Energy In, Energy Out!

It is no secret that most things in life require energy, whether through natural resources such as light, water, air, and soil, or our physical and mental energy to cope with life.

While it is common knowledge, it isn't always clear that we consider it. Let me start talking about our lives' tangible and electronic parts, including easily accessible AI. Not often is it mentioned how much energy AI uses; it certainly is convenient. Just like electricity, light, and water, we don't think much when we use them; when they are out or not working, we need a moment to collect ourselves and find a way to find new solutions.

Now, this post isn't about AI or electricity, though I want to raise this fact briefly when I get the chance. What I do want to talk about is our personal use of energy.

Are you aware of your daily energy levels? How do you gauge your energy?

Here are some things that I find energy-zapping: thinking, clutter, emotions, disagreements, cleaning, certain people, weather, challenges, insufficient sleep and food, too much work, and so on. But that's only one side of the story. Many other things and possibly some similar factors give us energy. With an ebb and flow in our energy, we also want to have some resources and tools to support us when we need an energy picker-upper.

What are some ways and/or practices that bring you energy?

Some physical ways, such as exercise and a walk, can bring energy back, and like with everything, it all depends on the time, day, and month that could cause us to fall into depletion. So, the best way to do this is not to stay firm in one particular way and to have various resources and tools ready, depending on our state of being.

Here are some easily-accessible resources I believe are simple energy builders:

• Nature

• Music

• Various creations (cooking, art making)

• Dancing, walking, sitting, sleeping

• Easy and uplifting conversations

• Breathing and pausing (e.g., through meditation)

Which one is/are your go-to? When do you integrate it/them?

The only way we can ensure we operate with our most impactful energy level is through self-awareness and self-compassion. We must recognize when to engage with and step away from something to build our energy levels for whatever the next action requires our full attention. As long as we check in on our energy bank throughout the day, and it isn't always easy or possible to approach our activities with the most upbeat and energized self.

Imagine yourself as a cell phone. You begin your day with a % of battery depending on your sleep. Let's say you had a mediocre sleep and feel 50% energized. Suppose you start your day immediately with an activity that requires dealing with challenges, thinking, or engaging with people who pull on your energy. In that case, chances are your battery is going down. Instead, pick one of the above-mentioned energy builders, and you can increase your battery from 50% to 60% before you start your day. The odds are that you will feel much better and ready to tackle the day. You also have the opportunity to add any of the resources throughout the day to feel accomplished and not feel completely exhausted at the end of the day.

And if all of the above won't work, allow yourself a piece of chocolate that might do the trick.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments on your relationship with your energy levels.

#mindfulness #breathe #bepresent #compassion #love #connection #trust #awareness #thoughts #language #emotion #art #exploration #understanding #ease #peace #energy