Why Recharge? Recharging will jumpstart your energy when you are feeling depleted, running low, or losing luster.
“Positive energy is your priceless life force. Protect it. Don’t allow people to draw from your reserves; select friends who recharge your energies. I’m not asking you to cut people out of your life, but I am asking you to invest your time with someone else who will push you to be your best. Winners love to see other people win.”
—Chalene Johnson
Energy is a valuable commodity—something many people say they don’t have enough of in our nonstop culture. Regardless of how energized you may feel when you begin your day, once you have dealt with the hustle and bustle of life, you may feel depleted and drained. It would be great if it never ran down, but that’s not realistic.
The battery in my phone works the same way. I plug it in to recharge overnight and by morning it is bursting with 100 percent power. But by the day’s end, I’m warned that the charge is low. If I do not tend to it to juice it up again, it will go dead and be of no use to anyone. Your battery doesn’t work well when it is “running on empty” and neither do you.
In the book, The Power of Full Engagement, Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz teach that it’s not about time management, it’s about energy management. Are you managing your energy well and using it for things that matter to you? Do you stop to recharge before you push yourself to critically low levels?
Unplug to Recharge
Have you noticed the insatiable addiction in our society today which people have for screens? Regardless of whether the screen is on a television, a phone, a computer, a smartwatch, or an iPad, the obsession is changing how people communicate and interact.
These devices may be necessary for us to stay in touch and stay in business. However, there is a downside. Being plugged in all the time can be an addictive habit—it drains our energy, diverts our focus, wastes our time, and can compromise quality communication, as it diminishes meaningful real-life connection with others.
How to Take a Break from Technology
- Unplug and simply turn everything off. It will wait.
- Put electronic devices out of your reach and eyesight for a short while.
- Give your brain a break and silence the information overload.
- Plan for unproductive downtime that allows you to putter.
- Schedule limited times when you check email rather than on a continuous, nonstop basis.
10 Powerful Ways to Recharge Your Days
- Breathe deeply and oxygenate your body.
- Drink crystal clear water, with a squeeze of lemon.
- Get grounded; walk outside and be close to nature.
- Laugh out loud and find your fun.
- Take a cold shower.
- Clean your home, office, or car.
- Connect in person with a friend or loved one.
- Learn or teach yourself something new that is for fun.
- Read or listen to something upbeat and positive.
- Exercise to work up a good sweat and release mood-lifting endorphins.
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it, including you.”
—Anne Lamott
This is an excerpt from her new book, Release the Power of Re3 . . . Review, Redo & Renew for Positive Change & Transformation. To learn more, please visit www.SusanCYoung.com or www.amazon.com/author/susancyoung.
