Renewing Your Energy
We all experience a drop in energy at some point in our day, whether it is physical, mental, emotional or spiritual energy. As with most things in life, our energy levels deplete in different ways. An introvert’s energy levels might deplete faster by being around large groups all day and an extrovert’s energy might drain by not having enough social interaction. Think of different things that drain your energy. These can include tasks, stressful situations, people, sleep deprivation, attitude, and many other things from your personal and professional life. No matter what drains you during the day, there are ways to renew your energy levels. Here are a few tips for helping your energy levels regenerate.
Connecting With Nature
Technology has a way of ruling our everyday lives. Access to social media in our pockets, clicking around on a computer, watching television, movies with the press of a button, and the ability to view news instantly can be a complete energy drain. Spending so much time watching a screen and ingesting everything on the other side can become a draining habit since the world tends to revolve around technology. Breaking free from the blue light and reconnecting with nature can break your dependency on screens, even if only for a short time. Take a walk in the park, relax outside without your phone or computer, go for a hike, or just take a seat and watch the world go by. Reconnecting with simplicity can definitely help boost your energy levels.
Clearing Emotional Clutter
We all have emotional clutter in one form or another. Maybe it’s our tendency to overthink things or the pressure we put on ourselves to be perfect throughout our daily lives. Emotional clutter can be worrying about things we can’t change or investing too heavily in things that make us unhappy. Learning how to cope and declutter this part of ourselves can help us balance our energy levels. Mental labor can be just as difficult as physical, so decluttering your mind is an important step. Pinpointing your sticking points, whether it’s overthinking or over-investing, will be a useful tool in knowing where you need the most help. Here is a brief decluttering guided imagery to try:
Settle comfortably and begin to take slow, deep breaths, relaxing the body, clearing the mind.
Bring to mind any thoughts or beliefs that weigh you down and deplete your energy. See if you can remember their original purpose. Do they still have a reason for existing? If not, they are ready to be dissolved.
It's time to let go of emotional clutter—as you would give away a piece of clothing that you never wear anymore. Imagine seeing it dissolve like fog as the sun shines through, or visualize erasing it from a chalkboard to reveal a fresh, clean slate. Close your eyes as you imagine this…
Once you have cleared it away so that it no longer occupies your mind, spend some time enjoying the open space you have created in your inner world. This space you now have doesn't mean the mind is empty. Rather, see the potential of it being filled with positive, renewing energy.
Invite in a new idea or belief in the form of an intention for something you would like in the coming days, weeks, or months. Something that would bring you joy. Close your eyes to imagine this…
Bring your new intention to the forefront of your mind and imagine it growing like a beautiful flowering bush. As it grows, feel your energy replenish. Take a few slow, deep breaths and treat yourself to a nice, long stretch. Proceed with your day feel lighter, at ease, and renewed.
Self Awareness
Investing in yourself is one of the most beneficial ways to maximize your energy levels in the long run. Take time out of your day to learn more about yourself as well as what triggers you. Do you obsess about a conversation you had, hoping you came off the right way? Do you struggle with something that happened at work and you can’t seem to come to terms with it? With so many different drains on our emotional and physical energy levels, taking the time to care about yourself will help refill your well. Some self-care ideas are:
- Novelty: taking a new route to work, exploring a new area, hiking a new trail, listening to some new music, etc.
- Day Trips: when is the last time you spent a day enjoying a nearby town or the countryside? It's a great way to recharge!
- Energizing People: which people inspire you, energize you, “get” you? Make time to see these people and, if possible, decrease your time with people with whom you feel zapped.
- Relaxation Techniques: practicing relaxation techniques such as the above guided imagery on clearing is a pleasant, effective self-care strategy. Check out my Relaxation Training page and some of my past blog posts such as “How Relaxation Techniques Can Help You Focus”, “Guided Imagery: Relaxation via Your Imagination”, and “1-Minute Relaxation Break”.
May you find time to renew your energy each day.
I am here as a resource. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or comments.