Energy for Today

Focus on what you want

I borrowed a video from the library by Peter McKenna. It was called Energy for Every Day. It was made clear to me while watching this presentation, that when trying to muster up the will (energy) to accomplish something, one should never focus on the current mess. Some people tend to use disaster, disappointment and disorganisation as motivation for action. Instead of focussing on what you don’t want in your life, focus on what you DO want. Your mind should think about what you want to achieve and the reward of your work/action. Visualise the tidy house, the completed project and the organised lifestyle. This will release the energy and encourage sustained will power. Let thoughts of the reward of your effort be the motivating factor rather than thoughts of the negative consequences of a lack of effort.

Get busy

When you have the energy of enthusiasm flowing, use it. When you have a burst of physical energy, use it. Getting busy gets even more energy flowing. Consider the idea that we have the power to demand energy when we need it. Call it into being. It is also much easier on our bodies if we keep going and keep the energy flowing than it is to stop and re-start. Rest and relaxation are important steps in preventing energy depletion, but do not rest when you are not tired. Boredom depletes energy so get busy and keep busy until you first feel tired or when you feel your mind wandering or daydreaming. This is usually the signal that an important rhythmic energy cycle has been successfully completed. A five-minute period of rest is needed after every 90 minutes of activity on average. But remember, none of us are “average”. Tune into your own cycle.

Energy Cycles and rhythms

The ultradian rhythm is a natural biological cycle found in humans that occurs within our daily sleep-wake cycle (circadian rhythm). Hormones for instance tend to follow the circadian rhythm overall but they also pulse in intensity within this to the timing of an ultradian rhythm. The ultradian rhythm is a cycle of about 90 minutes as mentioned above. (refer http://www.cbt.virginia.edu/tutorial/OTHERRHYTHMSULTRA.html)

The use of man-made rhythm during activity also helps movements to require less effort. Dancing, if enjoyed, is an obvious example. When dancing, we are using natural energy flows brought about by tuning into the music or the beat. Rhythm also organises energy so that it appears to have a purpose. Marching is used in the armed forces to this end to help with the discipline. If you can incorporate rhythm into your activity, then you will keep the energy flowing for longer in controlled measures. Dance with your vacuum cleaner. Sing the nursery rhyme, “Row, row, row your boat…” while rowing and you will have a lot more fun with your activity. Having fun naturally increases energy levels. So be creative in thinking of ways to incorporate rhythm into your day.