In this BIT: Do you ever feel just a bit mentally exhausted? These hacks help feel less drained and have more energy – boosting healthy relationships and mood.
We’ve all been there. We want to say no to something, but we feel bad. Maybe we don’t want to hang out with a friend as they talk only about themselves or put us down. However, we feel bad for avoiding plans. Perhaps we get stuck because we’re craving some downtime. Nonetheless, we feel bad for not focusing on someone else. Or, we want to quit a sport/activity that we don’t see a future in. But, we’re afraid to step out of a routine we’ve been in for months or years. I too sometimes struggle to prioritize myself and healthy relationships. It’s challenging to let go of unnecessary things that drain our energy.
In order to live our best, happiest and most fulfilled lives, we need to let go of what drains us. Additionally, it’s important to incorporate more of what energizes us! Today, we’re breaking down how to say YES to what energizes you. Furthermore, keep reading for tips for reducing what drains you. Of course, remember that the items which we encourage you to release from your life are unnecessary things. We’ve all got to go to school, work, and do chores.
First, we must know: WHAT IS IT THAT DRAINS US? Pay attention to how you feel before versus after spending time with someone or doing an activity. If you feel more energized and excited – this energizes you! For instance, doing a fun hobby, or being with people who we have a healthy relationship with. If you feel mentally exhausted after, it might be draining you. It’s so important to pay attention to how we feel before and after an activity or interaction or occurrence. Our feelings help to know how things are affecting us.
Sometimes, a major reason why we put up with things that drain us, whether it be relationships, activities, even hobbies or habits, is that there’s a version of us that likes this activity. That’s right – we like the idea of this activity, person, or situation. We want to be the best and most ideal versions of ourselves. Sometimes, though, the best version of ourselves now is different from a person we were in the past. It’s okay to need and enjoy different things, or to acknowledge that you don’t like something that you wish you did. Let go of needing to be perfect, accept that you are human and that your likes and needs change. Remember: the only way to become a happier and more fulfilled version of yourself is to let go of things that drain you.
Once you identify the things that make you feel mentally exhausted, it is time to step away from them. It is time to say no. Cancel plans, say you’re busy, take a break from this activity, delete the app from your phone or set yourself a time limit per day. This change will be challenging at first, but it’ll be worthwhile and get easier over time! Regardless of how frustrated you might be, if you don’t bring on the change, nothing will change.
Now, that you’ve put that boundary up and said no to something that you don’t enjoy and that drains you – first of all, congratulations! Now, it is time to replace that time and energy with something that energizes and excites you. This is key to having more energy. Think about what or who makes you feel more excited, happy, and energetic after being with them or doing it? Make more time for this and start planning it into your life! Perhaps this means making plans with another person. Signing up for a new sport or activity, even if you are not great at it at first. Perhaps energizing yourself just means more downtime: going for walks, doing art, trying an at-home workout, or maybe baking something!
We hope that these tips help you identify what is draining you. Remember take action in reducing these moments within your life. Time and energy is limited. When we invest our time into activities and people who energize us, we’ll feel happier and more energized in return. Focus on how you feel when you are doing an activity, working towards a goal, or spending time with people. Who and what brings you a Small Bit of Happiness?
For more happiness check out our Mood Boost page.
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Read about tips to reduce feeling mentally exhausted, feel less drained, and boost healthy relationships.