“It takes courage to say yes to rest and play in a culture where exhaustion is seen as a status symbol”- Brené Brown
On any given day, the laundry list of things to do is generally longer than there are hours you have to do them. Managing a hectic schedule is common. So much so, that it’s also quite common to answer the question “how are you?” with the simple phrase- “really busy!”
Being busy is exhausting, but as Brené Brown points out, being exhausted is somehow seen as a status symbol. The messages are loud and clear-
- Hustle
- Grind
- Sleep when you’re dead
- No rest for the weary
- The early bird gets the worm
Sure, it’s good to be eager, willing, and able to be all things to all people and do everything possible to be a success. No one is being critical for people having drive but driving too hard and being exhausted all the time isn’t a badge of honor. It’s foolish.
Being run down and worn out makes people susceptible to illnesses and injuries which can really sideline their plans and take them out of the game. It’s important to determine if your energy levels can manage the expectations you…and others put on your time. Making sure that you are doing all you can to-
- Create a realistic schedule
- Create realistic expectations
Create realistic levels of energy
What can your schedule allow?
You may not have 100% control of your schedule, but you can manage the aspects that are within your control. Creating a realistic schedule that works for you and your family helps set boundaries when you’ve reached your limit. Saying yes to every invitation and ask won’t leave room for generating the energy you need for what matters most. Create a realistic schedule that takes into account the unique needs you and your family have.
What are the realistic expectations?
Your unique life doesn’t look like your neighbor’s, co-workers, or other family member’s. Your life is unique to you and the expectations placed on you and your family. Based on your family dynamic, what are the expectations coming in and how realistic are they? If you are working full time, juggling kids and sports, it may not be an option for volunteering for a community event. It’s ok to set limits on what you say yes to in order to preserve your energy. Just because someone else has room in their schedule for something, it doesn’t mean you do too. Don’t feel pressured to take on more when you’ve reached your limit.
What is your energy level like?
Everyone has a current level of energy that comes from a variety of sources. Eating right, getting enough rest, and staying fit all help create more energy. The energy you have is directly tied to how well you are taking care of yourself. Be sure that you are doing all you can to stay healthy and generate more energy.
Being tired isn’t a necessity. Controlling your schedule and doing what you can to create and maintain a healthy amount of energy helps keep clear boundaries so you can check everything off your to-do list with ease.
What Relationships Are Draining your Life Energy?
Our life is centered around relationships. From our family, to our community, to the world at large, we can’t avoid being in relationships. Even introverts and shy personality types are in relationships and must engage with people every day. Who we spend time with directly affects our energy. It’s important to consider if the people in your life are draining yours.
People carry their energy with them
People give off a vibe. There’s a saying that young children and dogs can tell if someone is worth knowing. People have ways about them that make them easier or harder to be around. Their energy can directly affect the energy and the people in the room.
A stranger in a room can create a presence that can change the entire atmosphere. Additionally, there may be people in your life who always seem to shift your mood when you come into contact. Without intentionally trying to defend yourself, it can change your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors just by being around them.
There’s more than one way to drain someone’s energy
There are plenty of ways for someone to drain your energy. Some are negative and some are neutral, but they all result in the same outcome- feeling worn out and tired after engaging.
Negativity is draining- Someone looking at the dim side of life, will drain your energy. People who are negative can make you feel defeated and tired in a short amount of time.
Problem-solving is draining- Some people have a tough time solving their own problems and look to others for support and guidance. People who are always in crisis mode can wear you out and drain the energy you need to solve your own problems.
Talking too much is draining- Introverts and people who need time to recharge are drained by small talk. Though talking in and of itself isn’t a negative thing, for some it drains their energy and makes it harder to accomplish their daily tasks.
It’s important to remove yourself from draining people
Under a lot of circumstances, you can avoid people who have a creepy vibe or otherwise give off negative energy. If you encounter someone in a bad mood you can politely disengage and shake off the experience. If someone’s low energy is draining yours, you can exit their presence and reclaim your enthusiasm before their energy invades yours. If you simply must disengage from people in order to keep your stamina, it’s ok to tap out.
It might be impossible to disengage from people entirely, but you can limit the type and amount of draining people and experiences in your life. Identifying the types of people who tend to drain your energy helps. Limiting your exposure to them will go a long way to helping you generate and keep your energy levels higher.
When you understand your life purpose you will create a life full of energy and zest. If you want to understand your life purpose Take the Quiz
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