Tired? Fatigued?
Give Yourself an Energy Tune-Up
Give Yourself an Energy Tune-Up
With school coming to an end and Summer Starting and my own energy being down I thought I would put together a blog of all the things I have read over the years to UP your ENERGY!
When we are young we have too much of it, when we are older we can't get enough of it. What really is "energy" and how can we create energy in our own lives? Do we have to keep waiting for energy-filled days or are there proactive steps we can take to create more energy? The good news, is that there are proactive steps to create more energy.
Feeling Tired?
Use these techniques to increase your energy
One common mistake people make is thinking that the only way to get more energy is to create healthy lifestyle changes that revolve around food and fitness. While that is one area we will cover that does dramatically influence energy--it is far from the only one. There are different types of energy and different sources of energy. Physical energy is influenced by our daily lifestyle habits, but there is also Emotional Energy, Productive Energy, and Spiritual Energy, all of which can bring more zest and productivity to your days.
First, these four classifications aren't "official classifications." I made these names based on the research that I have been doing. It seemed that these four "groups" encompassed the energy-triggers I was uncovering. My working definition of energy is, "a feeling or personal power that allows us to continue positive production or perusal of the need-to-do tasks in our lives."
Emotional Energy
and "The Second Wind"
Have you ever been really tired and then pushed yourself to go do something anyway? Perhaps it was a dinner with a friend or attending an activity? Somewhere inside that period, the tiredness disappears and is replaced by what we often call "a second wind." That "second wind" is energy that you are producing. It isn't something you have to wait for, you can produce that energy at any time once you understand the steps that created it in the first place.
Discovering emotional energy: This energy is derived from something that sparks our emotions or our passions. We receive new information, or hear old information in a new way. Or perhaps we are around someone who emulates energy, and their passion excites the energy within us.
Caution: Remember that energy fluctuates, so as easily as you can build it - you can also destroy it. There is no quicker way to become tired than spending time around negative people or listening to negative news. All stimuli influences our energy one way or the other. Watch for stimuli that influences your energy level in a negative way. Example: Watching a round of Headline News will catch you up on the day's Headlines. But does watching additional programming help or hinder? What about reading? Are your choices uplifting and inspiring more energy or are they energy sappers?
Put it into Practice: To use Emotional Energy in your everyday life, you need to discover what produces this energy for you personally. Create a page in your notebook for listing your energy-producers. Here are a few that are on my list:
1. Read positive feedback or notes I have received from friends.
2. Have lunch with someone who I find inspiring.
3. Read a book that I find inspiring or motivational--something that really "speaks" to me.
4. Make sure I start my day off with positive emotional energy through my Good Morning (I'll save this for another blog) routine.
5. Ask myself each morning, "Who do I want to be today?" and then remain personally accountable for being the best "me" possible.
Use these techniques to increase your energy
One common mistake people make is thinking that the only way to get more energy is to create healthy lifestyle changes that revolve around food and fitness. While that is one area we will cover that does dramatically influence energy--it is far from the only one. There are different types of energy and different sources of energy. Physical energy is influenced by our daily lifestyle habits, but there is also Emotional Energy, Productive Energy, and Spiritual Energy, all of which can bring more zest and productivity to your days.
First, these four classifications aren't "official classifications." I made these names based on the research that I have been doing. It seemed that these four "groups" encompassed the energy-triggers I was uncovering. My working definition of energy is, "a feeling or personal power that allows us to continue positive production or perusal of the need-to-do tasks in our lives."
Emotional Energy
and "The Second Wind"
Have you ever been really tired and then pushed yourself to go do something anyway? Perhaps it was a dinner with a friend or attending an activity? Somewhere inside that period, the tiredness disappears and is replaced by what we often call "a second wind." That "second wind" is energy that you are producing. It isn't something you have to wait for, you can produce that energy at any time once you understand the steps that created it in the first place.
Discovering emotional energy: This energy is derived from something that sparks our emotions or our passions. We receive new information, or hear old information in a new way. Or perhaps we are around someone who emulates energy, and their passion excites the energy within us.
Caution: Remember that energy fluctuates, so as easily as you can build it - you can also destroy it. There is no quicker way to become tired than spending time around negative people or listening to negative news. All stimuli influences our energy one way or the other. Watch for stimuli that influences your energy level in a negative way. Example: Watching a round of Headline News will catch you up on the day's Headlines. But does watching additional programming help or hinder? What about reading? Are your choices uplifting and inspiring more energy or are they energy sappers?
Put it into Practice: To use Emotional Energy in your everyday life, you need to discover what produces this energy for you personally. Create a page in your notebook for listing your energy-producers. Here are a few that are on my list:
1. Read positive feedback or notes I have received from friends.
2. Have lunch with someone who I find inspiring.
3. Read a book that I find inspiring or motivational--something that really "speaks" to me.
4. Make sure I start my day off with positive emotional energy through my Good Morning (I'll save this for another blog) routine.
5. Ask myself each morning, "Who do I want to be today?" and then remain personally accountable for being the best "me" possible.
Physical Energy
Of course we can't "talk" about energy without including the physical element. However, if you are overwhelmed by the thought of a new health plan, keep reading. Little changes can make a big difference in your energy production. Many of us are aware of the "big steps" we should take, so I have tried to focus on little changes that make a big impact. If you would like an overview of the big changes, I really recommend spending a few minutes at this site: http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?lXFTaT1OCx89LRjoekgHSA
I saw expert Thomas Perls on CNN with Larry King and found his research quite interesting and revealing. This free, online test is a great way to look at the "gaps" in your life. Odds are where you fall short on the health score are many of the same areas where you can improve and create more energy. This is an online life-expectancy calculator that is geared around his study of "Living to 100." It is very comprehensive and the results are equally comprehensive. This does a great job of tackling the "big areas" and some of the little areas, too.
How much water do you drink in a day?
Of course we can't "talk" about energy without including the physical element. However, if you are overwhelmed by the thought of a new health plan, keep reading. Little changes can make a big difference in your energy production. Many of us are aware of the "big steps" we should take, so I have tried to focus on little changes that make a big impact. If you would like an overview of the big changes, I really recommend spending a few minutes at this site: http://clicks.aweber.com/z/ct/?lXFTaT1OCx89LRjoekgHSA
I saw expert Thomas Perls on CNN with Larry King and found his research quite interesting and revealing. This free, online test is a great way to look at the "gaps" in your life. Odds are where you fall short on the health score are many of the same areas where you can improve and create more energy. This is an online life-expectancy calculator that is geared around his study of "Living to 100." It is very comprehensive and the results are equally comprehensive. This does a great job of tackling the "big areas" and some of the little areas, too.
How much water do you drink in a day?
How much sleep do you get?
What kind of food do you eat?
Do you take good multi vitimin? If not get a hold of me I have a great one!!
Food patterns: Consider keeping a food journal to see how your energy fluctuates with your food consumption. Make adjustments to your food intake based on your discoveries. Remember that eating too little can be just as energy sapping as eating the wrong foods. Work on a balanced diet and don't forget your breakfast! Studies have shown that those who eat breakfast have more energy. If you have a hard time eating breakfast, find a simple solution. I often grab a breakfast bar on the go. A lean sandwich can also be made the night before and enjoyed in the morning. You don't have to eat "breakfast foods," but you do need to eat breakfast.
Exercise: You knew I would say it sooner or later! Getting your body moving is one of the quickest ways to increase energy.
Spiritual Energy
Spiritual energy can be thought of as "soul food." It isn't anxious or stress-filled motivation energy, but a calm and centered energy. Think of a time where you have experienced deep relaxation or a time where you have been moved by a talk or religious reading/teaching. That centeredness is spiritual energy. The beauty of spiritual energy is that it is steady and fulfilling. It doesn't rely on "highs and lows" to keep recreating itself. It comes from listening instead of talking and "being present" instead of "trying to get somewhere else." Because this is a quiet and calm energy and doesn't shout loudly for our attention, it is often the most neglected. Finding "peace" seems like an "extra" that many of us don't have time to pursue. Yet, within that peace, lies an ever-renewing source of energy. I would dare say that living without it is dangerous--and trying to live well without it, quite difficult.
Qualify spiritual practice: What does spiritual practice mean to you? It could be daily time for reflection or meditation; or daily scripture study or religious reading or prayer time. Take some time to think of where you have found spiritual energy in the past and if you are making room for spiritual energy on a daily basis.
Make a pact: Make a pact with yourself not to starve yourself of this soul food. Remember this is a quiet energy that won't shout for your attention, so it is important to nourish and commit to it.
Keep a spiritual journal: Make entries of your spiritual practice time and record what you learn and discover. Use this as a source to return to again and again to inspire continued spiritual development.
Keep Smiling and Enjoy your Summer!!
