Thursday, 11 December 2008

What's the biggest energy drain in your life right now?

According to the results of my recent poll, 23% dislike saying "no", 11% don't prioritise getting enough rest / me time / exercise / good food, 8% blame negative people, 44% procrastinate and a mere 6% have all the energy they need.

I think that's fantastic for the energetic 6% but suspect that most of us find life draining occassionally. And, at this time of year, it can feel even worse.

Long queues at the Post Office trying to mail parcels, rushing to meet many work deadlines before people wind down for the bank holidays, trying to keep presents hidden from curious children...

But once you've identified your biggest energy drain, you can plan around it. Make your daily run / swim / yoga practice / walk / meditation a priority. Ensure that nutritious food is more accessible than junk food that leaves you feeling worse afterwards. If you can't sleep in, go to bed earlier or squeeze in an afternoon nap. Do something purely for yourself at least once a day.

If negative people are getting you down, change your response to them (I know, I know - it sounds so easy but it can be soooo infuriating!). Practice. Laugh off their grumpiness as you might with a small toddler tantruming. Don't let it attack your wellbeing.

If you're procrastinating, ask yourself why. Presumably, there are some things that always get done on time (feeding yourself / your family / your pets? Certain deadlines?) - what do they have in common? Is it because that particular boss / child / pet is so demanding?

How can you prioritise your own goals?

Rethink your energy drains and let them guide you into new, better habits.

© Eve Menezes Cunningham / www.applecoaching.com 2008.

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