ROCK thru with more energized, vibrant living
ABUNDANT LIVING SERIES
by Lee Havenga | June 20, 2024
I’m sure you’ve been there—I know I have. Feeling drained, struggling to muster the energy to get through the day. It’s not just physical tiredness; it’s a kind of exhaustion that seeps into every part of life. This fatigue can cause cognitive challenges such as difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and impaired decision-making. Our productivity plummets, and even the simplest tasks feel overwhelming. It’s a vicious cycle where fatigue leads to stress, and stress leads to more fatigue. Ready to ROCK thru to break this cycle and reclaim your energy?
In this Abundant Living series article, we’ll explore how the ROCK thru principles of Connection and Ownership can help you boost your energy. You can make meaningful changes by connecting with yourself to understand what replenishes and zaps your energy, and taking Ownership through awareness, acceptance, and action. Let’s dive in and explore how to ROCK thru to more energized, vibrant living.
Keep your energy high and your worries low.
CONNECTION
Apply it
Apply it: Understand What Replenishes and Zaps Your Energy
The first step to boosting your energy is to make a Connection to yourself. This means paying attention to and understanding what activities, foods, environments, and relationships either replenish or drain your energy.
1. Keep an Energy Journal. Start by keeping an energy journal for a week. Note when you feel the most energized and when you feel the most tired. Pay attention to patterns—what did you eat, what activities were you doing, who were you with, and how did these factors influence your energy levels?
Here are some questions to guide your self-Connection process:
- On a scale of 1-10, how energized do you feel right now? (Ask yourself morning, noon, and night)
- Which activities make you feel alive and invigorated?
- What foods give you sustained energy?
- Are there specific people who energize you or drain you?
- How does your environment (cluttered vs. clean, noisy vs. quiet) affect your energy?
Understanding these elements will help you identify what to incorporate more of and what to limit in your daily life. This deepened Connection to yourself is the foundation for making impactful changes.
OWNERSHIP
Apply it
Apply it: Take Charge of What Fuels and Drains Your Energy
Awareness
First, become aware of your current energy patterns. Reflect on your energy journal and identify the main factors influencing your energy levels. Awareness is about noticing these patterns without judgment.
Acceptance
Next, accept the truths you’ve uncovered. You may have realized that certain foods or habits are not serving you well. Acceptance means acknowledging these truths without making excuses. It’s about understanding that you have the power to change.
Action
Finally, take action. Here are some actionable steps to boost your energy based on what you’ve learned. Many of these actions are beneficial for overall health, but they also provide instant energy boosts:
2. Control Stress. Stress consumes huge amounts of energy. Incorporate relaxation techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing into your daily routine. As Dr. Herbert Benson explains in The Relaxation Response, these practices can significantly reduce stress and increase energy.
3. Lighten Your Load. Overworking can lead to fatigue. Prioritize your tasks and delegate when possible. Reducing your workload can free up energy for more important activities.
4. Exercise Regularly. Exercise enhances energy levels by increasing oxygen circulation and boosting brain dopamine levels. Even a brisk walk can invigorate you instantly.
5. Eat for Energy. Choose foods with a low glycemic index, such as whole grains and high-fiber vegetables. These foods provide a steady energy release, preventing energy crashes.
6. Stay Hydrated. Dehydration is a common cause of fatigue. Ensure you drink enough water throughout the day to keep your energy levels up.
7. Limit Alcohol and Caffeine. Although often thought of as energy boosters, both substances can disrupt sleep and reduce energy. Use them judiciously to avoid energy slumps.
8. Get Enough Sleep. Quality sleep is crucial for energy. Try sleep restriction therapy to improve sleep quality and wake up feeling more refreshed.
9. Seek Out Laughter. Laughter is a powerful energy booster. Watch a comedy show, spend time with funny friends, or recall funny memories to lighten your mood and increase your energy.
10. Connect with Others. Social connections can energize you. Spend time with loved ones who uplift you and engage in activities that bring joy.
Remember, you can transform your energy levels by connecting with yourself and taking Ownership of your actions. Embrace these steps, and watch how they elevate your energy and enhance your overall well-being. Here’s to ROCKing thru life with more vitality and joy!
XO ~ Lee
Sources:
Benson, Herbert. The Relaxation Response. William Morrow, 2000.
LeWine, Howard E., MD. “9 Tips to Boost Your Energy — Naturally.” Harvard Health Publishing, Harvard Medical School, 4 Apr. 2024, www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/9-tips-to-boost-your-energy-naturally.
Get more like this, right to your inbox
Want to inspire a friend?
Forward this on so they can
ROCK thru too!
