There are small things we can do that can go a long way to lightening our load and energizing our lives.
It’s come on slowly and over time, but when we look around now, a lot of us are feeling the impact of the personal energy crisis. A couple long years of Covid, exposure to new wars around the world, and now an impending global recession? This is on top of whatever personal issues you and the people you love are working through. You may be feeling the drain of it all. Maybe you’re often tired, weighed down and don’t feel that zest to do new things. You wonder am I depressed? Am I languishing? Or maybe my energy is just zapped.
In addition to the common remedies of exercise, avoiding smoking, better sleep and eating right for you, there are small things we can do that can go a long way to lightening our load and energizing our lives.
5 Tips on Inspired Self-Care to Boost Your Energy.
1. Create Ease
Stress is one of the greatest thieves of energy. At the same time, it’s a regular staple we consume in our work, the media and mostly in our heads. As a remedy, we need to balance it. Take frequent deep breaths and breaks in the day to check in with your body. If there’s tension, soften it or do a little stretch. In that space choose to actively create ease. Studies show that a little meditation, yoga and connection, maybe a meditation, a little yoga or connection with friends can help create more space for energy to arise.
2. Be Bold
Has there been something you’ve been wanting to do but just haven’t give yourself permission to do? Think of something that enchants or interests you. Something that breathes of play and adventure. Maybe it’s visiting a new neighborhood, dusting off the guitar (a favorite of mine) or booking a trip to that place you’ve been talking about for years. What is it for you? Be intentional, daring and watch the cells of your body wake up!
3. Entertain the Erotic
The poet Diane Ackerman said, “Ecstasy is what everyone craves-not love or sex, but a hot-blooded, soaring intensity, in which being alive is a joy and a thrill.” Notice how even thinking of the word erotic might lift your energy. However, engaging in the erotic in life isn’t only relegated to the sexual domain, we can engage the erotic daily life and it’s energy giving! Think about what makes you feel vital, vibrant and spirited? This could be as simple as a great cup of coffee, going out for brunch or even singing in your car while driving. Call it erotic, notice how ti becomes more vibrant and feel how that lifts the energy of the moment.
4. Practice Giving
Most people operate on a scarcity assumption. If they give, then they have less. When the reality is, when we practice giving, we tap into an invisible energy force that make our surroundings lighter. It really is true that it’s more like lighting someone else’s candle, our light isn’t diminished, but everything gets brighter. Research shows that generosity is a natural anti-depressant and is connected with deeper happiness. Consider intentionally giving a smile, a high five, or your time to a friend, someone who needs a mentor or to an organization that has a cause you believe in. As you give, you feel more connected, engaged with something greater than yourself and feeds you the lifegiving energy you need.
5. Drink Water
I had to add in one basic, but incredibly essential tip. I have been carrying a water bottle with me for decades. Water is the only nutrient that has been shown to enhance our performance in daily life. When you’re starting to feel tired, check in, it may be that your body needs fluids.
Be intentional. See where you can sprinkle a few of these in your day either on your own or share the experiences with a friend and be open to the uplift of energy that follows.
