Guarding Your Energy: The Key to Personal and Professional Success
I’ve been thinking a lot about my energy. All things related to it – food intake, stress, activities that bring joy, energy suckers, etc. We live in such a fast-paced and interconnected world, it's no surprise that our energy levels can easily become depleted. Whether it's the demands of work, personal relationships, or the constant barrage of information, protecting our energy has become crucial for maintaining a healthy and balanced life. There are some things I do to protect my energy as I navigate through life challenges and attempt to maximize my personal and professional success that I hope are also useful to you.
Recognize your energy sources:
The first step in protecting your energy is understanding what energizes you. Identify the activities, people, and environments that uplift and invigorate you. It could be spending time in nature, engaging in creative pursuits, or connecting with loved ones. By recognizing these energy sources, you can prioritize them and ensure you're allocating sufficient time for activities that replenish your energy reservoir.
Set boundaries:
One of the most effective ways to protect your energy is by setting healthy boundaries. Establish clear guidelines for yourself in terms of time, availability, and personal space. Learn to say "no" to commitments that drain your energy without providing meaningful value. Prioritize your own well-being and communicate your boundaries assertively but respectfully. By doing so, you create space for activities and relationships that align with your goals and values.
Embrace self-care practices:
Self-care is not a luxury; it's a necessity. Engage in activities that nurture your mind, body, and soul. This looks different for everyone. It could be practicing mindfulness and meditation, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, or enjoying hobbies and interests. For me, it is journaling and practicing gratitude every morning, spending time in nature, drinking a cup of coffee outside in the morning, going for a walk with my dog (Hi, Turbo!), and never sacrificing sleep for something that doesn’t bring me joy. Remember, self-care is not selfish; it allows you to recharge and show up as your best self in all areas of life.
Surround yourself with positive influences:
The people and things we surround ourselves with greatly impact our energy levels. Surround yourself with individuals who uplift and inspire you. Seek out mentors, colleagues, and friends who radiate positivity and share your values. Limit exposure to toxic or negative individuals who drain your energy and create unnecessary stress. I’m huge on taking a look at your social networks too. Are you following people, companies, pages that bring you joy and unfollowing people, companies, and pages that drain you or make you feel anxious? I encourage you to do a social media audit often. Cultivating a supportive network will contribute to your overall well-being and protect your energy.
Practice stress management:
Stress is a major energy drain. Develop strategies to manage and reduce stress levels. Techniques that have worked for me are journaling, practicing gratitude, engaging in physical activities, and spending time in my sauna blanket! Find what works for you and incorporate these stress management practices into your daily routine.
Unplug and embrace digital detox:
In our hyperconnected world, it's easy to fall into the trap of constant notifications and distractions. Schedule regular digital detoxes to disconnect from screens and give your mind a break. Allocate specific times during the day to unplug from technology and focus on activities that nourish your soul and promote mental clarity. This intentional disconnection will help you protect your energy and maintain a healthy work-life balance. About 4 years ago, I turned off Outlook notifications on my mobile phone. I only look at my work email when I intentionally want to, not every time an email comes through. It was a HUGE help in unplugging.
I get asked often how I manage it all and what has contributed to my success, these items above are a BIG chunk of it. Protecting your energy is a vital aspect of personal and professional success. By recognizing your energy sources, setting boundaries, embracing self-care, surrounding yourself with positive influences, managing stress, and practicing digital detox, you can cultivate a sustainable and fulfilling life. Prioritizing your energy not only benefits you but also allows you to show up as your best self, positively impacting those around you. Remember, protecting your energy is an ongoing practice, so make it a priority and be prepared to slip in to old habits and then get back on track.
