Energy is the fuel of life. We rely on it for everything we do: breathing, eating, sleeping, walking, and working. After this very challenging last year-and-a-half, most of us wish we had a lot more. Join me in a discussion of the power of energy, and how to preserve and recharge.
Inspirational Thoughts
“The world belongs to the energetic.” ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
“If you neglect to recharge a battery, it dies. If you run full speed ahead without stopping for water, you lose momentum to finish the race.” ~ Oprah Winfrey
Fuel Your Life For Joy and Success
Energy is essential to living a vital and fulfilled life. However, it’s a finite resource which can feel elusive, since it’s meant to be spent to fuel your passions and ignite your dreams. By implementing some simple and intentional strategies, you can recharge your energy and move headlong towards success and fulfillment.
Three Types of Energy
Experts identify three types of energy: physical, mental, and emotional. To improve your overall energy levels, it’s critical to cultivate all three and intentionally manage their ebb and flow.
- Physical energy — is depleted by many physical stressors, including
poor diet and lack of sleep, and can be improved by both rest and
exercise. - Mental energy — is depleted by disorganization and information
overload, and can be improved by meditation and strategic learning. - Emotional energy — is depleted by lack of direction, goals or purpose
and interpersonal conflict, and can be improved by quality human
interaction.
Energy Zappers
Energy is the essential life fuel that moves us toward success and happiness. Unfortunately, like most of our vital resources, energy is finite. Consider how to combat these typical energy drainers to preserve and restore.
Decision Fatigue
One simple way to create more mental and emotional energy is by reducing decision fatigue. Most adults make an estimated 35,000+ decisions every day. These decisions, no matter how small, take a toll on your energy.
To preserve your energy, streamline or eliminate as many decisions as you can. For example, eat the same thing for breakfast or lunch every day, park in the same area each time you go to the store, create a “work uniform” to help you get dressed every morning, or automate work systems to help put smaller decisions on auto-pilot. These steps save energy and allow you to focus on bigger, more important decisions — leaving you more energy for what brings you joy.
“Zoom Fatigue”
The COVID-19 pandemic forced most of our interactions over the last 14 months to move onto our computers. Not only did work meetings and educational classes go online but so did social events like birthday parties, weddings, showers, family reunions, happy hours, and even church and funeral services.
If sitting and staring at a video screen for hours at a time leaves you feeling more tired and run down than unusual, you might be experiencing “Zoom fatigue.” Zoom fatigue refers to the mental and physical drain or burnout resulting from extensive screen time on video calls.
To beat this fatigue, take a break from your screens. Mix it up and make some phone calls. When you have to be online, avoid the temptation to multi-task. Trying to do multiple things at the same time often results in lower performance and is mentally taxing and an energy drain. When possible, avoid back-to-back video calls and schedule energy recharging breaks throughout your day. Rest your eyes, move your body, get outside, and grab a drink or snack to refuel.
Energy Boosters – Self Care Fundamentals
The best formula to restore your energy is a regimen of self-care. Start with the self-care basics: Eat nutritious meals, exercise regularly, and get plenty of rest.
Good People = Good Energy
As you step up your self-care, step back and consider the people in your life. Good people radiate good energy. Be highly selective about “your people.” Take breaks from those who cause you stress or bring you down. Recharge your personal batteries by connecting and spending time with people who bring you joy.
Renew and Restore Through Mindfulness
Mindfulness practices can reduce worry, anxiety and restore energy. Mindfulness can look different for everyone. For me it’s daily walks and yoga classes. For you it might be taking “technology breaks,” daily prayer or affirmations, or spending time outside in nature. If you’re new to mindfulness, check out apps like Headspace and Calm. Explore and experiment to find what works best for you.
Recharge with Purposeful Pursuits
Another way to recharge is to focus on things that align with your values and purpose. Listen to Oprah’s advice: “Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you.” How might you make time to connect more deeply with your purpose and values and link them to your work, relationships, and daily life?
I urge you to think of self-care not as something to check off your “To-Do” list once a year while on vacation. Instead, take time throughout your day to renew and recharge.
Tips to Boost Your Energy
- Fill your cup. The demands of daily life can deplete your energy. To combat it, actively add things into your life that bring you energy. Whether that’s joining a rec league softball team, curling up with a good book, listening to a favorite tune, or chatting with a friend or relative. Identify your personal energy boosters and make them a priority.
- Slay energy “vampires.” These are the often-overlooked habits, relationships, activities, and situations that sap your energy. Identify the energy drainers in your life — and eliminate or streamline them or find creative solutions to manage them while staying energized.
- Lighten your load. Few things drain your mental, emotional, and physical energy like being overcommitted. Take stock of your responsibilities, prioritize what supports your goals, and pare down where possible. Practice saying “Yes!” to what brings you joy — and “No.” to what doesn’t.
- Pace yourself. Throughout your day, build in small moments to pause, decompress, and recharge. Take a power nap, get up and stretch, or walk around the block. For longer-term renewal, take that well-deserved vacation. You plan every day, week, month, and year as to how you’re going to spend your energy. Spend just as much time planning how to save and renew it.
As your coach I am dedicated to helping you live a fulfilling and energetic personal and professional life. Through my Leap Forward Coaching method I offer you a proven process and life-changing experience to cultivate an energized, healthy, and joyful life.
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