Imagine your daily energy as a gas tank. Throughout the day, every action you take either adds fuel to that tank or depletes it. The goal, much like with your car, is to end the day with a full tank, or at least enough to get you through the next morning. This concept, "Energy In vs. Energy Out," is a powerful analogy for understanding and managing your well-being.
Our daily activities constantly influence our energy levels. Some activities bring us joy, invigorate us, and leave us feeling replenished – these are our "joys" or "energy ins." Others, however, can be draining, leaving us feeling depleted and exhausted – these are our "drains" or "energy outs."
The key to sustainable daily energy lies in recognizing what fills your tank and what empties it and getting specific about it. By consciously identifying your personal joys and drains, you can begin to create a strategy for maintaining a more balanced and fulfilling life.
Think about your typical day:
- What activities leave you feeling energized and happy? Perhaps it's a morning walk or coffee/ tea, a creative hobby, spending time with loved ones, the smell of fresh laundry, or engaging in a task you genuinely enjoy. These are your "joys."
- What activities leave you feeling tired, stressed, or irritable? This could be a demanding work task, a difficult conversation, excessive screen time, constant stimulation, or even neglecting your basic needs. These are your "drains."
Once you've identified these, you can start to make intentional choices. Recognize that activities can be energizing on one side but draining on the other, and that we need to be very clear about what energizes and what drains us about each task. Can you start to incorporate more "joys" into your day? Can you minimize or find ways to mitigate the impact of your "drains"? It's not about eliminating all drains, as some are unavoidable, but rather about building resilience and ensuring you have enough "energy in" to counteract the "energy out."
By understanding this simple yet profound analogy, you empower yourself to take control of your energy levels and cultivate a life that feels sustained and vibrant. It's a journey of self-awareness and intentional living, ensuring your energy tank is always ready for whatever comes your way.
This foundation principle in my practice is one that I rely on to help support clients in starting to feel better each day. Would you try this?
Stay Curious
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This content is for informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or mental health advice. Engaging with this content does not create a therapist-client relationship. Please consult a qualified professional for personal health concerns.
If you are in crisis, call or text 9-8-8 or contact emergency services at 911.
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