Managing Your Energy

Managing Your Energy

Managing Your Energy – Making Intentional Choices About Where to Spend It

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to forget that our energy is a finite resource. Unlike time, which ticks on regardless, our energy ebbs and flows. 

Life can throw us all over the place, like being onboard a ship in rough seas. But, when we’re intentional about where we spend it, we feel more balanced, fulfilled, and focused on what truly matters. 

But for many, especially those of us who are neurodiverse, this process is more complex. We’re constantly picking up on extra information around us, which can be both enriching and exhausting.

Recognising Your Energy “Bank”

Think of your energy like a bank account. Just as you might budget your finances, it’s essential to budget your energy. 

Each interaction, task, and even environment has an “energy cost,” which can differ for everyone. 

When we become aware of what drains us and what replenishes us, we can make intentional choices about where to invest our energy.

Here are some helpful questions to start with – you might like to journal on these.

  • What activities or people make me feel energised? Whether it’s engaging in a hobby, talking with certain friends, or spending time outdoors, recognising these energisers can help you build them more consistently into your routine.
  • What drains my energy most? Pay attention to situations or interactions that leave you feeling depleted, and consider if you can minimise or balance them.
  • How does my energy feel throughout the day? Noticing when your energy rises and dips can help you to structure your day in a way that makes the best use of your natural rhythms.

Tips for Managing Your Energy

Once you know what affects your energy levels, you can make small adjustments so that you are intentionally protecting and managing it. 

Here are a few techniques that work especially well for neurodiverse individuals:

  1. Set Boundaries to Avoid Information Overload
    News, social media, and even the everyday bustle of public spaces can be overwhelming. Give yourself permission to step back from sources of overstimulation and create small “retreats” of quiet whenever possible.
  2. Practice Grounding Techniques
    Grounding exercises like deep breathing, short meditations, or even sound healing can help recalibrate your mind and body. These moments bring you back to the present and help you recharge quickly.
  3. Embrace a ‘Less is More’ Mentality
    Instead of filling your day with endless to-dos, focus on two or three things that are most important to you. By reducing decision fatigue and honing in on priorities, you’ll conserve mental and emotional energy.
  4. Recharge with Nature
    Spending time outdoors or even just taking a few minutes to breathe fresh air can help clear your mind and replenish your reserves. Whether it’s a walk in the garden or a full day in nature, connecting with the Earth is an incredibly restorative experience.
  5. Use Intentional Rest Periods
    Rather than waiting until you’re exhausted to take a break, try planning intentional rest periods throughout your day. Even five minutes to stretch or close your eyes can make a world of difference.
managing your energy @ LucindaCurran.com

Energy is precious, and learning to manage it wisely allows us to live with greater joy, intention, and connection.

By prioritising your own wellbeing, you’ll not only feel more grounded but also have more to give to the things and people that matter most.

what matters most in your life right now - free gift @ lucindacuran.com

Take the quiz and download your detailed report to support you with what matters most for you today.

Finish the Year Strong: Tuning into What You Really Need

Finish the Year Strong: Tuning into What You Really Need

How To Finish The Year Strong

As the final quarter of the year unfolds, many of us find ourselves swept up in the whirlwind of social commitments, work deadlines, and festive preparations. It’s often called the “silly season” for a reason!

There’s pressure to show up everywhere, say yes to every event, and push ourselves to meet the demands of the season. But amid all this activity, have you ever stopped to ask yourself what you really need?

As we begin this final quarter, pause and spend some time in reflection and renewal. Instead of rushing through the next few months, take this opportunity to slow down and check in with yourself.

What if you could finish the year strong, instead of exhausting your reserves, if you could manage your energy in a way that truly supports your wellbeing?

This is where some deep self-inquiry comes in. Journalling is a powerful tool to help you connect with your inner wisdom and bring clarity to what’s most important for you.

Below are a few prompts to help guide you in this process. I encourage you to set aside some quiet time, get comfortable, and write freely in response to these questions. Let them help you tune into your own needs as the year draws to a close.

7 Journal Prompts to Finish the Year Strong

1. At a really deep level, what do I need?

This question invites you to bypass the surface-level ‘to-dos’ and look deeper into what your mind, body, and soul are asking for. Whether it’s more rest, a stronger sense of connection, or time alone to recharge, allow yourself to listen to your inner voice.

2. What commitments truly align with my values, and which ones drain my energy?

Not all activities bring equal satisfaction. Consider which events or tasks light you up and align with what matters most to you, versus those that feel obligatory or depleting.

3. How can I create boundaries that protect my energy during the busiest times?

We can’t say yes to everything. Reflect on where you might need to establish or reinforce boundaries to ensure you’re not overextending yourself.

4. What is one thing I can let go of that no longer serves me?

The end of the year is a great time to release what feels heavy or unnecessary, whether that’s an old habit, a commitment, or an emotional burden.

5. How can I incorporate moments of stillness or self-care into my daily routine?

During chaotic times, small practices of self-care can make all the difference. Explore how you can introduce or enhance moments of mindfulness, relaxation, or reflection to nourish yourself through the end of the year.

6. Who do I want to be at the start of the new year, and how can I embody that now?

Visualise the person you wish to become as the new year begins. What actions, mindset shifts, or choices can you make now that will help you align with that version of yourself?

7. What would it feel like to close the year with peace rather than pressure?

Imagine ending the year feeling peaceful and content rather than stressed and overwhelmed. How can you structure your time and energy to create that sense of ease as the year wraps up?

Some Final Words

As we approach the busiest time of the year, it’s essential to pause and reflect on what truly matters. These prompts are designed to help you connect with your deepest needs and find a sense of calm amid the chaos.

The goal isn’t to “get through” the end of the year but to finish strong – grounded, energised, and aligned with your authentic self.

Take a moment for yourself today, and start asking these important questions. You’re worth it!

Building Joy In Your Life

Building Joy In Your Life

Hey there, lovely souls! Let’s talk about joy!

For me, joy is essential, more important than good health – as from my experience, it overrides everything.

Picture this…

It’s a bright, sunny day, and you’re strolling through a meadow, surrounded by the vibrant colours of blooming flowers. 

Suddenly, a warm sensation fills your chest, spreading through your body like a gentle wave. Your heart feels full and overflowing, a smile spread across your face, you can feel your eyes twinkling as they take in all the beauty around you.

That, my friends, is joy – the pure, unadulterated bliss that lights up our lives and makes every moment sparkle with possibility.

So, what exactly is joy? 

It’s more than just a fleeting emotion; it’s a state of being, a profound sense of happiness that resonates deep within us. 

Joy is more than that, it comes from deep within – your soul, your true self.

It isn’t just about external circumstances – although they can trigger your awareness of it.

Joy gloriously brings peace and contentment, guiding your heart, mind and hand in all you do.

 

Close your eyes for a moment and tune into your body. Can you feel it? That bubbling sense of excitement in your chest, the tingle of anticipation running down your spine – that’s joy, my friends, and it’s a feeling worth chasing.

How is it different from happiness?

Before we delve deeper into the essence of joy, let’s take a moment to distinguish it from happiness. While the words “joy” and “happiness” are often used interchangeably, they hold distinct meanings that merit exploration. 

Let’s have a look at the differences.

Joy —

  • Is a profound sense of happiness that resonates deep within us
  • Is a state of being, not just a fleeting emotion
  • Comes from deep within – from your soul, your true self
  • Is more about internal contentment and peace rather than external circumstances
  • Is often associated with a sense of fulfilment and purpose

Happiness —

  • Is generally a transient emotion based on external factors
  • Tends to be more fleeting and dependent on specific events or experiences
  • Can be influenced by external circumstances, such as achieving a goal or receiving positive feedback
  • Is often linked to pleasure, satisfaction, or gratification in the moment
  • May fluctuate depending on changes in external conditions

As you can see, while happiness may be fleeting and dependent on external circumstances, joy emerges as a steadfast companion, rooted deeply within the soul. 

Understanding this distinction allows us to embrace the full spectrum of human emotion, paving the way for a more profound sense of contentment and fulfilment in our lives.

Now, you might be wondering, why is joy so important? 

In my opinion, joy is like fuel for the soul. 

It energises us, uplifts us, and infuses every aspect of our lives with positivity. 

When we’re in a state of joy, we’re more creative, more resilient, and more open to the beauty of the world around us.

Joy can help us get through tough times, even health challenges. In fact, I attribute my recovery from my very serious health challenges to having a strong sense of joy.

It can keep us strong, centred and focused ahead, regardless of what’s happening around us.

 

And let’s face it, life isn’t always sunshine and rainbows, is it? 

We all have our moments of darkness, times when joy seems like a distant memory.

So how do we find our way back to that place of bliss when the clouds roll in?

Firstly, it’s essential to recognise when joy is missing from our lives. 

Pay attention to how you feel – are you constantly tired, irritable, or uninspired? 

These could be signs that joy is in short supply. 

Once you’ve identified the problem, it’s time to take action.

Here are some powerful tools…

Sounds for Joy

Whether it’s through a sound healing session, chanting, or simply listening to the sounds of nature, sound has a profound impact on our emotional well-being. 

Find somewhere to lie down or sit quietly and comfortably. Close your eyes. Focus on hearing all the sounds you can hear from far away – as far as you can hear. Listen for a few minutes, then tune into what is a bit closer. Again, listen for a few minutes, then shift your awareness even closer. Keep going until you are listening to your breathing. Then take it inside you – what can you hear inside your own body?

As you bring your focus back to your surroundings, jot down the sounds that you found pleasant.

In this way, you can experiment with different sounds and vibrations until you find what resonates with you and lifts your spirits.

Practise Gratitude

Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you’re thankful for – no matter how small. 

I believe in the power of writing things down. 

And writing down what you are grateful for can also be something uplifting to read when you are feeling down in the dumps. Bonus!

Once you have written what you are grateful for, the next step is to read them one at a time, pause and feel gratitude and joy for each of them. Truly stop and feel the gratitude and notice how it spreads into joy. 

Gratitude has a magical way of shifting our perspective and opening our hearts to the abundance of joy that surrounds us.

Regularly exploring healing sounds and practising gratitude can reveal their tangible impact on our emotional state, offering actionable pathways to reignite joy in our lives.

And finally, don’t be afraid to seek support. 

Sometimes there’s a cap on what we can do by ourselves – and that is when it is great to reach out to get the support that you need, whether it’s a sound healing session, booking in for a life coaching series, getting therapy, or simply talking to a trusted friend.

Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Remember, you don’t have to navigate this journey alone.

 

So, my dear friends, I invite you to embrace joy with open arms. 

Let it fill your heart, nourish your soul, and light up your world with its radiant glow. Because when we choose joy, we choose life – in all its beautiful, messy, glorious splendour.

 

Until next time, shine bright and keep spreading those rays of joy wherever you go!

Warmest wishes,

Lucinda

Joyful Journey Advent - LucindaCurran.com

I created the Joyful Journey Advent to help you break through the daily struggles, by offering simple, joyful practices to make inner peace achievable every day.

Cllick the button below to find out more.