Energy is everything!
On powerful practices to conserve energy
Living life intentionally often requires us to do difficult things like ‘respond to life’ instead of reacting. And from experience I have learnt that ‘responding to life’, requires a “LOT” of energy. Probably why not many choose to live intentionally :)
Since, living a conscious life is important for me I decided to invest time in learning & practicing ways to conserve energy.
Today I will share with you some practices that I am finding valuable.
1. Being intentional with my day by becoming accountable to my daily habits:
“Either you run the day or the day runs you” - Jim Rohn
One of the most powerful things I did starting this Year is “design a physical journal” to stay accountable to habits that matter most to me. The journal contains a list of habits that I intend to focus on daily. Meeting my journal everyday & being answerable to it has ensured that I stay committed to my habits & my day is lived intentionally.
2. Curating my Social Media feeds:
“This is the great irony of social media: the more you immerse yourself in it, the more lonely and depressed you become.” - Jonathan Heidt
I do a regular audit of my social media to ensure I am only following that which feeds my interests & keeps me inspired. I have also figured a way to run my business without having to spend too much time on social media. This has helped me escape the energy draining effects of social media.
3. Prioritizing Sleep:
” Sleep is an investment in the energy you need to be effective tomorrow.”
– Tom Roth
Sleep has taken a whole new level of importance for me in midlife. I find that it is paramount to feeling good & making better choices. So, adhering to a standard sleep schedule (fixed going to bed & wake up time) in addition to early dinner to ensure better sleep quality has become a priority for me to conserve energy.
4. Becoming mindful of my inner dialogue:
"When you extend kindness to yourself, you create a sanctuary of love, acceptance, and peace within your own heart." — John O'Donohue
I have become adept at catching a self-critical thought before it takes root & spreads its branches in my mind. I have noticed that once the thought is acknowledged it seizes to have power over me & I find it easier to bounce back to being my cheerful self. I am grateful to my mindfulness & meditation practices to enable this.
5. Honoring my moments:
“Life becomes more meaningful when you realize the simple fact that you'll never get the same moment twice.” ~Unknown.
One of the most profound realizations I had late last year was how the “moment was always superior to the outcome”. I did know this theoretically before but had not realized it. Now, in this season of my life I can feel it more intensely. I can hold the ephemerality of life in the back of my head as I go about daily living. And this has enabled me to be more appreciative of everyday moments thereby conserving energy.
6. Spending time with loved ones & with those who genuinely want to engage with me:
“Choose to focus your time, energy and conversation around people who inspire you, support you and help you to grow into your happiest, strongest, wisest self.” - Karen Salmansohn
Consciously engaging with loved ones & people who genuinely want to be with me, has helped me save my energy for what matters most - building & sustaining relationships of mutual interest.
So, these are some things I have been practicing and finding powerful. Did any of these practices inspire or speak to you? What are some of your own ways of conserving or increasing your energy levels?
Do let me know in comments.
Good energy spent!😃