Who is one of the most energetic adults you know personally? In what ways does this person behave that makes you think they have a lot of energy? What do you think contributes to this person’s level of energy or ability to energize people around them?
If you think about it, there really are many ways that we can be energized or possess energy. When I think about people I know with a lot of energy, a colleague of mine named Jeff comes to mind. He has a passion for doing good things for the benefit of humanity. He is not afraid to go against the grain at times but for a compassionate purpose. It takes a ton of energy to go against the norm and advocate for your beliefs.
Another example of people with a lot of energy are elementary teachers. Wow! Keeping track of about twenty highly energized children all day while also trying to educate them effectively and safely- that deserves much more applause than they receive. My daycare provider for our kids fits into this category as well. She doesn’t even drink coffee, and she could light a full city block for a year with one day’s worth of her energy.
I truly believe that moms are people with a tremendous amount of energy. While we might not feel like we have as much energy as we’d need or like, there is a well we draw from each day to get $^!% done, right?
While we may have enough energy to complete the necessary tasks of being a mom and working our purpose each day, it is pretty common to feel like the energy tap runs dry very soon before it’s time for bed. This is why lack of energy is the next area of focus in this series of posts: 10 Reasons Why Moms Don’t Exercise as Much as We’d Like.
Bring back to mind someone you personally know who just seems to be like the Energizer Bunny. They seem to have more hours in their day because they get so much accomplished. They have an extra bounce in their step. They smile quite a bit. They say yes to helping out wherever they are needed. They physically run around with their kids or grandkids. They are dedicated to a regular exercise routine.
I didn’t sneak that final description of this Energizer Bunny person in to be cute. It is truth!
You see, in order to have more energy, we must do things to help us cultivate more energy in the body.
One of the best ways to do this naturally (meaning without caffeine) is through exercise. So like I have done in many of the other blog posts in this series, I will take this reason for not exercising and let you know that in order to get more energy, we certainly should exercise more! It sounds so simple, right?
Stop rolling your eyes at me. I am here to give you some firm encouragement, and then to support you Right.Where.You.Are.At.
First of all, come back to this link after you read this full post to learn four simple ways to get more energy. I bet something will resonate with you that you can apply to your life right away.
Secondly, if you are someone who journals, here are a two powerful journal writing prompts. If you don’t have a journal, just take out the notes app on your phone or a pen and a piece of paper so you can answer these questions honestly and thoughtfully.
What are sources that give you energy?
What are all the sources that drain your energy?
Perhaps if I share some of my answers, it will help you with your brainstorm.
What gives me energy?
Exercise
Optimal sleep quality and quantity
Quality time with family
Quality time with my husband
Quality time with friends
Eating nourishing foods
Coffee (don’t judge!)
Cleaning and organizing my home and workspace
Playing with my kids
Having quality conversations
Seeing children laugh and smile
Having something to look forward to
Belly-laughing
Going to church
Leading exercise classes
Meaningful work that makes a positive impact on people
Having quiet time to myself
What drains my energy?
Sugar
Negativity
Lack of sleep/ poor quality sleep
The news
Stress
Worrying
Being frustrated about things that are outside of my control
Too much exercise
When my kids fight with each other or don’t follow basic expectations
Hopefully some of the things that I have shared will help you to create your lists.
I once heard a keynote speech by an astronaut. What stood out to me in her message was that we spend a disproportionate amount of time creating and implementing solutions and not enough time defining problems in detail.
In general, the problem of not having enough energy to exercise is pretty simple and easy to understand. It is a nice handy excuse we can use to avoid exercise. If you were to dig deeper into what is causing you to have less energy than you’d like or to figure out what is draining your energy, then it will be easier to come up with solutions that actually fix the root cause of the drain.
Once you understand where the energy drains are in your life, you can think about strategies for stopping or slowing the effect they have one you. You can determine which are within your control, and which are not. Realistically, you won’t be able to completely stop all of the things that cause your energy to be depleted. This is why it is so important to know and engage your sources that bring more energy into your body and into your life.
Speaking of energy sources- exercise is one of the best!. From a cellular level, exercise actually causes more mitochondria, the powerhouses of our cells, to be produced. The more mitochondria you have, the more energy you have. Exercise also increases circulation of oxygen which helps the body to function better and more efficiently. Exercise boosts hormone levels which improves your energy levels.
I know it, and you know it too-every minute you invest in exercising, in exerting yourself physically and mentally, helps you to build your energy levels and improve your resilience.
If you are someone who is experiencing burnout, just saying the word exercise can possibly make you feel more emotional or exhausted. However, I believe wholeheartedly that even small doses of exercise make a positive impact on our energy levels. For some people, five minutes can work wonders during a difficult shift at work or in the middle of a long day with kids who are fighting, crying and needing so much from you.
Wherever you are at in your journey as a parent who desires more energy, there is a place for exercise to help you. Knowing the right amount of exercise to help you feel your best is something I encourage you to discover, if you haven’t already. Too much exercise can be an energy drain and not enough can also drain your energy. Find that sweet spot and make it happen. I know you can, and I know it is worth it!
Fit Mom Connection Is Here to support you in your journey to embrace the power of exercise in helping you feel more energized!
Virtual Exercise Class Membership. Hang out with me and other mothers live or onDemand to benefit from some fun exercise routines that are functional for the body of mothers. The first month is free so really there is no reason not to do it. There is something in it for all abilities, ages, stages, and interests.
30 Day Self-Care Challenge Want some support in making daily self-care a habit? This program will give you the daily motivation and tools to help you discover how life with self-care is not a luxury, but a necessity.
Work with me 1:1 You are a beautiful, unique individual, and I would be honored to help you tap into your strengths so that you can use exercise as a vehicle, along with a S.M.A.R.T. plan for turning your intentions into actions with the results you want and deserve. Whether it’s starting with a three month wellness coaching relationship or working with me for 1:1 Personal training, I am ready to chat about your needs and desires.
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