A Math Lesson

Less is More... But There is a Caveat

When trying to reduce stress and overwhelm, as we have learned so far - less is more. It's important to simplify, prioritize, and reduce excess.

However, remember this:

Sometimes we can feel burned out not because we've done too much, but because we've done too little of what protects and replenishes our energy.

This week we're talking about simple math for an aligned life. The main objective is to understand and address energy output and energy input. In other words, it's vital to protect diminishing energetic resources by balancing energy consuming activities, environments, and interactions with energy-fueling and calming ones.

This will be different for everyone. The goal is to use what you have learned so far to understand yourself and what you need to feel aligned.

Our exercise this week will help you do just that. You can walk through the questions below as journal prompts, or use the attached worksheet for this activity.

I recommend that you run through this activity every week. It'll help keep you on track.

Before we do the actual math, lets review a couple of things.

1.First, take a moment to look back at Step 2, How do I want to feel.

What feelings do you want to feel in your life?

What do you want?

2.Now, let's review Step 3, Energy Audit.

What activities, people, interactions, and environments helped you feel emotionally energized?

When, where, and with whom did you feel most emotionally depleted?

What do you want to subtract?

Think of 2-4 things that you want to subtract or limit.

Again, use your answers in #1 and #2 above.

When you think of the way you want to feel, are there things, interactions, or environments that you are spending a lot of time or energy on that are most certainly NOT promoting this feeling? Are there things that are not aligned with your goals, desires, or values?

When you think about your energy, where are the drains? When do you feel most depleted? Can some of these be limited? If not, how can you balance energy enhancing activities to recover? (an example, if you have a stressful job, what do you need in order to replenish your energy?)

What action steps do you need to take to subtract?

Do you need to have a conversation , turn down an invitation, or take something off your schedule? What steps do you need to take ? Are you feeling any resistance here? What is coming up?

What do you want to add?

Think of 2-4 things that you want to keep or add in.

Use your answers in #1 and #2 above to help guide your answers.

When you think of the way you want to feel, are you making sure to add in the things that promote this feeling?

Think of when you feel the feelings you want to feel most readily.

When you think of your emotional and physical energy, are you making sure to add in the things that protect, preserve, or restore your energy?

What non-negotiables do you have? What do you need to feel and be your best? (examples might be sleep, exercise, good nutrition, time alone, etc).

Lastly, what support do you want to consider adding?

Sometimes there areas that we exert time and energy on that we cannot, or do not want to change.

How can you make this easier? What supports can you consider adding in to simplify? These might be internal or, often, external supports.

Sometimes there are things that you want to add into your life but there are barriers.

Are there supports that you need in order to make sure you can add in energy enhancing activities and take care of yourself?