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We’ve all had those days … you know, the kind where a second cup of coffee just doesn’t do the trick. If you’re like most people, greeting the morning (and everything who comes with it) may not feel like a natural talent. This makes perfect sense. Life can be stressful when our personal commitments (family, work, school, social circles) demand our attention.
Fortunately, our thoughts and feelings under stress create actions that enable us to manage through difficult situations to the best of our ability (think about your response to phrases like “fight or flight” and “survival of the fittest”). No wonder we’re all so stressed—we are literally conditioned to feel that we are fighting for our lives, especially when we experience conflict!
So, what can we do?
A Brief Introduction to Anabolic Energy
As a certified professional coach, I’m hopeful that society will eventually embrace a new way of thinking that favors anabolic energy over catabolic energy.
Anabolic energy expands our perception of the choices we have, while catabolic energy makes us feel limited in our capacity to choose. If it helps you can think of it in anatomy and physiology terms: Anabolic is positive energy and builds us up (just like our tissues, our attitude needs to be exercised in order to be strengthened). For example, doing push up creates anabolic energy: we are building strength. Conversely, catabolic energy has the opposite effect; it drains us of force and strength.
What are the benefits of focusing on anabolic energy?
Imagine the possibilities if you were able to greet the day with boundless enthusiasm and a profound sense of purpose. How would you show up differently in situations competing for your energy? Would you ever need a second cup of coffee again?
Let’s take that even further …
What if you could teach others to reach higher levels of awareness, thus enabling them to reach the goals that were previously only dreams? I can tell you without reservation that this is possible because I witness my students doing it every day!
One of the courses I teach at American College of Healthcare Sciences, NAT 305 Wellness Coaching & Communication Skills, allows students to hone their craft as natural health professionals by allowing them to practice their motivational interviewing techniques (techniques that move people from a state of ambivalence into a mode of positive, purposeful change). In that process, they achieve a more anabolic energy as they gain greater awareness of the power of choice and by witnessing profound transformation within their clients.
Increase my positive energy Today!
Not everyone will choose to become a natural health professional or wellness coach, but anyone can benefit from a few simple daily practices to increase energy in all aspects of life.
1. Allow time for morning meditation.
This is great to do in bed, shortly after waking. Reflect on how grateful you are to enter the day and the importance of your path ahead. You will make a profound, positive difference today in all things. Without you, the day would never be the same (for anyone).
Need motivation to get started in your meditation practice? Try starting off with guided meditations; there are wonderful apps like Calm or InsightTimer than can help you develop a meditation habit.
2. Change negative self-talk.
Instead of, “Ugh, I hate that I have to do this today,” choose a more anabolic statement like, “I’m excited about the opportunities ahead, and I’m feeling very curious about how this day will unfold.”
3. Drop the judgements.
First, be mindful of your thoughts and feelings about others; they limit the possibilities you allow yourself to experience with those people.
The next time you find yourself using catabolic (negative, limiting) energy directed toward another person, explore anabolic alternatives. For example, if you catch yourself thinking something like, That person looks really irritated and is probably not nice, trying reframing your thought into something like, I wonder what that person is thinking about and how connecting with them might help me learn something new.
Second, if you don’t think you judge people very often, test yourself. Keep a judgement journal handy, and record your thoughts and feelings related to others throughout the day. Is your list long or short?
Remember all the benefits of cultivating positive energy!
Negative energy is often associated with apathy, guilt, resentment, judgement, and the feeling of limited options. Higher levels of energy include a sense of personal responsibility, curiosity about possibilities, service to others, and a desire to experience a world where everyone thrives.
Whether you work in the holistic health or integrative medicine industries or not, the higher your energy, the more peace, joy, and purpose you experience. While maintaining the highest levels of energy 24/7 may not be realistic, you have the capacity to access energy (low or high) anytime you choose, especially in stressful situations.
What end of the energy spectrum are you currently on? More importantly, how is your current spot on that spectrum supporting you in getting the things you want?
Disclosure of Material Connection: I am a guest blogger for American College of Healthcare Sciences, the Institution that publishes this blog. However, all opinions are my own. This blog may contain affiliate links. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”
This article is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to treat, diagnose, cure, or prevent disease. This article has not been reviewed by the FDA. Always consult with your primary care physician or naturopathic doctor before making any significant changes to your health and wellness routine.
Reference
Schneider, B.D. (2008). Energy Leadership: Transforming Your Workplace and Your Life from the Core. Hoboken, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
