.

• Have a snack. When you find your spark beginning to die out, search for a healthy protein-based snack. Protein will help rev up your digestive system, forcing the body to get in gear and bring the mind to life along with it. Possible alternatives: dairy products such as cottage cheese, hard cheese, yogurt, or milk; or a high-protein bar or shake.

• Take a walk. Exercise is another way to send a sudden jolt of energy to your brain. Take a walk. Do some cubicle calisthenics, such as jumping jacks, lunges, or squats. Or go for a run up and down a flight of stairs.

• Explore your creativity. Another way to fire up your lethargic brain is by forcing yourself to do something creative—and a little outside the norm of your everyday routine. When fatigue starts setting in, do a quick Sudoku puzzle. Practice speaking a non-native language. Burst forth in song. Get up and dance around the cube for a few minutes. Okay, okay. Maybe you want to step into an empty conference room or supply closet before you start singing and dancing, but you get the idea. The point is to fan the flame so your brain will keep burning for the rest of the day.