We all have certain people or processes in our lives that leech our energy away, sometimes without our even noticing. Even if we eat healthy foods, exercise, and take time out to rest, a high level of energy at the beginning of the day can be slowly stolen away by energy drains. Although each personal situation is unique, here is a list of 5 common energy drains for all of us:
1. Clutter. One life coach begins her work with every client by focusing on “de-cluttering” their life: overflowing closets, junk drawers that barely close, stacks of papers or laundry, a garage that looks like a tornado swept through it, etc. If your desk is already a disaster area when you first sit down in the morning, your energy is already being drained before you’ve even begun. De-clutter!
2. Procrastination. You know that thing in your house, office, or car that needs repair? The one you think about every day? How about the project, task, or appointment that you keep postponing, sighing loudly every time you think of it? Procrastination is a huge energy drain, and could lead to greater problems. For example, putting off the repair of a leaky roof can not only result in damage to your home during a major storm, but it could also strain your relationship with whomever lives in the house with you! Don’t put it off another day – carve out the time to get it done!
3. Control issues. How often do you waste your energy trying to control situations or people that are totally outside your control or influence? And how often do you waste your energy complaining or worrying about situations where you do have some control or influence, but haven’t taken action yet? By learning to control what you can, and letting go of what you cannot, you free yourself from this energy drain!
4. Negative people. Attitude is contagious. Even if you’re having a good day and generally feeling OK about life in general, a group of negative people can quickly drag you down. Gravitate toward positive, uplifting people in your life – and be one in return!
5. Comparing yourself to others. When you see others as more talented, smarter, more attractive, or somehow better than you are, your energy is being drained constantly. Stop comparing and simply be content with who you are and what you have! “Sunflowers aren’t better than violets.”
May you stop putting up with energy drains and enjoy more vitality in your life!
What a wonderful list to read. Especially on the day I need to REALLY do my laundry.
Thanks Yumi!!
YOU are one of the positive, uplifting people described in #4!
Thanks Dr. Deb. Wonder how you come up with the right topics for the posts. Already feels like gravitating around Yumi …
Seriously #4 is a challenge …. its not just negativity that drags you down so many other charachteristics… could too…
Great post, thanks! When I read Deepak Chopra's Book of Secrets, the section on the three types of people in our lives came at a good time for me. As I recall, they are the people that don't really care, the ones that support us, and the ones that are toxic and drain our energy. Your article reminded me of his observations, thank you!
Yumi, unfortunately, your comment reminded me that the buzzer on my washer sounded over an hour ago. Guess we are both doing laundry…. Thanks