Demands grow. Others clamor around us with more expectations. We're taxed, strained and challenged to do more. And our energy levels just cannot deliver. Regain your balance. Eat well. Exercise. Make time for you. You'll be better off for it.
Have you lost something? Your 'get-up-and-go', perhaps? T he demands on our time keep increasing. But our energy level does not!
Since we have limited personal energy-producing capabilities, it's important we choose where and how we use them. Most of us have energy leaks, those activities (or people) that use up our energy every day, in ways other than what we desire.
See if any of these common energy leaks sound familiar to you.
Too much work.
Too busy? We all get the same 24 hours...and it really is enough. Ever asked yourself why some people get so much done and others seem to spin in circles? Being busy is not the same thing as being productive.
Too little balance.
What if we all just quit sleeping? Think of those extra hours! Of course, that idea is ridiculous. We require the balance of rest and activity. When people don't get enough rest their productivity generally plummets. Those extra 'awake' hours are wasted. This principle of balance is true throughout the rest of our busy lives, as well.
Too little of things you enjoy.
This is another piece of the balance puzzle. If you find yourself obsessively working, make sure you have times of play that you immerse yourself in and enjoy to the max. Unhooking your brain and body this way makes sure you are ready to work again when the time comes.
Poor nutrition choices.
Stuffing food into your mouth on the fly regularly is a recipe for physical disaster. Besides, eating is supposed to be pleasant; you are refueling the only body you will ever get in this life. You were given five senses for a reason! Ten minutes of menu planning just once a week can help you enjoy better nutrition, relaxed eating and enable you to take back your pleasure in meals again. Your physical energy comes directly from this process, so it deserves your attention!
Lack of adequate exercise.
It's a paradox: be sedentary and feel like a slug. Work out regularly and gain more energy over time. It's not a question of IF it works, but will YOU work IT. Check with your doctor and get moving.
Hostile relationships
Nothing zaps energy levels faster than an emotional harangue. If you find yourself being drained by a close relationship instead of nurtured by it, do yourself a huge favor and face it head on. Difficult? Absolutely. But standing pat could cost you even more, long term. Only you can decide.
Feeling deprived or resentful.
Do you feel like life has let you down? Treated you unfairly? Do you feel as if you are constantly giving so someone else in your family can reach their goals instead of you? Helping others is vital, but in a family we need to be helpful to each other. If you are feeling resentful regularly, like you are losing out, your energy levels will disappear over time. Find someone safe to talk this situation over with or get professional help, if you prefer. Sometimes just a different perspective can help us see solutions we were overlooking.
Depression.
Sometimes a lack of energy is a sign of depression. If you've been struggling with low energy for a period of time, see your doctor and tell him how you feel. Don't accept consistent low energy as normal without checking it out with a professional.
Fear of the future.
Sometimes, we get a little nervous about looking ahead. After all, none of us know the future with certainty. If that fact disarms us, deep down inside, we might look for ways to derail our progress. Losing our energy means we won't have to move ahead at all. We'll only be able to keep up with our daily activities and that's it.
Do any of these common energy leaks look familiar to you? By being intentional with your energy reserves, you can ensure you make the most of your daily efforts and get the results in life you really want!
Colleen Langenfeld delivers deals, tips and creative resources to working moms who want the most out of their homes, families and careers at http://www.paintedgold.com. Sign up for our free newsletter and get an online Creativity Toolkit as our gift to you!
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