In Gretchen's story, she has written a list of her 12 commandments - rules that she's choosing to live by. One of my rules for improving my energy (and happiness) is 'Make an Effort'. This doesn't mean trying too hard or pushing myself beyond my limits, it just means that I need to make an effort in order to get the reward. Some examples of this are: making an effort to cook a nice meal thats both tasty and healthy, making an effort to go to the gym in the morning, making an effort to catch up with friends. All too often I hear the phrase "I can't be bothered" from others, but also from me! Is it worth getting bothered in order to feel better? One only knows the answer to this question by making an effort to do something that could be worthwhile.
During my process of improving my energy I've determined some things that work to improve energy and some things that are an energy drain. One of the biggest drains on my energy was mess. Looking at mess made me irritable, and the process of cleaning it up also made me irritable - hence the avoidance! But by deciding to make an effort to clean up my messy areas, and handle feeling irritated without taking it out on anyone else, I soon felt a lot better. In fact, once I've tidied an area I become more vigilant about keeping it tidy. Tidiness and order creates feelings of peace and calm, which enable me to think more clearly and be able to focus on important tasks that need to be done. Having a cleaner house is also better for my self esteem - I'm no longer ashamed if people turn up unexpectedly, or if clients need to walk through my house to use the bathroom!
One bad habit I used to struggle with was starting a project and running out of puff part way through. Unfinished projects are a drain on ones energy, particularly due to the self-judgment or criticism that ensues. Making an effort to finish tasks or projects results in feelings of satisfaction, fulfillment or improved self-esteem. One such task for me is weeding my garden - it's time consuming and seemingly non-productive, not to mention mentally un-stimulating and physically uncomfortable if sustained for a period of time. By making an effort, doing it before it gets out of control, and limiting myself to one garden bed at a time, it feels good to get it done, and I enjoy sitting in the garden or looking out the window to admire my handiwork. Keeping my garden up to date provides a great sense of satisfaction and enhanced energy.
Food is one of my favourite subjects. What we eat has an enormous impact on how we feel energy-wise. Every one of us is different, and some foods are beneficial to some people, yet potentially life-threatening to others. Some foods enhance our energy, others are a drain. In order to determine what works for you, it's important to take note of how you feel after you eat it - immediately, half an hour later and an hour later. Sometimes reactions to foods may not be apparent until the next day when you may have a 'food hangover'. Common foods that drain your energy are processed or packaged foods full of preservatives, additives, colours, flavorings, MSG and sugar. These are 'dead' foods, and they take nutrients from your body in order to metabolise and detoxify them, leaving you depleted. Live food is full of vitamins, minerals, enzymes and often fungi and bacteria. Examples of live food are natural yogurt, raw cheese, fresh vegetables, fruit, nuts, sprouted seeds and free range meat or eggs. If a food looks like it has come from a plant or animal, it has much better nutritional value than something that has no resemblance to anything alive. In this modern day, it does take an effort to eat well, but it's worth it to feel better.
The old saying 'You only get out what you put in' is true. If you make an effort, the reward of feeling better makes it worth it. Next time you hear yourself saying "Can I be bothered?" ask yourself instead, "How will I feel if I make the effort?"
