We’ve established that our physical, emotional and spiritual energy is finite, not unlimited. Just doing life, working and relating to people will drain our energy levels. You can name a ton more specific energy-drainers: financial stress, conflict, internal incongruity, health issues, insecurity and more. But, the question is, how do you restore and refuel your energy reserves?
In Part 1, I gave several suggestions about staying energized: Identify your energy-drainers, complete and accomplish tasks, exercise, eat right, help someone else and laugh more.
Here are some additional suggestions I have for staying energized:
Connect with God – This is where I start most every day. All of us was created to link to our Creator. God is the ultimate energy source. I connect with Him through reading the Bible and prayer.
Stay Positive – This is more crucial than you might think. “For as a man thinks in his heart, so is he” (Proverbs 23:7). It’s simple but hard to do. Negative attitudes deplete your energy. Positive thoughts energize.
Watch Your Words – Your thoughts influence your words and your actions. Your words influence the people and environment around you. “Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Your words will either energize or drain you and all of the other people you connect with each day.
Feed Your Brain – Stimulate your brain by feeding it new and interesting content. I watch almost no television in a given week. But I do read every day and try to learn something new about leadership, photography and things I know very little about. You can’t afford not to read if you plan to grow and be energized.
Get Plenty of Rest – Everyone is different but most adults need 7-8 hours of sleep each day. When you don’t get enough rest, you get grumpy and you reduce your ability to handle stress.
Disconnect Regularly – We all need a change from routine to refill our energy tanks. Even God rested on the seventh day of creation. Divert daily. Withdraw weekly. Abandon annually. Find a hobby that recharges you. Mine is nature photography (See Gingerich PhotoArt)
Avoid Energy-Depleters – I have to be honest here. Some relationships are toxic. Some are a ginormous energy drain. Others totally energize you every time you are with them. I understand there’s a problem here if you are married to one who drains you. But, be honest, get counseling, work hard toward developing a life-giving relationship. And, make sure you are imparting life and energy to the people around you!
QUESTION: What have I missed? What do you do to boost your energy? Leave a comment below.
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