How I recharge depends on the type of energy drain.

The first type of energy drain is physical expenditure.  This varies from day to day and can range from knocking around the house to an intense workout at the gym.  My favorite and most fun energy drainers are the Adaptive Motion Trainer at the YMCA, INSANITY, and P90X.  Recharging is as simple as a huge bottle of water or PowerAde, some awesome post-workout food, and a good multivitamin.

The second energy drainer comes in the form of ordinary day to day life stressors.   These can range from household responsibilities and chores to human interactions with cohabiters.  Playing Angry Birds, screwing off on the computer, and a good old nap can re-energize one in a very short time.

The last energy drainer for me is negative people that hover like a mega dark storm cloud that pours its self perpetuating ugliness all over life. I imagine every family has one.  No matter how hard they start out trying to be positive, it always turns to poor me, pitiful situation, and financial desperation, just to name a few.  As much as I love them, it takes major psychological energy to muster up the courage to engage in any interaction.  This is the most difficult drainage to recover from.  For me, a couple of beers, more Angry Birds, and a snack (chocolate related) are a good start.

At the end of the day, crawling into those flannel sheets for a good night’s sleep is the best solution for a full recharge.

Until next time…

The daily task that takes up most of my energy is getting out of bed in the morning.  A good friend gave us a set of flannel sheets for Christmas.  I am a flannel sheets virgin; and have basked in their morning warmth since Christmas Eve.  I have never been a morning person; and these sheets reinforce my natural urges to lay around in pre-noon laziness.

In all seriousness, I try not to think of daily tasks as energy drainers.  As a type 2 diabetic, it is imperative that I expel enough energy each day to keep a balanced blood sugar level.  Along with medication and proper nutrition, activity equals energy.  The more active I become; the more energy I generate; and that makes for a good cycle of rejuvenation.

As a Weight Watcher member, I enjoy their newest creation that encourages increased daily activity, the Active Link.  This little device, worn on the body like a pedometer, tracks all daily movement.  It plugs into the PC at night, via USB, to display the day’s movement.  This tiny unit has changed my perspective and attitude about daily activity.  I now think of all movement as motivation and challenge for attaining one hundred percent of my daily goal.  I expend all daily energy with positive expectations of gaining even more energy.

As far as daily tasks are concerned; I am still trying to find some semblance of routine to accomplish then all over the course of a week or month without feelings of being overwhelmed.  I have never been one who lived to perform all of the household daily tasks.  Since I am not rich enough to pay someone else to do them, I will keep my focus on the resulting energy that I gain as well as the health benefits it provides.

Tonight, I will return to the bliss of those flannel sheets and recharge to meet another new day.

Until next time…

Upon waking, the primary energy source focus is a HUGE cup of highly caffeinated coffee.  Through this morning, it has been accompanied by nicotine in the form of menthol cigarettes.  After these primal needs are satisfied, I look toward more substantial sources to carry me through the day.  I gravitate to positive life giving energies that flow through my being grounding me to the Earth and all of her natural elements.  Wind and water are my favorites because they invigorate, refresh, and just plain feel good to me.

I try to surround myself with others who also focus on positive energy.  Their energy is contagious; and hugs like a warm blanket that ebbs goodness.  I find most of these people to be steeped in deep spirituality.  I feel that I am deeply spiritual; but plan to focus more on this aspect of my life in 2013.  The past two years have been more than challenging, making this area of life a bit of a struggle.  I am a survivor and hang onto those good energy sources.

Another important source of energy in my life is humor.  Laughter is the best medicine, and usually results in more laughter.  There is nothing like a great joke; or feeding off of others who have your same sense of humor.  In the worst of circumstances, there can still be one tiny thing that can lead to laughter.  I thank God that there are others out there who are as warped and twisted as I am!

I try to see life as an adventure, looking for good and expecting great things.  I intend to continue to share my positive energy with others in 2013.  I will retire for the night absorbing my husband’s good energies.  Tomorrow will again begin with MEGA caffeine in my coffee; but no more nicotine.

Until next time…