Let's Talk About Your ENERGY - Part 2
Last week I explained that catabolic energy breaks down and anabolic energy builds up using exercise to help explain how it impacts the body during workouts. (here is a link to my blog if you missed it)
Now I will explain it from a general perspective. Just like how the exercise we choose to perform impacts what hormones our body produces, so do our feelings and emotions!
Catabolic energy
In our day to day lives, catabolic energy shows up as what we perceive as stress. When we feel stressed our mind and body focus on what is causing stress. Stress may show up in the form of pain or a problem. Our cells release cortisol and adrenaline which gives us a boost of energy to move into action to address the stress. Although this is not bad, it is not sustainable for long periods of time. When we experience stress, we may feel guilty, overwhelmed, worried, frustrated, angry or even resentful. Not being able to resolve or release the stress can be draining, exhausting and impact our wellbeing.
I remember when I was working as an Engineering Manager and my daughter was a toddler. I could barely get us out of the house before 8:50 am most mornings. Luckily, I did not have to be at work until 9:30 -10 am so it didn't matter. But, once a month, I had an engineering program review meeting that started at 8:30 am. On those days, I needed to be at work by 8 am which meant we needed to leave by 7:30 am. (YIKES!) As you can probably imagine, those mornings were the most stressful. Those were also the mornings when something would happen and throw me off even more.
One time, my 'independent' preschooler decided NOT to wear what I pulled out for her to wear. (which was not the first time, but, not what I needed that day). So, that would be an unplanned ‘conversation’. (tick tock, tick tock,...) To avoid an unnecessary meltdown, from either her or me, I would just let her pick something out. Then I would rush around trying to make sure I had everything I needed for work, for lunch, breakfast, snacks and for my workout AFTER work. I also had to make sure her bag was packed with what she needed for daycare (diapers, change of clothes, nap sack etc.) God forbid I need gas too!!!!! (man, I am exhausted just remembering that time in my life)
I felt rushed, snappy, and really couldn’t focus until I got settled at my desk. I am usually pretty calm, relaxed, and friendly but I was not the friendliest person on those mornings. God bless anyone who crossed my path on those days.
{{ subscriber.first_name | capitalize }}, Can you relate? Can you think of a time when you felt stressed? What did you think? What did you feel? How did you act? That was catabolic energy being released.
Looking back, I was definitely swimming in catabolic energy in those moments and on many other stress filled days.
Anabolic energy
Anabolic energy is NOT stressful. When not stressed, your body generates hormones to heal and rejuvenate the body. You are better able to be creative, maintain a solution focused mindset, come up with solutions to problems, and identify new opportunities and possibilities.
In the story above, those monthly stressful mornings were resolved by moving that meeting to start midday instead of 8:30 AM. How did this happen? My manager asked me to start coordinating the meetings. So I walked around and talk with the involved parties. I asked them for their input and their preferred meeting timeframe. Most, if not all, preferred a later start time. Many other concerns were shared and other time and meeting management improvements were implemented as a result.
As I mentioned last week, catabolic and anabolic energies are neither good nor bad. They are just a refection of how we perceive a situation. We are always at choice with how we want to 'show up' or respond to a situation.
What's Your Energy?
Throughout the day, I encourage you to check in with yourself. What are you feeling? How are you responding?
If you feel guilty, overwhelmed, worried, or angry about something, be aware that your energy is catabolic and may be impacting the way you are experiencing the current situation and the people around you. You may be getting upset over something or having difficulty dealing with something that is ordinarily, not a big deal for you.
If you are feeling creative, peaceful, compassionate, helpful, motivated, confident, and inspired, be aware that your energy is anabolic and impacting those around you AND the way you are experiencing the problems in front of you.
What To Do
Take note of your feelings
Notice what and how you are feeling. It is impacting those around you. Talk about how you feel with someone you trust. If there is no one to talk to, then maybe go for a walk or take a few deep cleansing breaths. Note how you are able to respond to situations that arise throughout the day.
Make a choice
Some emotional responses are appropriate and some are not. Choose who you want to be in that situation and respond accordingly.
Adjust your thoughts
Your thoughts dictate how you feel which lead to how you act. So, make sure your thoughts are in alignment with with who you want to be and the behavior you want to model for your family.
Do you have the tools to be at choice with your feelings and emotions? Do you want more guidance and support so you can choose to be more present, confident, creative, and compassionate? I can help!
