For my regular coaching column in “Asian Woman Magazine“, I was recently asked this question:-
Lately I have been feeling rather low in energy. I feel lethargic and have no interest in doing anything. How can I get out of this mind set?
This is what I replied:-
To get the life you love and to live it, you will need lots of energy to live it to the full, and to do everything you would like to. You can indeed have all the energy and support you need in your life – simply get clear on what you need to do in order to make it happen.
To start with, visualise a time when you have felt really energised. Write a few sentences on where you were and what you were doing.
Write down five great things about that time. What were your feelings? From now on, reconnect with these feelings any time you want to get energised even more.
It is key that you identify your healthy sources of energy. What sort of things invigorate and excite you? Conversely what drains you? Reflect right now on what new activities and habits you are willing to take on.
Also get clear on where you are losing your energy. What situations, activities, habits, obligations or relationships are draining your energy?
Pause now, reflect and identify three to five such energy-draining situations, habits or relationships. Decide what you will do over the coming week to change or let go of these habits. And get ready to feel much more energised.
Get an energy boost at the beginning of the day by starting with an invigorating shower. Go even further and turn on the cold water for a few seconds. You will be thankful for the rest of the day.
Begin your working day with a list of things you must do in that day and cross them off as you achieve them. It will energise you to see the list get shorter. Prioritise your list and focus your energy on one priority at a time, until it is complete.
You can do a number of things to increase your energy – choose to do some or all of these in the next seven days – eat better food, improve your work area, delegate tasks, take walks at lunchtime and breathing deeper.
Get connected with what gives you energy and what drains you. Minimise the amount of time you spend around people who drain you. Know that it is within your control to cut loose those things in your life — relationships, situations, activities, habits and obligations — that drain your energy. By doing so, you can then create an environment that supports and boosts your energy, thereby making room for better things to come in.
Avoid being around electro-magnetic appliances such as a TV or a computer for too long. When working on a computer have frequent short breaks, at least five minutes every hour.
Spend some quality time on yourself every day. This could be something as simple as putting your feet up for 15 minutes. Explore ways of bringing more stillness and quiet time in your life such as through meditation, early morning walks in the park and listening to soothing music.
Focus on the freedom that increased energy will allow you so as to maximise your creativity and to put your talents to the best use. This is the way to get and live the kind of life you love in less time and with greater enjoyment.
Being energised can then become a natural state of being where you will feel more relaxed and able to achieve much more and with less effort.
Enjoy being vital and zestful!