Do you ever find yourself running on empty? In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget to take care of ourselves. An unfortunate habit, because taking time to rest and relax can actually improve your productivity. That’s right, self-care isn’t a luxury—it’s a scientifically-proven way to enhance your overall well-being and keep yourself energized and performing in peak condition.
Isn’t that the kind of life we all want?
Recovering people pleaser tool #4 – a battery charger
We modern people know the importance of keeping our devices charged. (And the frustrating repercussions of forgetting to recharge. Oops.) Unfortunately, we humans don’t come with little battery icons that tell us when our internal energy levels are getting low and we need to recharge ourselves.
Therefore, it’s easy to keep chugging away, staying productive, helping others, achieving great things—and blithely forget to keep yourself energized. This can leave us feeling exhausted, irritable, and empty.
A few signs you’ve been neglecting to recharge your personal batteries.
- You’re operating on autopilot
- You’re exhausted and can’t function without caffeine
- You snap at people over insignificant things
- You’re more forgetful or have trouble focusing
- You feel depressed or angry when you think about your day
- You feel decreased satisfaction with life or your accomplishments
If these sound familiar, you’re probably trying to function in low battery mode.
I know I’m in low battery mode when I lose the ability to feel compassion for someone (even family and friends), when my brain gets sluggish and it feels like to much effort to make simple decisions, or when I just want to tell everyone to go away and leave me alone.
When I’m depleted, I quickly become miserable and aware I need to pause and recharge. You may be the type who can just keep going in low battery mode without anyone noticing.
You can get away with it for a while, but consistently running in low battery mode will eventually lead to burnout or serious illness. That’s why it’s so important we recognize the signs. If we want to enjoy life and do our best work, we must remember that taking care of ourselves is just as important as taking care of others.
Everyone benefits when you keep yourself energized
When we’re constantly in “go” mode, our brains can become overwhelmed and struggle to focus on the task at hand. By taking a break and engaging in activities that we enjoy, such as reading or taking a walk, we give our brains the chance to recharge and come back stronger. Thus, to remain healthy, focused, and ready for action, we must be intentional about renewing the physical, mental, and emotional energy that’s been depleted by the challenges of our everyday lives.
Research has shown that engaging in rest and relaxation practices can have a significant impact on our physical and mental health. Taking time to relax and recharge lowers stress hormones and increases feel-good hormones. This means our bodies stay healthier and we feel more optimistic, less anxious, and better able to focus.
Keep yourself energized: more than a good night’s sleep
It’s important to recognize that rest isn’t merely a passive activity. We recharge when we engage in activities that rejuvenate our minds and bodies, such as physical exercise, spending time in nature, or practicing creative hobbies.
We need to reserve time in our schedules for the kinds of activities that revive and restore us. Nobody can recharge our batteries for us. We are the sole person responsible for keeping our personal batteries recharged and functioning.
And when we do so, everyone benefits.
What recharges your personal batteries?
If you’re not sure how to recharge, let this quote inspire you.
Geri Scazzerro “Are you pursuing the things that breathe life into you and help you feel fully alive?”
If you need inspiration, try these articles for more insights on how yo recharge and renew yourself.
21 ideas for recharging your inner batteries.
Insights from the book Sacred Rest.
Self-care tips when you work from home.
Summary
In our busy lives, it’s easy to overlook the importance of self-care. However, science tells us that making time to recharge can help us reduce stress, achieve a healthier work-life balance, improve our ability to focus and think creatively, and ultimately become more productive and resilient.
I hope this post has shifted your mindset from “self-care is a self-indulgent luxury” to “self-care is about keeping your personal batteries charged so you can function at your best.”
Will you be more intentional to keep yourself energized from now on? What will you do today to recharge your depleted batteries?
Recovering People Pleaser Tool #4 – The battery charger of self-care
The battery charger reminds you to pay attention to your energy levels. You must take time to recharge if you want to remain healthy and effective.
