We already explored the idea of investing our time well, so we open up more time in our lives.
Today, let’s move into the idea of expending energy in order to have more of it every day.
Energy is a funny thing. I often observe in my own life, when I am tired and in a worn out rut, it often quickly bleeds into being a bit lazy and unmotivated. When something snaps me out of it, and I start putting some fire back into the tasks of my day, I tend to feed off of that and feel more energized as a result.
Here are 4 energy investments that pay off huge dividends and keep us feeling juiced and energized.
I. Putting energy into making healthy food
Yes, making fresh whole foods prepared by hand takes more energy than picking up convenience foods, but the exhaustion, poor health, weight gain and mood swings that you pay for the convenience ends up making it a much more costly choice in the end.
The most efficient way to make this happen to to bring in time saving strategies for making healthy food yourself- this way your end result is an excellent energy investment which still allows it to be workable in your busy lifestyle.
II. Do something you love
This is about the energy “drain or gain” question. Learn to listen to your inner gauge that tells you when something in your life is draining or replenishing.
When we reserve some of our energy to do the things we love to do, that fill us up, that make us feel more alive…our whole person gets revived. We remember how exciting it is to be awake 
Just a little time every day or so being creative, working toward a cause you believe in, spending time doing something that simply makes you happy– gives you more of an energy boost than a red bull!
III. Take excellent care of yourself
It may feel like the path of least resistance to just default into an exhausted frazzled state, but ultimately it is draining your life energy away.
It’s like running a car for way too long without a tune up or oil change. It may seem like too much energy to do the upkeep but you are wasting precious gas and breaking down the life of the car in the long run.
Spending the energy to take care of ourselves on a daily/weekly/monthly basis is essential for running at the top of our game. And as moms, we really do need all cylinders running most of the time!
IV. Working out
Yup, that simple, age-old advice to simply exercise– did you think it wasn’t going to make the list?
But perhaps even more than exercise, I’m talking about movement, breathing, getting things flowing, connecting with your body, massaging your inner organs and building strength.
There are many many ways to do this beyond the treadmill.
The key is to expend the energy you need to just start something.
Play around with what does work for you– early morning stretching, after lunch walks, trail hikes, bike rides, a yoga DVD in your living room…the only thing that won’t cut it is not moving. The energy return is huge on this one, increased blood flow, oxygenated body, invigorated mind, resiliency to stress- to name a few.
In this two-part series, I just began to touch on the truth that how we spend our time and energy makes a huge difference in how we experience our whole lives. And yet I know that time and energy are two obstacles that keep busy moms from feeling a whole lot healthier.
Want to hear about a program I’ve just launched?
A program that nails these obstacles on the head and provides a clear, direct and systematic way through the fatigue, the overwhelm, the cluttered thoughts to an energized, happy, healthy place of living?
It’s called Designed for Wellness. The registration for my 12 week program Designed for Wellness, healthy living program for moms, is now open and will begin September 18, 2010. I am so excited to bring this program, modeled on my signature personal coaching programs to an online modality so it can meet you right where you are.
Want to hear all the juicy details? Click here!
What are your biggest obstacles to feeling healthier and more energized?
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A completely guilt free, non-judgmental and non-restrictive approach to teaching others about wellness."
It gives you a place to discover how to be more yourself and truly hear your voice speak."
Everything about everything Lisa has taught me has been gold."
I became aware of thoughts and attitudes that were sabotaging my mental and emotional well-being."
The course is not informational, it is transformative..and most importantly, completely doable in the context of modern busy lives."
A good recharge to get back to all of the things I know are too important to skip. It was incredibly inspiring, and I learned so much too."
Designed for Wellness was a turning point in my life- it helped take me to the next level in terms of the health of my family."
It has had a profound effect on our whole family -- the true ripple effect. It's not an overstatement to say this experience has been life-changing and I'm so grateful."
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It sounds like you know exactly what I am feeling day in and day out!! I would love to take this course. I am not sure it will work at this time, $ speaking, but I will be in prayer about it.
Oh, and my biggest obstacle is definitely just making the change that seems so hard and big. Getting over the habits that are so much a part of my life!
Lisa,
Expending energy to get energy. I liked the four ways you talked about. Can I add the fun and play? Play is also the form of the act that uses energy and in turn leaves you feel fresh and vitalized; when we play, we become more energetic than before, and when we end up our play, it has almost made you tired but don’t mistake it, it does make you feel fresh.
Talking about the obstacles to feeling healthier and energetic I mostly feel, these are the busy schedule, the unhealthy habits you don’t want to give up anyways and lot more on my list. Anyways enjoyed the ways and I hope I will definitely get on with them to feel healthy and of course energetic.
Another way to add to your list is decluttering and cleaning. It can be amazing how energizing it is after you have taken a few minutes to clear all the excess clutter of the top of your desk and wiped it down. Takes some energy to do, but definitely pays off in the end.
Sangita– Yes Yes…add PLAY I love it…so true!
Jenny– Right on, I agree– a good decluttering session totally pumps me up!
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