Quick Fixes to the 3 Big Energy Zappers

Many moms today are running on empty. In the morning, we fill up on a quarter tank of coffee (or our equivalent gasoline), and then try and engage in activities that require a full tank. What happens when our fuel runs out? We get tired, irritable and just plain unproductive, due to our lack of energy. While some moms have learned to operate on adrenaline, the long term effects on our health are detrimental.

I know from talking to many moms that it's not what moms want. We want to be full of energy, happy and productive. That's how most moms define a good day. The good news is we can experience many days like this if we know how to manage our energy. The energy equation formula is simple: Energizers - Energy Drains = JOY! As you can see from this formula, you need far more energizers in your life than energy drains.

Although life as a mom comes with its fair share of energy drains, it is entirely possible to minimize those things that zap our energy. In addition, adding a big dose of energizers to our lives goes a long way for maintaining our energy supply. Think about the last time you took 2-3 hours for yourself. Perhaps you went out and had a great time with some girlfriends or maybe you went to the salon and had your hair done. Whatever you did, I bet you remember coming home feeling refreshed and revived, ready to tackle the demands of motherhood.

Below I have identified for you the three main categories of energy zappers along with some quick fix solutions to turning those energy drains into energizers.

Energy Zapper #1 - Negative Thoughts/Feelings

This category is a loaded one because it contains so much of what moms are dealing with today. Let me just share some of the thoughts and feelings moms express to me. I feel so overwhelmed. I am frustrated because I never get anything done. I feel guilty because I don't have enough quality time with my kids. I'm afraid we won't be able to survive financially. I'm worried about my son - he's having a hard time adjusting. I don't know what I want to do with my life - I feel so unfulfilled.

Laced throughout all these real life examples are the feelings of guilt, worry, anxiety, fear, anger, frustration, and doubt. There probably isn't a mom on this planet that doesn't feel each and every one of these feelings at one time or another. That's part of the human experience, but when these feelings are a regular part of our lives, they will zap our energy.

Solution: Make a conscious effort to put these feelings in check. Remember your emotions are a result of the thoughts you have. Think positively and have faith in your ability to solve whatever challenges come your way. Do not be afraid to pick up the phone and talk through these feelings with a trusted friend. Chances are your friend has felt the same way too. Trust in a Higher Power to take these feelings from you, and believe that someone greater than yourself has complete control over your life. Learn to let go and move freely with the flow of life. Holding your feelings in or fighting internally with them only serves to keep you locked in the negative feelings.

Energy Zapper #2 - Lack of Self-Care

A lack of self-care encompasses such things as skipping breakfast, skimping on sleep, failure to exercise and overworking. Any of those sound familiar? A deficit in self-care could be due to the failure to set healthy boundaries in your life or not taking time to express your creativity. For some moms, it's about maintaining a poor diet, subjecting herself to negative self-talk, or getting caught up in perfectionist tendencies. When you don't take care of yourself, your energy will be depleted because self-care if a major energizer.

Solution: Nix any feelings of guilt you have about engaging in self-care. The fact of the matter is you will be a far better mom to your children if you can make time for regular self-care. Why do you think the flight attendants ask mothers to put their oxygen mask on first, before they assist their children? Identify the areas you are ignoring your self-care. Do your self-care issues fall into the area of physical, mental, emotional or spiritual health? Put together a plan that will nurture you and keep you refueled. Protect that plan like a mother bear protects her cubs. Get rid of any excuses that interfere with you developing or engaging in a self-care regime. If time is the issue, cut out other less important activities. If money is your excuse, find no-cost alternatives to self-care. Without self-care, you cannot expect to live a happy and energized life.

Energy Zapper #3 - Clutter and Disorganization

Clutter is a tricky one because it can be both a symptom and cause of blocked energy. Physical clutter can literally block the flow of energy in your life, causing you to feel drained by your living conditions. At the same time, energy blocks in other areas of your life can result in physical clutter in your environment. In other words, emotional clutter can cause physical clutter. Disorganization causes anxiety. There is nothing more frustrating than searching for things you need, running around late due to poor planning or the lack of productivity we experience when we are disorganized.

Solution: I know it may drain your energy to even think about decluttering, but the only solution to clutter is to get rid of it. Tackle clutter in baby steps. Take on one room at a time and work at it until you have a decluttered and organized space. Just like self-care, make it a priority to devote at least some amount of time each week to get rid of excess stuff and organize what you need. Commit to being better organized. Start setting weekly goals and make time at the beginning or end of your week to plan your weekly schedule. Make a list of what's most important for you to accomplish this week and break it into daily goals. Stay focused on your daily goals so you can feel a sense of accomplishment. Those feelings of accomplishment will result in greater energy to complete your tasks the next day. Let go of perfection and procrastination because there is no time for that when you're a mom.

Which of these three energy zappers depletes your energy the most? Commit to flicking this energy zapper off your back so it doesn't weigh you down.