When Your Tank Is On “E”…
It happens to the best of us, we're plugging away, feeling good about our routine and then out of nowhere.... ZAP! 🫠 Energy emergency!
If you're like me, these episodes are nothing short of insulting - especially when you feel like you're hydrating, eating, moving etc... And besides feeling physically down, they can absolutely affect your mental well-being for the worst. So what can we do?
Living with an autoimmune condition 🥄 means you do your very best, understanding that relenquishing control must be part of your daily paradigm. Some call it surrender, others, just call it life. And even though the knockout can feel swift, the comeback is best addressed through a step-by-step process that can actually apply to us all - spoonie or not. Here’s the break down:
Step One: Name What’s Happening.
Acknowledging the zap can be the most important step in switching your mindset from reactive to proactive. Once you acknowledge your tank is empty, you can start working on the refill process, instead of taking advantage of the fumes…
Step Two: Check in With The “Fantastic Four”
There are 4 different types of energy:
Physical, Emotional, Qualitative, Spiritual
Physical is pretty straightforward and can be summed up by checking in with your hydration, nourishment, rest and movement/stimulus. Are you lacking or thriving in the physical realm? Note that while moving can be a great way to cultivate some energy, going from zero to hero can zap you more. If you find that your movement is at a deficit, keep it simple - a walk, a 5-10 min rebound. Gentle and progressive will show you the way.
Emotional can be more challenging. Have you connected with a friend or loved one recently? Have you felt isolated? Are your thoughts riddled with worry and anxiety? Sometimes the answer to an emotional deficit can be as simple as a long-form phone call with a friend and sometimes it’s more serious. If you find that you are having a hard time making it through the day, it may be time to consult a mental health professional. Don’t discount the value of reaching out to someone or even spending time doing something you love, but be aware that help does exist and you don’t have to climb back on your own.
Qualitative energy refers to your ability to stay focused. If you find yourself more scattered, unable to complete a task or simply overwhelmed, try working in shorter stints. Give one thing your entire attention for 60 - 90 minutes and then take a REAL break. Eat something, call someone, go outside, listen to music. Giving yourself an actual break can be an amazing way to be qualitatively productive, more fulfilled with your work and less overwhelmed.
Spiritual energy can be called many things. For some, it’s organized practice. For others, it’s their favorite movement class. Art, music, sport, outdoors, writing - they all count as installments into your energetic bank account. When was the last time you let yourself play or engage into a hobby that had no deadline or outcome attached to it? You deserve the time and space to wonder. Be sure to claim it regularly.
If you were to rate your “Fantastic Four” on a scale of 1 - 5, which categories would score highest (5) and which need some attention? Take some inventory today to start making small investments in the weeks to come. You deserve it!
Let me know which part of this post was the most meaningful to you in the comments!
