Do you feel like your “get up and go” got up and went? Are you a morning person, yet you’ve had a harder time getting out of bed lately? Are you pushing through your days to get stuff done? Have you experienced COVID brain fog that’s had you tune out and be more passive than usual?  Forgive yourself. It has been a rough year. Yet you may be making things harder if you aren’t actively pushing out the fog.

Whether it’s the weather or the ongoing quieter pace associated with the pandemic, it makes sense if your energy level hasn’t been what you would like.

 

Things are happening that are out of your control to some degree. I get that. I want to make sure you realize all that is within your control that can make a difference in the amount you accomplish and how you feel. 

So I want to talk about your energy. It’s pretty simple:

 

Energy = Strength

 

We need energy to make things happen. And, we need energy to enjoy the ride of life. 

 

Do you know, specifically, what gives you energy? If not, no worries. All you need to do is a little detective work on yourself. 

 

I invite you to recall moments when you had abundant energy.  That wasn’t random.  It was in part related to what you were doing.  Now ask yourself, which of those things can I add to my days now?  Connect with what you already know works for you.

 

Next, take a look at your life in the following areas:

 

Your Food

Inform yourself.  Do you know what foods boost your vitality versus the ones that don’t? Make a list so that you can choose wisely. Even if you don’t want to change the foods you eat, you will know when to eat what to give you maximum energy when you want it.  Like a 3 p.m. espresso or tea, if it doesn’t make you crash later or disturb your sleep. 

 

This list from Eat This, Not That! may help you out: https://www.eatthis.com/foods-all-day-energy/ 

 

Your Physical Activity 

Do you tend to limit your body movement to one chunk of time, like a daily walk, cardio, or yoga a few times per week? 

 

Are you seated at a desk or couch using a computer or phone for much of the day? Whether because of the pandemic or it was your routine beforehand.  Maybe you’re ordering delivery rather than getting in the car or going for a walk to pick up dinner.  Many of us have become more sedentary, which is detrimental to our health. Our bodies operate the best when we move around frequently. Like when you’re working, you want to sit for 45 minutes maximum; 30 minutes is ideal. For example, as I’m writing this, I make a point of standing up and moving a little when I get to a place where I’ve finished typing an idea and formulate the next thought. 

 

Look for ways to create short breaks to give yourself some zip throughout the day. 

 

You don’t need a lot of time to do this.  Stretch for a few minutes. Put on some music and dance, just for two songs.  You know how easy it is to get the juices flowing. 

 

Your Eyes

Support your eyes! Brief intervals away from your screens help your eyes. You may not realize the strain of uninterrupted staring as your vision may not change, yet it unnecessarily fatigues you.

 

Take 5 minutes. Throw a ball for the dog.

 

If you are in a cold climate and can’t go outside, stick your head out the window.

 

Do something with your kids. Tap into their youthful energy.

 

Your Connections

Speaking of kids, let’s talk about people. Connection with others has such potential to light us up. As you make a point of calling someone or setting up a video call, be aware of their vitality as you experience them.  When you’re looking for an infusion of energy, connect with people in your life who have some pep! The value of this hit home for me yesterday on a weekly Zoom call with a group of people who truly inspire me.  I told them that anticipating our Zoom call gets me feeling like a hybrid car pulling into a charging station.  Talk about an energy boost.  As much as a call gives you, you may have a similar effect on the person you’re talking to.  Your connection provides such a gift and reminds them to care for themselves in this way.

 

“Where focus goes, energy flows.”

 

It’s no coincidence that this quote, by Tony Robbins, was in my inbox this morning when I sat down to write about energy. Because it’s on the minds of those of us who realize the vital role energy plays in our lives. That power moves to where we place our attention, especially when we are managing a lot.  It’s only human to be distracted when we are vigilant and wanting to be sure we have everything covered. 

 

It is crucial to focus only on what you are working on at the moment and to concentrate on actions that will yield the results that really matter and leave you the most fulfilled.  

 

You may know many of the things you’ve read here so far.  Yet are you doing them consistently?  If not, I’m here to remind you of their power. Because I know that sometimes we forget to do the simple things, don’t we? 

 

So you get to make a decision. Do you want to be more effective and feel better at the same time? All you have to do is be intentional about your energy.  Ask, “What am I doing to add some oomph to my day?”  Then put those actions on your schedule.  Up there with the important “must do’s” that you know you will do no matter what.

 

Your investment of time will pay off many times over in your productivity and well-being. 

 

So here’s a toast, whether you’re raising a glass of green juice, a latte, or a glass of cold water.

To your energy and all that it allows you to create!