Energy - Are you Making the Most of Yours

When you are feeling at your most alive - raring to go and full of passion and energy - what are you doing?

When you feel tired and out of sorts, pulled down and exhausted what is at the bottom of your lack of energy?

You might think that for each person the answer would be entirely different and at one level that is, in fact, true. However, there is a common underlying principle to both the positive and negative scenarios.

The things which de-energize us are very likely to come from one or more of the following:

Carrying around emotional baggage.

When we fail to deal with negative issues which leave a residue of a negative emotion such as anger, fear, hate, loneliness, frustration, disappointment, jealousy or bitterness those emotions take energy.

If we try to suppress those emotions rather than deal with the underlying causes it takes enormous energy to keep them locked away. My metaphor for these is the dragon in the box. Once the lid comes off it can feel as though it will be impossible to put it back on again. Some clients will say “I can't afford to cry because if I do I won't be able to stop” or “If I admit to being angry it will be real and I won't be able to control it any more”

The paradox is that it takes far more energy to avoid dealing with these negative emotions than it does to tackle the underlying problem itself.

If you are finding it difficult to let go there are a number of techniques which can help enormously. You may find it helpful to work with a coach, some techniques can be found in this months recommended read.

In-completions

By that I mean all those things which we know we should have done/be doing but haven't. It could be a simple as tackling the ironing, making a phone call to someone, or as complicated as complete overwhelm because we are drowning under acres of work and we simply cannot work out where to start.

The brain is constantly sending us little reminders that we still haven't completed things, jogging our consciences and making us feel bad about ourselves.

The solution is to create a “To Do” list which is constructed in such a way as to make each small task achievable. Celebrate that achievement. Prioritize the things on your action list. Be realistic. If we can't do it now then putting a date in the diary to do it - AND STICKING TO YOUR PROMISE TO DO IT can enable you to get things done more effectively.

All or nothing syndrome

Hand in hand with the in-completions goes the human condition that so many of us suffer from, that is all or nothing syndrome. By that I mean that if we can't do it all we'll do nothing.

When I learned about this the example Topher Morrison used was of housework. A gentleman wants to get fit. He sets himself the target of exercising six days a week for 50 minutes each day. Day one arrives, he is caught up at work so cannot fit in the 50 minutes. He thinks to himself - no worries I'll do it tomorrow. Tomorrow comes; the train is late so he misses his session again. He then thinks to himself there is no point in doing anything this week as I can't get my six sessions in. I'll start again on Monday. Week by week something gets in the way of six fifty minute sessions so he does nothing.

The need to get fit niggles away at the back if his mind - as an incompletion.

One strategy is to create a target where it is impossible to fail. Ten minutes exercise once a week. Completing the task gives a sense of completion which is in itself energizing. The likelihood is that once the exercise session is actually started it will end up being longer than ten minutes. Exercise releases endorphins in the brain which are the body's natural feel good chemical. If you feel good after doing exercise then you are far more likely to repeat the process.

Insomnia

Not being able to sleep well is a very common problem. For some, it is a problem for an odd night, which can be irritating but it causes only a transitory problem. For others it is a debilitating because night after night sleep eludes them. Long tem insomnia can impact negatively on health and longevity and has a huge impact on the sufferer's energy levels and sense of wellbeing.

The solution to the problem may be different for each person and will require some experimentation. In the first instance, it is sensible to try to identify the root cause although that is not always obvious. You may need the help of your Doctor to eliminate physical causes like sleep apnea. Dealing with negative emotions is a good place to start if there is no obvious physical cause.

You are what you eat.

I find some of my clients will report lack of energy as being an issue for them. When we look at their diet I sometimes find that it simply cannot sustain a healthy body and sense of well being. Snatched meals often made up of junk food, and/or eaten very late at night will over time, impact negatively on energy levels.

Once a healthy balanced diet, and taking time to eat at sensible times is established, their energy levels shoot up. Part of a healthy diet should be ensuring you remain hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Dehydration will leave you feeling lethargic and unwell.

Think of your food as fuel. To run a high octane racing car you would use a top quality fuel. Your body is no different.

Giving yourself the time to eat in a relaxed way will also impact positively on your energy levels.

Creating Positive Energy comes from other things too

Doing something you feel passionate about

When we are engaged in doing something we love it creates a sense of enthusiasm and energy. When was the last time you did something you were passionate about? What was it? What is it that makes it so special? When and how can you create more opportunities to engage again?

Making a real difference

When we feel that we a truly making a difference whether it is to others, animal welfare or the environment it has a positive impact of our sense of self worth, that in turn boosts our energy levels and makes us feel valued and energized. What interests you? How can you make a real difference to others?

Try making a random act of kindness to a stranger every day. Expect nothing in return. It doesn't matter how big or small, letting a car out of a side street, carrying someone's bag, giving of your time and energy. Just monitor how it makes you feel.

Go out of your way to make someone smile, try talking to someone in the lift rather than staring into space. Say hello to a stranger in the street. Each small but positive action can add to your pot of personal energy.

Using imagery to create energy

You can think your way to greater energy. Think of a time when you felt at your very best, full of energy. Close your eyes and imagine you are in that moment.

Let your mind see whatever it sees. Think of the colours and textures. Are they bright or dull, close to or far away, moving or still?

Hear what you hear - are the noises loud or soft, low or high, melodious or discordant?

Feel what you feel - what sensation is it? Does it have a shape? Where is it, is it moving or still, heavy or light, hot or cold?

Immerse yourself in the sensations of that moment; pay close attention to how it is to be so full of energy. Imagine the sensations are only at 20% Turn the sensation up gradually until it is at 100%.

Finally one of the best ways of being energized is to have fun, to laugh and be playful.

Laughter, fun and playfulness

Laughter is a wonderful tonic. When we laugh we breathe deeply oxygenating the brain and releasing endorphins. The result is a hugely increased energy level. When was the last time you had fun and laughed long and hard? Research has shown laughter has incredible benefits to general health and particularly on the immune system.

How often are you playful - taking life less seriously? We all have a child in us who can be incredibly energizing if we allow them to be. I know that life is a serious business but without the lighter side of life it is all too easy to become bowed down under the pressure.

Plan to do something different in the next few days. Notice what happens when you create the opportunity to try something different, to laugh and have some fun.

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