5 Steps to Protect Your Energy
I was speaking to a good friend of mine about things we typically put a value on. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but as a society we tend to value income, material possessions, education, governance, community and relationships. So, I asked him, why isn’t valuing our energy on this list?
This got me thinking about the value we do (or don’t) put on it and this idea of protecting your energy.
Our energy level really does determine how we show up in the day and in our life.
I’d like you to ask yourself the following questions.
Do you wake up feeling full of vitality and eager to start your day, or do you wake up groggy, unmotivated and reaching for the coffee?
(I hold no judgement on reaching for coffee! I myself really enjoy my morning cup when journaling. The question here is how you feel about that coffee. Do you need it or simply enjoy it?)
Our energy is actually an excellent measure of our current level of wellbeing and linked to our motivation, productivity, focus and creativity.
In the above example you can see the difference between the two immediately and it provides a measure for where you’re at and where you might like to get to.
So, what do we need to improve our energy? Our energy levels are linked and effected by our healthy habits, stress, relationships and if we find meaning in our day.
So, what are some things you can do to protect your energy so you too can wake up energised, motivated and ready to take on the day?
Meditation
Yoga
Sleep
Relaxation
Exercise
Eating whole foods
Keeping hydrated
Getting outside in nature
Connecting with loved ones
Stress management
Being creative
Play
And on the flip side of this, what are some things that may be depleting your energy?
Not getting enough or good quality sleep
Not scheduling in recovery time, breaks throughout your day
Eating a diet full of processed and sugary foods
Not drinking enough water
Not exercising
Toxic relationships
Not feeling like you have purpose
Too much tech time (including social media)
Poor time management
Procrastination
“Stop giving your energy to things that make you feel bad.” – Louise Hay
These two lists will of course look slightly different for each person. It’s important to try things out and see what works for you. What gives you energy and what doesn’t.
I think a really good measure here is if an activity or person doesn’t align with our true selves we can often feel depleted afterwards.
Imagine starting your day from a place full of energy. What could you achieve? How could you show up in your day and in your life?
5 Steps to Protecting Your Energy:
Here’s a few steps you could take to help you get started if you’ve noticed you haven’t been putting as much value or protecting your energy as well as you could.
Think of small steps you could take rather than trying to change everything at once.
Adding in positives is often easier than removing negatives. Over time you will find yourself naturally drawn to the things that give you energy and be able to better identify the things that don’t.
Recognise that you may feel differently throughout the day, throughout the month, seasons, or different chapters of your life. As you get stronger at listening to your body you’ll be able to adapt your healthy habits in line with your needs.
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Wellness is a journey. One that needs to adapt and change with us.
Start journaling and acknowledge your progress.
I’d love to know in the comments below what are some of your strategies and how much importance have you put on protecting your energy.
