5 simple practices you can do every day to protect your energy
I don’t know about you, but with two young children and running a business, life is often fast-paced, a little chaotic and can very quickly feel overwhelming.
This year I’ve become super mindful how I balance my time to ensure my energy is protected and that I catch myself before the spiral kicks in and all the plates I’m spinning come crashing down!
So today, I’m sharing 5 simple practices I do every single day (even on the most challenging ones) which have really improved my overall wellbeing, brought calm and peace and had such a positive impact on all aspects of my life.
1. set an intention for the day
Do you wake up and reach for your phone almost on autopilot? A quick check to see who’s messaged or have a scroll on social media? That was me! Before I knew it, I’d wasted so much time I didn’t have and then jump out of bed to rush around getting everyone ready - usually with a lot of shouting and impatience involved!
Mornings look a little different now. Before giving anything outwards my attention.
If my husband’s heading out the door early (and I am sorting the boys), I simply spend a couple of minutes visualising my day asking a couple of questions: what do I want to achieve? how do I want to feel? what would a good day look like?
On the days when I’ve more time, I enjoy sitting with a hot drink, my journal and spend 15-30 minutes writing my intentions and include gratitudes and affirmations in there too. It’s such a lovely, calm, relaxing way to begin the day.
2. GROUND YOURSELF IN NATURE
If I’m not at home or working, you’ll always find me by the sea or a tree! I absolutely ADORE being out in the fresh air, come rain or shine, connecting with mother nature.
As much as I love a good podcast or music and do spend a lot of time with my airpods in, being outside and listening to the sounds around you can really help to release any stagnant energy which is blocked and restore a sense of balance and you also notice so much more when you’re not distracted or turning your attention to something else.
I recently went on a walk I saw 11 robins! What will you notice today as you tune into and ground yourself in the nature around you?
3. SET boundaries (and stick to them!)
Saying no and refusing to taking on others’ drama, problems and negativity doesn’t make you a horrible person or mean you don’t care.
Protecting your energy and emotional space is crucial to maintaining your peace and harmony.
For so long, I lived trying to be a ‘saviour’ to friends and thought it was helpful and a kind to take on their problems and dish out unsolicited solutions here, there and everywhere. I was available at the drop of a hat and would forever be apologising for their situation.
When I started my Reiki practice, I quickly realised this was an unhealthy and damaging behaviour and was attracting a lot of toxicity and making me feel pretty rubbish about myself.
Having strong boundaries is something which may take practice or feel uncomfortable at first, but it will only be helpful for everyone in the long run. And, because we all have an energy vampire somewhere in our life, when you do spend time with them, visualise a protective bubble all around you that stops any of their ‘stuff’ affecting you.
4. CLeanse your space & self
This one can be simply having less clutter around you, which I find a little challenging with the amount of toys my boys have and gadgets my husband has about the house!
Sage sticks, cleansing sprays can be used or simply opening the windows is a fave of mine. Asking for any stagnant energy to please leave to make space for the good stuff to flow - and I usually have an incense stick burning in my house!
If I’ve had a busy day with clients and around a lot of people, I have a long shower or a salt bath and visualise all the energy I’ve picked up along the day washing away - it’s such a simple and relaxing way to rebalance.
5. prioritise joy
What’s your ‘thing’? Is it getting out for a walk or a run? Love being cosied up on the sofa absorbed in the latest netflix documentary? Or maybe you prefer a quiet moment absorbed in a book?
Whatever it is, try and take time to weave that moment of joy into each day because when we spend time doing the things we love, it builds resilience and helps us overcome the challenges which we inevitably face as we go through life.