09/26/2022
Be on the lookout for these common energy drainers. When you catch yourself, say, STOP, then flip the script.
—If you are trying to fix others, turn your attention to yourself, and ask what steps you can take to improve *your life*.
—If you are sleep deprived, say no to everything except for the things you absolute must do. Schedule your day around prioritizing sleep. Turn off electronics early to calm your nervous system; drink chamomile tea, or use lavender essential oil, or other sleep inducers to help you get a restful night’s sleep.
—If you take on more than you can handle ask yourself what you are trying to prove, and who you are trying to impress. Do you have a martyr complex? Do you like suffering? Are you building a [false, because it is conditional] sense of self-esteem from accomplishing? Explore why you put undue pressure on yourself, which creates stress. Be radically honest with yourself, and note what you need to cut out from your life, do less of, and where you need help; asking for and receiving help is a strength, not a weakness.
—If you are consistently stuck in the past you might have trauma or pain that needs to be healed. Or it could be regret, or resentment. Ask yourself what you get out of staying in the past, rather than living in the moment — the only place we can claim our power — and focusing on creating a better future. Note if there is something from your past you are unable to work through, or let go of on your own. If so, talk with a trusted confidant, or better yet, a therapist. Getting help is a strong choice, not a weak one.
—If you are always prioritizing others’ over yourself you are not recognizing your own value, or your own needs. Take time to honestly reflect on what you really need. Then take steps to fulfill your needs — today. Know that you will never please everyone, nor can you be everything for everyone, so stop trying. If you cannot stop on your own, get help from a therapist, or coach, who can assist you in breaking habits that no longer serve you, and creating healthy habits that energize and uplift you.
—If you are putting yourself down, stop. Stop, right now. That is mean. It is hurtful. Bad mouthing yourself will never, ever, make you better, it will only make you feel worse. When you catch yourself speaking negatively to, or about yourself, say, STOP, then honestly acknowledge if there is something you want to improve, or where you can do and be better, and take steps to make the changes you desire. Then celebrate every baby step forward. Please be kind to yourself.
—Worrying about the future drains not just your energy, but your power. It is a time killer, that can become a literal killer, as it causes stress, which is the leading cause of illness and disease. If you want to create the brightest and best future for yourself use your power to consciously and deliberately choose what you want, and steps you’ll take to create it. If you worry about ‘what if’ this or that, ask if there is anything you can do to prevent it; if so, take those steps. Worrying is putting your faith in the worst case scenario, which 99.9% of the time doesn’t come true. Use your creative power to cultivate peace, calm, and the motivation to consciously create your future. Worrying is a form of procrastination and avoidance, you spend time worrying rather than doing.
—Food is fuel. If you don’t eat enough, or enough of the right things, you will feel drained, and you’re setting yourself up fo r illness. Reframe your relationship with food by acknowledging it as fuel you need. Note how you feel after eating different things; if you feel heavy and tired and sluggish, that is not a good food for you. If you feel awake, vibrant and energized when you eat something, eat more of that regularly. Add more living food to your diet, fresh fruits and vegetables and leafy greens, and you’ll feel more alive. If you don’t know what is best for you to eat do some research on “optimal nutrition”, or hire a nutritionist, or health coach.
—It is natural to feel scared or upset when faced with a big problem, and mildly annoyed by the little problems that pop up throughout the day. The human brain can only focus on one thing at a time, so focusing on the problem means you’re missing the solution. Shift your attention by asking, “How can I solve this problem?”, which opens your mind to finding solutions. People like to complain. Comparing problems has vecome a sport, people trying to outdo each other, as if one will win an award for having the most dramatic story. Stop telling people your problems— instead, only mention a problem if you are asking for help to seek a solution.
— Take time today to reflect, or journal to explore other ways your energy gets drained, or your mood is dulled, or bad vibes arise. Find your own ways to nix the energy drainers and recharge your battery.
Share how you recharge, to help others be their most energized, vibrantly alive self.
Follow Self-Care School for daily “me time” and tips on how to thrive, prosper and flourish.
