"I feel tired all the time," and "Why do I feel so blah?"
1. Energy
drain: Other People's Expectations
Are you living someone else's dream for
you? You're putting out energy but starving emotionally.
The other person gets all the satisfaction.
Energy move:
Declare Independence
You bought in; you can set yourself
free. No confrontation needed, just "I don't have to expect that
of myself."
Worst-case scenario: Someone who's not you will be disappointed. You will feel wonderful.
2. Energy drain: Loss of
Self
As kids, we had to play by the rules; our
unique energy got caged.
Energy move: Personalize
Your Life
Ask yourself, If it were up to me, what
would I…hang on my wall? Wear to work? Do for fun?
Find the pockets of freedom where you can be more yourself.
3. Energy
drain: Deprivation
Duties and responsibilities fill your days.
You gain weight trying to get emotional energy from food.
Energy move: Add
Pleasure, Beauty, Fun
Satisfying experiences, large and small,
are the real nourishment you crave.
Plan a big treat to look forward to—and a little one every day.
4. Energy drain: Envy
We often don't feel envy directly—but we
might find someone else's good fortune depressing.
Energy move: Count Your
Blessings
Comparison is a loser's game. Look at what
you have, and actively feel grateful.
(P.S. That person you envy—you don't know how messy her life really is. Chances are you wouldn't want it if you had it.)
5.
Energy drain: Worry
When you worry, you think you're dealing
with things, but you're just suffering.
Worry never comes up with good ideas. It torments and exhausts
us.
Energy move: Get Going
Action is the cure for worry. Do one thing
that brings you a step closer to coping.
If it's the middle of the night, get up and write a to-do list.
6.
Energy drain: Unfinished Business
Unmade decisions and postponed projects
drain you.
Energy move: Do It or
Dump It
Forget the perfect decision—just trust
yourself and make a choice. Put projects in an appointment book.
If you can't find any good time, that's a signal you don't want to do it. So don't.
7.
Energy drain:
Overcommitment
You're always saying "Yes"—to your boss,
mother, kids, friends; to requests, favors, meetings.
Energy move: Say "Yes"
to Yourself
Tell someone else "No" every once in a
while, just to feel your own power.
You'll gain a whole new sense of your ability to take care of yourself.
8.
Energy drain: Holding On to
Loss
Fresh loss is an emergency. But old
losses you can't let go of are dead weight.
Energy move: Cry
All Your Tears
Indulge in big-time mourning. Take
off from work, stay in bed, and do nothing but cry till you're
dry…and bored.
Then go out and embrace life.
source from www.oprah.com