Energy boosters vs. energy drainers

Do you recognize that feeling that after a day with certain people you are completely drained? My goodness. Your head is heavy and you could sleep, so tired. While with others you can chat for hours and only gain more energy.

How is that possible?

When we look at the energy givers...

You feel this immediately. Energy givers are people (or activities) that seem to give a lot of energy. After you have spoken to this person or completed that task, you feel completely recharged. These people and/or activities can positively influence your life. A friendship is successful if both parties can draw energy, inspiration, and happiness from it. Especially expand this side of your circle of friends!

Do you want more positive energy in your life? Then you can easily fix that yourself. An energy giver doesn't have to be big. Even small bits help. Think of: a walk in nature, reading a book, or talking to someone who understands you. Engaging in a relaxing hobby also helps, such as painting, making music, cooking, etc. You have control over these energy givers yourself.

When we then look at the energy drainers...

The word says it all: energy drainers are people or events that make you feel tired, overwhelmed, or downcast. Every time you have spent a long time with this person, talked, or performed a task, you feel drained. What energy drainers ‘are’ for you varies from person to person, but generally, people feel exhausted when they are with people who seem to show no genuine interest in them, but at the same time want to share a lot about themselves. Energy suckers will overstep your boundaries, and it is up to you to say ‘no’ to this. This battle in your head causes an attack on your energy reserves.

A sick family member, relationship problems, or a change at work can also cost you a lot of energy. Part of this energy is lost just by the worries that come with it. Will your relationship actually be okay? Will that work pressure decrease or will it only get worse?

Do you notice that you have been feeling drained lately? Then think for yourself: is there a good balance for you? Are there perhaps insufficient energy givers or too many energy drainers? Then stress arises and this can affect your enjoyment. Calmly reflect on where the disruption in your balance comes from. Can you solve it yourself? Try to make more time for things that can give you some energy again.

Bottom line in the energy issue: listen to yourself. Write down what gives you energy versus what costs you energy. See if you can do more of one and less of the other. Surround yourself with nice people and slalom between the snakes. You got this!