Life can be draining. Do you ever come home from a long day and feel completely worn out? This is a very common feeling people experience. Running from one obligation to another can really take a toll on our energy levels. Overwhelming ourselves with day to day activities can cause us to stop feeling joy in certain situations that use to make us happy. We stop feeling content and begin to just feel exhausted. This is because all of our energy is being taken from us and never being replenished.

There are many things that can steal our energy and leave us feeling empty. Too much stress at work without any time to recuperate can drain our energy. Too many planned social outings can make us tired of entertaining others. Committing to too many family obligations can keep us from living our own lives. Certain friends can also drain our energy with no hope of returning the favor and energizing us. A mixture of all these draining situations and many others can suck the energy right out from us and have us wishing and hoping for just one moment of peace from the craziness we call life. And, even a moment of true happiness tends to feel like an impossible thing to attain.

It can be difficult trying to regain our sanity and joy, but with a little work and reflection we can feel energized and refreshed once again.

First, we must make an honest account of the things in our lives that take away too much of our energy. Whether it is certain friends we hang out with, or just too much on our plates between family and work. We need to become aware of these situations and recognize that they are draining our energy.

Next, we need to cut the things from our lives that are demanding too much of us. We may have to stop spending so much time with people in our lives who make us feel exhausted. Or, we may need to cut down on the commitments we have made. Either way, we must give ourselves permission to release ourselves from the strenuous things that consume our lives.

Lastly, it’s time to make time to energize yourself! This can be accomplished in many different ways.

One of the ways I make time to replenish the energy in my life, is by taking some to myself. I do this by relaxing by myself, possibly by taking a bath and just unwinding. Sometimes I like to set aside time for a favorite hobby. For me, this means going to a coffee shop or sitting outside with a good book. Sometimes I like to just drive around and sing along to some awesome and fun music. Or, just being lazy on the couch and binge watching some Netflix is a great way to spend some alone time. Whatever makes you happy, just make time to do that for yourself. You deserve it!

Another way I gain my energy in my life, is by spending time with people who have strong positive influences on my life. We all have friends and family who have the power to turn one of our bad days into a great day. So, carve out some time with those special people in your life who you know ALWAYS have your best interests at heart.

This past year I hardly made time for the things that truly made me happy. I spread myself too thin and let the idea that I was obligated to participate in every social engagement and be happy about it rule my life. Even if I knew that it was not going to be fun for me, and in fact, I would feel worse after I went. I do not plan to let life boss me around like that in 2018.

If that feeling sounds familiar to you, make sure to set aside time for yourself and do what makes you truly happy every single day this year. There are little things we can do every day to make ourselves happy and gain back our energy. Whenever you do something for yourself and your energy, recognize how awesome it makes you feel and keep going back for more. You deserve to be happy and do the things that bring you joy.