We are all energy. Everything in the world is made up of different energies, moving at different speeds and frequencies. I’ve read a lot of books about how our energies attract each other, through our thoughts and what we focus on. Frequencies that are similar, flow toward each other, whether they be low(negative) or high(positive). I don’t claim to understand it all, but I find it fascinating and good food for thought.
More interesting still, though, is how to get energy to make it through my day! I have been sooo tired lately. It’s all I can do to drag my hiney out of bed and get the bare minimum done, let alone work on any goals or projects. This really doesn’t help me feel better about myself and my life.
What is going on?
When I look back at the previous couple of weeks, I can see a few things that may have a little something to do with my slump (true confessions ahead)–repeatedly staying up too late; eating too much junk food; wasting too much time and headspace on worrying and catastrophizing (aka making a big deal about EVERYTHING)! Not enough time enjoying or just being.
I KNOW these things! It’s not like they are a mystery to me, but yet I still sometimes choose (not purposely, of course) to ignore them, like my rowdy teenagers ignore me and my advice, then later wonder why things aren’t working out for them…
So, I reviewed all the notes and thoughts I’ve collected over the years, about how to get and stay energized. I’ve put my favorites here in my “Top Dos and Don’ts for Maximum Energy”. Sounds official, doesn’t it?
Disclaimer: By the way, I am NOT a doctor (nor do I play one on TV), an expert, or anything like that, these are just things that work for me, your typical layperson. I hope they can be of help to you, too!
DO—Get enough sleep-not necessarily 7-8 hours. What’s enough (and not too much) for you? Power naps count, if you need them. I find I do pretty well on 7 hours, if I can get a 20-30 minute nap at some point in the day.
—Eat REAL food. You don’t need to go crazy, buying only organic, becoming a vegan, or refusing any hint of sugar. (Although, if it makes you happy, go for it!) Just eat more real food than fake food. Also, keep in mind that foods that have/had energy (living things) give energy.
—Move your body. Again, no need to run 15 miles (frankly this would zap way more energy from me than it could give) or take a boxing class. Just a 15 minute walk around the neighborhood or 50 jumping jacks works to perk you up and bring on a few energizing endorphins. Even laughing gives energy instantly. Dr. Norman Cousins called it “internal jogging”.
—Be grateful. This is one of THE quickest energizers for me- thinking about all the people, situations, and opportunities that make my life amazing. Most of us have a lot more than we realize or stop to consider. Try it and see!
—Hydrate yourself. Depending on who you ask, our bodies are 60-70% water, and need to be hydrated to function well. Current guidelines say at least 8 glasses of water a day. I try to keep a water bottle near and make sure I drink enough that I never feel thirsty.
DON’T—Watch too much TV, or scroll too long through Pinterest or Facebook (or whatever other social media is your current poison). Digital devices are well-known time suckers. Maybe not so well-known is their ability to drain not only your minutes, but your energy, too. The longer you stare at that screen, the harder it will be to tear yourself away and be productive again. I see this ALL THE TIME with my kids. Not only that, too much screen time tends to make us grumpy.
—Hang out with negative people. Speaking of grumpy, being around negative or complaining people is also a huge energy drain. As much as possible, limit your interactions with these people. If the negative people are those you work or live with, it’s harder to avoid them, but there are some strategies you can use to limit the effects of their negativity on you. (link)
—Push yourself into exhaustion. Too many of us try to do it all, be it all, have it all. It’s just not possible, and not worth it. Make a prioritized list of activities and responsibilities and focus on the important ones. Delete or delegate the rest. The world won’t fall apart without homemade cookies, or a freshly vacuumed carpet. (link to article about authenticity over perfection)
—Over-caffeinate yourself. This can leave you “wired and tired”. Don’t rely on coffee or cola to give you energy. It may throw off your regular sleep/energy cycles even more and leave you with even less energy.
—Let clutter and disorganization take over. This can make you feel lethargic and lacking energy. Also if you’re disorganized, you likely spend a lot of time looking for things, which takes energy and also adds to that cranky feeling (By the way, feeling cranky in and of itself takes a lot of energy/drains energy quickly.) (link to post re: how to organize/declutter–from another website?)
So there you have it! My list of Dos and Don’ts to get and stay energized for your life. I find that when I am doing at least some of these ideas, I do feel more energized, less overwhelmed with life, and more positive and happy, in general.
Bonus tip: Spend time every day doing something you love, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Moving toward a goal or progressing a project you are passionate about is very energizing. Using this time as a reward can also help you push through a not-so-fun task right now.
What have you found that helps energize you?