Things that make you go “Hmmmm…” Did you know… Your Mental and Emotional Energy affects your day-to-day life as much as your Physical Energy?

So often, when we’re in a slump and feeling run-down and unmotivated, our go-to to get our energy up is to eat healthier foods, drink more water, and move our bodies - all of which are incredibly valuable and important! But… Those are just pieces of the puzzle… If we aren’t in a place where our mental and emotional energy are supporting our physical health, there’s a good chance all the pieces aren’t going to create an inspiring picture.

Think about it… Over the last few months, so many of us have been experiencing thoughts of “it’s too hard;” “what’s the point?” “I’m so tired of carrying the heaviness of the world…” Thoughts like this certainly don’t get us out of bed, ready to start the day. They don’t motivate us to continue striving towards a life we’ll love. They don’t create space for joy, connection, and a sense of possibility - which stunts our ability to feel excited and energized!

So, I ask: On a scale of 1-10, how is your mental energy today? How about your emotional energy? How vibrant and alive are you feeling right now?

Many of us (especially those of us in cold, dark, winter climates), may score ourselves fairly low… And my question to you is “Why?” What is dragging you down today? And how does this low energy impact your daily life?

When I’m feeling the slog… I procrastinate everything! I give myself a little more time to drink my coffee… maybe I’ll read a little this morning… play with the dog for a bit… organize something… These are my go-tos for not doing the thing I need to be doing to live into the person I want to be. Nothing about these activities gives me energy - instead, they keep me “comfortable.” Complacent, even. Certainly not vibrant!

Take a moment and notice what you do when your mental and emotional energy is lacking. What are your coping mechanisms? And what are they really doing for you?

And then… This is the exciting part… Choose one thing that will boost that 1-10 rating. One thing you are willing to do to raise that score. One thing you could commit to this week to help you lean into more vibrant mental and emotional energy. What would you do?

Here are some of the things that help me:

• A morning routine: grab my coffee, check-in with my vision board and affirmations, read something inspiring or listen to a short motivational podcast, fill out my planner for the day - goals, schedule, and gratitude.

• Move my body - yes, great for physical energy, but it also gets the oxygen and blood flowing and clears my mind. (I’m partial to turning up some music and dancing around the house!)

• Meditation - 10 minutes of nothingness makes room for all kinds of inspiration and possibility!

• Learning something new - whenever I take the time to learn something new - whether in a book, a podcast, a class, or creating something by myself or with the kids - it opens up possibility for me. It makes me curious and interested in everything around me… Which has it’s own way of enlivening my heart and mind.

• It sounds silly, but… Playing games! I love playing games that make me strategize a bit and I like feeling a little competitive. It’s exciting and gives me a burst of energy!

• Taking my shower before bed… Not only does it relax me at the end of the day; but it’s also time alone to decompress and notice the thoughts that are still swirling from the day. I can notice what I’m thankful for, what I want to do different tomorrow, daydream about new possibilities, and even make a plan for dealing with challenges. By the time my head hits the pillow, I’ve already let my mind wander… and I’m ready to drift off to sleep.

These are my strategies for freeing up my mind and spirit. These are the ways I tend to my mental and emotional energy. I’m also very particular about noticing when my mind is going down a negative rabbit hole. That’s a post for another day - but something to keep in mind. You have control over your thoughts. You get to notice and decide what is true - and what is not. Having a positive mindset isn’t about “toxic positivity,” but about staying in the present, in the truth, and being open to possibility. (I have plans to do a whole post on this in a few weeks - so stay tuned!)

If you’re interested in a printable checklist of ways to increase your energy in body, mind, and spirit - simply sign up for my weekly newsletter (at the bottom of the home page) and it will be sent to your inbox!

As for this week - you’ve got this! You deserve to feel vibrant in body, mind, and spirit! Choose one thing to boost that energy and you’ll be moving towards a life you love in no time!

Sending you love today, my friend!