Happy Friday!
What are some energy vampires and energy givers in your life? You know, the things/people/you name it that are either sucking energy from you or giving energy to you?
Energy Vampires for me have been scrolling when I am tired, spinning my wheels picking up the same old clutter instead of tackling the declutter process, rushing small people out the door, packed schedules, lots of commitments outside the house, overdoing the coffee and carbs, and trying to please people (never works right? 🙃)
Energy Givers for me are: time in the Word, exercising a little every day, prioritizing water intake, going to bed before 10 pm, laughing with my kids, walks in my neighborhood, life-giving friendships, learning through books, the glow of a beeswax candle, worship music, creating with my hands, snuggles with family, and time in nature.
Simply noticing the difference between the two and even making a little list can be so helpful. Awareness is the first step to being more intentional.
One caveat is that Jesus had energy vampires in his life. After all, people are the mission, and sometimes people can drain us. The difference for me is having the wisdom to know when to allow ourselves to be poured out like a drink on the offering vs. a fruitless drain of our energy/time…
What drains you? What fills you up?
Here is what has been giving me some pep in my step lately:
Ideas for Intentionality:
Good Energy Book: this book seems like it is everywhere right now and that is because it is beautifully titled and helpful! We want to feel good and have energy for all that God is calling us to do. I am at the beginning of this book and Matt is ahead of me in it and says it is so GOOD!
Sleep Help: I learned that sleep isn’t just a part of health, rather, sleep is the foundation of what our health sits on. I still do a blend of co-sleeping, but when I am exhausted I lay the baby down in the pack ‘n play in my bedroom, put earplugs (I like these more than foam ones) in, and put an eye mask on. I feel like I can go deep and clock out for a bit, then the baby wakes me up, but getting that 10pm-2am stretch is the most restorative sleep window we can get. I can still hear the baby with the earplugs. They just help my brain just stop listening to every sound she makes.
Prepping for Good Sleep: I love to wear these when the sun goes down, and I am doing computer work, so my brain doesn’t think it is noon after looking at blue light for so long.
Evening Dishes Romance: Lighting a chunky beeswax candle and sitting in the quiet while I do dishes has been so nice lately. I feel myself come down from the day, my thoughts don’t feel like a pinball machine, and I sleep so much better. It’s fall, so treat yourself to a candle for the season to get the cozy vibes going.
Light Phone: I am putting together a video of my experience quitting my smartphone soon. Having the temptation to not scroll has been a game changer for my energy level and my ADHD mind to keep more linear thoughts. There is a pre-order now for the Light Phone III.
Worship Music: my dear friend sent this one over this week, and it’s good! apple link and spotify link.
Keeping Protein Up: I certainly don’t think carbs are evil. I enjoy carbs for sure, but when I keep my protein levels up. I have less dips in my blood sugar and just feel better. If you struggle to get protein in your life, mixing this into smoothies or even blended with some milk can help a ton. It has 24g of protein per serving without all the yuck that is in some powdered protein. I like Vanilla and Peanut Butter Chocolate best!
More Energy for Mamas: This YouTube Video gives a deeper dive into this topic for Exhausted Mamas.
Sending love,
Lana
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