Find Your Energy Givers

Many moons ago, someone I follow on Instagram posted a list of what she called her “Energy Givers”. Essentially, it was a short list of 8-10 things that either help her feel her best when done consistently, or are good for a quick pick-me-up when she’s in need. 

I believe some of these energy givers are universal - a consistent sleep pattern, movement, whole foods, etc. I was much more intrigued by the things that seemed unique to her. For example, she mentioned organizing, which might make us all feel better in the long run, but probably isn’t on my personal list of energy givers…

Rasta’s energy givers include long walks, marking his territory, making new friends, and modeling. Sleeping 16 hours/day doesn’t hurt either.

It made me wheels turn, and I created my own Little List of Life Givers that I reflect on from time to time. Here’s what energizes me:

• A phone call with someone who gets me

• Hype music 

• Petting a dog. Preferably my own, but any will do, really. 

• Most outdoor activities - running, walking, biking, skiing

• Exploring a new town or area 

• Dancing 

• Sunlight

• Coffee (I realize this one is literally an energy giver, but I like the ritual of it too!) 

• Being around people who make me laugh 

• Learning something new

• Plants

• Being in any body of water, but most especially the ocean. What is it about getting our ass kicked by waves that makes us feel so alive?! 

Maybe you’re the type of person who enjoys a good cold plunge, or you get your energy replenished by reading a book, or gardening, or dying your hair pink, or going out clubbing until the wee hours of the morning. No judgments here. So many parts of our lives require tremendous energy from us, which makes finding the people, activities and places that fill us back up all the more important. 

If you’re not sure, my best advice is to remain curious. How do you feel after you watch a certain TV show? And after you get lunch with that particular friend? After the average work day? After an hour of reading the news? How about after that type of exercise? The more you pay attention, the better you can distinguish between what zaps your precious energy and what revives you.  

Wishing you all a week full of little life givers!