In a recent blog post, I outlined 10 things that may be zapping your energy. 

Managing your energy is critical for a healthy and productive life.  If you are not managing your energy properly, you are more likely to experience anger, stress, frustration, exhaustion, overwhelm and burnout, all of which can compromise your health.

Saying no to someone or something because it doesn’t align with you energetically, means you are saying yes to yourself!

Another way to look at the concept of managing your energy is managing your “bandwidth”.  For certain tasks, events and people, I have a limited bandwidth.  If I exceed that bandwidth, my energy levels decrease and I “check-out”.  By that, I mean, I become frustrated, feel overwhelmed and I end up feeling exhausted, which isn’t good for me or anyone around me. 

Managing your energy or bandwidth may seem selfish.  However, when you say “no” to someone or something because it doesn’t align with you energetically, you are really saying “yes” to yourself.

When you intentionally manage your energy you’ll begin to realize how much energy you have. Your emotions become positive, passionate and peaceful (as opposed to the negativity that comes with exceeding your bandwidth).

Your outlook on life changes when you have the energy to be productive, which can make a world of difference in your present and future health!

Why I am not a fan of “multi-tasking”

Multi-tasking has been lauded as the default way to do things for years.  What’s worse is that there never seems to be enough time to get things done, so we exist by multi-tasking on the run. We focus a little on a lot of things and in the end, we don’t get everything done and we end up feeling like we accomplished nothing.  In addition, you probably feel exhausted and frustrated by the end of the day.  Am I right?

Don’t get me wrong.  We all multi-task, i.e. surfing the net while eating or cooking food, while talking, etc.  I’m talking about jumping from project to project or trying to do many high-demand things at once, getting very little done and thus zapping your energy!

What can be done?

Thinking about and adopting some energy management techniques can help your natural energy flow, so that it is healthier for you.

When you focus on the physical ways to better manage your energy, it serves you better than trying to get things done using ways that leave you mentally and physically depleted.

Here are some simple ways to manage your bandwidth:

Get rid of energy drainers. An energy drainer might be in the form of a person or a task. Assess the people around you and distance yourself from those who leave you exhausted when you leave their presence.

Now, I’m not saying to dump friends and delete loved ones from your contacts.  I am saying when you feel as if your energy is being compromised, try to manage the situation so that you don’t end up exhausted and drained.

Learn and practice a ‘healing’ art. Energy healing sessions such as Tai Chi and Reiki are especially great for renewing the energy levels of your mind, body and spirit so that you feel better and enjoy a healthier lifestyle.

Nourish your spiritual side. Take some time out of every day to nourish your spirit. You can commune with nature by gardening or walking or even just sitting in a garden listening to the sounds of nature. Take time to meditate and search through your soul until you feel rejuvenated.  Even if it’s just sitting in a quiet room for a few minutes or in your car (parked of course) with your eyes closed.  A few minutes can do wonders!

Discover what makes you happy. You may not be able to do what makes you happy 24/7, but you can rejuvenate your body and mind by engaging in those activities on a regular basis. You may enjoy crafts, cooking, reading, watching or playing sports. It doesn’t matter what the activity is, as long as it makes you happy! 😊

My morning walks are rejuvenating for me.  They are non-negotiables and get my mind right for the day!

Energy from Foods

Of course, having a healthy diet is critical to keeping energy levels stable so you can get all your tasks done! 

Clean eating isn’t just for maintaining your weight. Eating clean also helps support your energy levels to keep you going throughout the day! Check out my blog post on eating clean for more information!

Getting and staying healthy isn’t solely about diet and exercise. A positive outlook and surrounding yourself with positive energy by managing your bandwidth, can do wonders for your health!

Until next time!

Francine