Life is busy and a lot of us feel sapped of energy as we rush from home to work to school
pick-ups and social gatherings. In the midst of the madness, we often forget to invest in our health, happiness and wellbeing. If you’ve lost your energy and passion for life, here are some ways to reignite your spark.
1. Do something for you
When is the last time you did something that was just for you? Something that filled you with joy? Last year I found myself feeling a bit flat, my relationship with my husband was going through a stale patch and I was tired and moody a lot of the time. I realised I was giving all my energy to everyone else and had forgotten to invest in my own wellbeing. That’s when I decided to take up ballroom dancing and I’ve never looked back. The joy I feel on the dance floor carries over into every aspect of my life. I’ve got more energy than I’ve had in years and my relationship with my husband is back on track. Ballroom dancing may not be for you, you might prefer yoga, tennis, an art class or going to the football with friends. Whatever it is, make sure you find something you love to do and do it often.
2. Get active every day
A lot of us are in jobs that have us sitting in front of a computer all day. We then go home and sit in front of the television to unwind. This sedentary lifestyle doesn’t do much for our energy levels, not to mention our waistlines. Exercise helps release endorphins that give us energy and support a positive mindset, so it’s important to incorporate at least 20 minutes of exercise into every day. If going to the gym doesn’t interest you, try walking instead of taking the car everywhere. It’ll improve your fitness and the fresh air will invigorate you.
3. Be more present
Have you ever found yourself midway through a conversation with someone only to be distracted by your buzzing phone? Our digital world means we spend a lot of time plugged into technology which can leave us feeling stressed, scattered and exhausted. Tuning out of technology for a short time every day can help you feel more calm and centred. When you’re getting ready for the day, try listening to music instead of having the television on in the background. When you go for a walk, turn off your phone and appreciate your surroundings. Also try and keep your phone, tablet and laptop away from the dining table so you can savour each bite of a delicious meal and engage in meaningful conversations with your loved ones.
4. Invest in positive friendships
Close friendships can be one of life’s greatest pleasures. If you’re feeling a bit lethargic, your friendship circle could be the perfect anecdote. I often go into a catch up with my friends feeling exhausted and come out inspired and replenished. Surrounding yourself with positive and supportive people is essential if you want to regain your mojo. At the same time, spending too much time with people who are negative and critical can be draining and damaging to your self esteem. If there is someone in your life who takes pleasure in your displeasure, know when to walk away and invest your time in the people who genuinely want the best for you.
5. Talk to someone independent
Sometimes when you’re feeling a bit flat, you just need to talk through it. Friends and family are a good starting point but they are often busy with their own lives and may bring some unintentional bias to conversations because they’ve known you for so long. Never underestimate the benefit of chatting to a psychologist, counsellor or life coach about regaining your energy and zest for life. An independent person can help you get back on track by developing a meaningful strategy to energise and motivate you.
As an online counsellor I love helping people live a happy, fulfilling and energetic life. I hope some of these ideas help you rediscover your mojo. Who knows, I may see you on the dance floor.