Becoming More Aware of Energy Givers and Energy Takers
Ideas on who and what energy givers and takers are, and the importance of recognising and managing these factors for personal well-being.
Dear Spirited Earthling,
We are surrounded by different people, places, and activities throughout our days. These interactions affect our energy levels more than you may realise. Recognising what invigorates you (energy givers) and what drains you (energy takers) can help you manage these interactions so you can choose to spend more time with people, in places, and doing things that support and improve your overall well-being and personal growth.
As a short introduction to the energy givers and evergy takers concept: Energy givers bring joy and peace. You feel like your cup has been filled after spending time with certain people, in specific places, or doing particular activities. You leave the interaction feeling happier, more motivated, and perhaps more grounded. On the other hand, energy takers are the people, places, and activities that cause stress and fatigue. You leave the interaction feeling tired, unfilled, and perhaps demotivated and closer to burnout. By identifying and managing these factors, you can strategically optimise your energy levels to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Who and What are Energy Givers
Who wouldn’t want to spend more time with people who make them feel good, be in places that lift the spirit, and do things that make them happy? You are the writer of your own story and the hero of your own life, so include more energy-giving interactions in your (hero) story.
Energy Giving People
Surround yourself with family and friends who are optimistic and supportive. These individuals not only share your joy when you succeed but also offer genuine encouragement during times of doubt. They can help you maintain a positive attitude even in the face of challenges. Their presence is even more crucial during toughth times because they provide a listening ear, comforting words, or simple companionship to help you navigate any difficulties. Energy giving people are those who remind you of your strengths, lift your spirits, and stand by you no matter what. Since most of us spend more time at work than at home, try to spend lunches and coffee breaks with co-operative and positive colleagues.
Having a mentor or coach who can help you see things from new perspectives opens your eyes to unexplored opportunities. They also play a crucial role in keeping you focused on your goals, pushing you to strive harder, and offering constructive criticism to further your personal and professional growth. These mentors and coaches may be people you meet in person or they could be public figures, authors, and speakers who motivate you and share valuable insights in their written and spoken words. Having a mentor or coach is believed to be incredibly instrumental for success (as defined by society = material wealth).
Spending time with like-minded people who share your interests or core values can be incredibly energising and rewarding. Whether it's a group dedicated to a hobby you're passionate about, a professional network aligned with your career goals, or a volunteer organization that supports a cause you deeply believe in, being part of such groups can boost your sense of belonging. It helps you feel more connected to others and contributes to a greater sense of purpose in your life. This sense of communal engagement often leads to a more enriching, fulfilling, and balanced lifestyle.
It is necessary to note that energy giving people are not "yes-men" and aren’t limited to groups you know. Energy giving people will challenge you and want what's best for you without taking on a controlling role. Broadening your perspective and learning about other cultures and beliefs enriches your personal growth journey. It's important to get out of your comfort zone and speak to people with different ideas, views, and beliefs. The more you challenge yourself, the easier it becomes. If you’re in the beginning of your journey, choose to do these interactions when your energy is full, and you have the capacity for healthy challenges.
Energy Giving Places
Nature is deeply energy giving, in all her states. Whether it involves taking on a challenging hike through the majesty of mountainous terrains, enjoying a leisurely walk on the beach while the waves gently lap at the shore, or merely sitting peacefully in a lush city park, the quiet serenity and inherent beauty of natural settings can be incredibly restorative. Time spent in nature is also an opportunity to disconnect from screens and distractions and reconnect with the natural world. This can provide an invaluable sense of clarity and peace.
Places such as libraries, meditation centres, and places of worship serve as havens where individuals can retreat from the noise of daily life. These peaceful spaces provide an environment conducive for reflection, meditation, or simply being present. Whether it is the quiet corners of a library filled with wisdom-laden books and different worlds, the peaceful ambiance of a meditation centre and the chance to switch off devices, or the sacred aura of a place of worship, each setting has a unique ability to instil a sense of peace and calm. This can refresh your mind, restore your energy, and lift the spirit, allowing you to return to daily life with renewed vigour and a clearer perspective.
There are times when being in a familiar and comfortable environment can have a profoundly positive impact on your emotional and mental state. Having a home that is also your sanctuary is one of the greatest blessings in life. Alternatively, it could be a friend’s house, where the warmth of companionship and social interaction can provide a feeling of belonging. It could be your favourite coffee shop, a place where the aroma of brewing coffee and the ambient noise provide a sense of comfort and familiarity. These places are unique in their own ways and can provide a sense of security and relaxation. A place to sit and just be while feeling safe renews your energy.
Energy Giving Activities
Regular physical activity is a terrific way to boost your energy levels and enhance your overall well-being. Regardless of your current fitness level, move your body every day. This could be a slow walk or brisk jog in the mornings when the air is fresh and the world is waking up, or perhaps a calming yoga or Tai Chi session to centre yourself and bring inner peace. Alternatively, you could join a dance class, letting the rhythm of the music and the energy of your fellow dancers uplift your spirits. Whichever form of exercise you choose, regularly moving your body helps create a positive cycle of good health and high spirits.
Making time to rest can can significantly boost your overall energy levels. There are different types of rest, depending on what you need and which facet of life you need rest in. Similary, engaging in mindfulness practices and being intentional in life can ground you and restore your energy. Meditating allows you to clear your mind and find inner peace, while journalling provides an outlet for your thoughts and emotions. Practicing intentionality helps you focus on the present moment, align your actions with your goals and appreciate what you have, which collectively contribute to a more energised and balanced state of being.
Participating in creative activities like painting, writing, or playing a musical instrument can be energizing and enriching. These hobbies offer a unique outlet for self-expression and exploration. They allow you to communicate your inner thoughts, feelings, and ideas in ways that words sometimes cannot. Besides providing joy, creative pursuits can also relieve stress as they help you relax and unwind after a long day. They can be deeply satisfying, offering a sense of accomplishment.
The pursuit of new knowledge or skills can be a great source of motivation and personal growth. This could mean learning a new language, taking a thought-provoking course, or reading an inspiring book. Learning in any form keeps the mind active, engaged, and constantly evolving. It's a never-ending journey that nurtures curiosity and encourages you to push your boundaries, opening up a world of possibilities and new perspectives.
Travelling gets you out of your daily routine and comfort zone in the best way possible, offering a refreshing break from the monotony of everyday life. Experiencing new cultures, places, and foods can not only inspire you to see what you want more of in your life, but also help you appreciate aspects of your daily existence that you may take for granted. From the bustling streets of a foreign city, to the serene landscapes of a remote village, or the exotic flavours of a cuisine you’ve never tried before, each new experience adds a unique layer to your understanding of the world and yourself. This broadened perspective can lead to personal growth, new passions, and a deeper sense of gratitude for the familiar comforts of home.
People with pets are thought to be happier and healthier compared to those who do not have pets. For instance, dog owners tend to spend more time outdoors, engaging in regular exercise by walking, running and playing with their dogs. This regular movement not only benefits their physical health but also contributes to their mental well-being. Additionally, all pet owners often feel a deeper sense of love and companionship. The ability to snuggle, pet, and love their animal companions provides emotional support and a unique bond that can be immensely comforting. This emotional connection can lead to a greater sense of fulfilment and happiness in their lives.
Surround yourself with optimistic and supportive people, including family, friends, mentors, and like-minded individuals, to maintain a positive attitude and achieve personal growth. Engage in energy-giving places like nature, libraries, meditation centers, and familiar environments to rejuvenate your mind and body. Participate in activities such as regular physical exercise, relaxation practices, creative hobbies, learning new skills, traveling, and spending time with pets to boost energy levels and enhance overall well-being.
Who and What are Energy Takers
Stepping back from people, places, and activities that do serve you is a gift to yourself each time. Time is precious and life is unpredictable so be wise with how you spend it.
Energy Taking People
Always being around people who persistently exhibit a negative attitude, are regularly critical and doubt or discourage your goals, or consistently complain can be emotionally exhausting. Their negativity, which they often project onto those around them, can drain your energy and enthusiasm. It can sap your motivation, making it difficult for you to maintain your drive and determination. Furthermore, their persistent negativity can gradually diminish your positive outlook on life, making it challenging to maintain a sense of optimism and positivity about your future.
Overly competitive people can drain your energy because interacting with them is exhausting. These individuals often create a tense atmosphere as they constantly strive to outdo others, which can be emotionally and mentally taxing for those around them. Their relentless drive to be the best can lead to stress and discomfort in social settings, making it difficult to relax and enjoy the moment. As a result, spending time with overly competitive people can leave you feeling in need of a break to recharge.
Individuals who consistently overly depend on you to provide them with emotional support without giving anything in return can drain your energy reserves. While it's undoubtedly important to offer assistance to those in need, it's equally vital to remember that your resources (time, energy, emotional capacity) are not limitless. Overly dependent individuals will become upset and angry when you set boundaries and would rather you neglect your own emotional health and well-being than stepping up to make changes in their own life.
Be weary of gossipers. Those who engage in gossip or spread rumours create unnecessary drama. Similarly, individuals who seem to flourish amid drama or conflict can be particularly exhausting to be around. They often bring a level of intensity and emotional upheaval that can feel overwhelming, especially for those who prefer peace and tranquillity. The constant arguments they instigate or the tension they perpetuate can take a significant toll on your emotional well-being. It can leave you feeling stressed, anxious, and emotionally drained.
Energy Taking Places
Untidy, messy, or disorganised spaces are often said to contribute to feelings of chaos and overwhelm, creating a stressful atmosphere that is distracting and counterproductive. On the other hand, a clean, tidy, and well-organised space is said to alleviate stress but also improves focus and productivity.
We often find ourselves in noisy and busy environments filled with constant sound, activity, and distraction. Whether it's a crowded city street, a busy workplace, or a lively household, loud and chaotic settings can be energy-draining and mentally exhausting.
Work environments characterised by high pressure, excessive demands, or insufficient support can significantly drain energy and productivity. These conditions not only lead to physical and mental exhaustion but also negatively impact job satisfaction and personal life.
Avoid places that make you feel uneasy and unsafe, for whatever reason. This can include locations where you have experienced past trauma, have negative memories associated with, or areas that have a reputation for being dangerous.
Energy Taking Activities
An excessive amount of screen time (doom scrolling on social media, binge-watching television series, prolonged video gaming sessions) can often result in an unexpected outcome of still feeling mentally and emotionally drained rather than refreshed. We typically do this during leisure time, which can create a deceptive perception of relaxation. You might believe that you are unwinding and destressing while engaging in these activities, but in reality, they are sapping your energy, leaving you feeling more tired and less productive. It's important to balance these activities with others that genuinely contribute to relaxation and rejuvenation.
Continually avoiding tasks and responsibilities (due to perfectionism or procrastination) often paves the way for stress and anxiety, two states of mind that can significantly drain your energy. These feelings can create an overwhelming sense of mental clutter, making it difficult to focus and accomplish your goals. Dwelling on negative thoughts or past mistakes can lead to significant mental exhaustion, making it difficult to focus on the present and maintain a positive outlook. This constant rumination can drain your energy and leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed.
On the opposite side, taking on too many responsibilities or obligations can lead to leaving little to no time for self-care and personal well-being. This often involves working long hours without taking necessary breaks, which can result in physical and mental fatigue. Neglecting work-life balance not only affects your energy levels but can also impact your overall health and happiness. Additionally, constantly putting others' needs before your own can gradually lead to feelings of resentment and fatigue. When you always prioritise others, you may neglect your own well-being and personal needs, which can result in emotional burnout and feeling unappreciated.
Unhealthy habits (like smoking, excessive drinking, or drug abuse) are significant energy takers. These behaviours not only drain your physical energy but also take a toll on your mental and emotional well-being. It's important to recognise these habits as unhealthy and sometimes harmful and understand the wide-ranging negative effects they have on your body and mind.
Striking a Balance
Recognising and managing what gives and takes your energy is essential for a balanced and fulfilling life. If you unable to completely remove yourself from energy takers, focus on striking a balance with the following ideas:
Set Boundaries: Learn to say no to people, places and activities that drain your energy. It’s important to protect your time and emotional well-being.
One of the most effective ways to manage your energy is to learn when and how to say no. This can apply to certain activities that leave you feeling drained or even specific individuals who seem to take more from you emotionally than they give. Setting boundaries in this way allows you to protect your time and emotional well-being. Remember, it’s not just about refusing things you don’t want to do, but also about making space for those things you truly care about.
Read: Why and How to Establish Healthy Personal Boundaries
Prioritise Self-care: Make time for activities and people that rejuvenate you. Self-care is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.
It's crucial to carve out time in your busy schedule for activities that bring you joy and people who provide positive energy. This might include reading a good book, going for a walk in nature, or spending time with loved ones. The act of taking care of yourself, both physically and mentally, should not be seen as a luxury that's only indulged in occasionally. Rather, it should be viewed as a necessity for maintaining overall health and wellbeing. Self-care allows you to recharge and renew, making you more effective and resilient in your daily life.
Read: Choose Your Self-Care Based on Your Love Languages
Evaluate Your Environment: Regularly assess your surroundings and make adjustments to create spaces that support your energy and well-being.
It's crucial to consistently observe and evaluate your surroundings. This does not merely refer to your immediate physical environment, but also the people, ideas, and energies that surround you. By doing this, you can identify aspects that may not be serving your highest good. Once you've assessed these elements, don't hesitate to make necessary adjustments. This could involve rearranging your physical space, setting boundaries with people, or changing your thought patterns. The goal is to create environments, both physical and emotional, that support overall well-being and renew energy. In doing so, you will likely find that you are better equipped to thrive in all areas of your life.
Read: The Truth About Environmental Wellness and Personal Well-Being
Stay Mindful: Pay attention to how different interactions and activities make you feel. Use this awareness to make conscious choices that enhance your energy.
Start to pay careful attention to how different interactions, events, and daily activities impact your emotions and overall energy levels. Is there a particular task that drains you, or a certain person whose presence lifts your spirits? By becoming more aware of these influences, you can start to understand the patterns of what depletes and what enhances your energy. Use this newfound awareness to make more conscious and deliberate choices in your life.
Read: Greatest Benefits and Themes of Self-Discovery and Self-Reflection Journaling
Understanding what gives and takes your energy is essential for a balanced life. Key strategies include setting boundaries to protect your time and emotional well-being, prioritising self-care as a necessity, regularly evaluating and adjusting your environment to support your energy and staying mindful of how different interactions and activities affect you to make conscious choices that enhance your energy.
Energy Giving Daily Practices
Gratitude Journaling: Writing down things you are thankful for.
Positive Affirmations: Repeating empowering statements to yourself.
Healthy Eating: Consuming nutritious foods that fuel your body.
Hydration: Drinking plenty of water throughout the day.
Adequate Sleep: Ensuring you get enough restful sleep each night.
Time Management: Organizing your day to include breaks and downtime.
Decluttering: Keeping your living and working spaces tidy.
Setting Goals: Having clear, achievable objectives to work towards.
Mindfulness Practices: Staying present and fully engaged in the moment.
Spiritual Practices: Engaging in activities that nurture your spirit, such as prayer, meditation, or yoga.
Integrating these energy givers into your daily life can significantly enhance your overall well-being, boost your mood, and keep you energised and motivated. By diligently focusing on activities, people, and habits that serve as energy givers, and being acutely mindful and aware of those that act as energy takers, you can cultivate a more balanced and happier life.
Spirited Earthling is more than just a blog – it's a gathering place for kindred spirits drawn by an interest in self-discovery, the appeal of self-care, and a desire for a deeper connection to the world. Written and created for curious minds and spiritual hearts seeking meaning in everyday life, this blog aims to help you curate your wholesome personal growth with free weekly ideas and affordable resources for sale.
As you navigate your personal growth journey using the words and ideas shared here, consider sharing this blog with someone looking for inspiration or motivation on their own journey. We are all spirited earthlings, and can lift each other together with mindful, connected living.
Thank you for being part of this community.
Best wishes, warmest regards
Jordan
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