Story originally printed in the La Crosse Tribune or online at www.lacrossetribune.com
Published - Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Spring a great time to re-energize your life
Spring is a time of the year when many of us look forward to the warmer weather, green grass, flowers and getting back outside to have fun and enjoyment. In this interim time it can be difficult raising that energy level to get the things done that are necessary to prepare for the warm weather that is ahead.
I am writing this at the time when daylight savings time has gone into effect and that time change always zaps a bit of my energy until I can re-acclimate. So this article will be written to help me and you, too, if you find yourself a bit tired and stuck get back into being productive, energized and creatively designing our lives.
Here are some tips to consider for helping you get over boredom, repetition and re-energize your life:
1. The task seems too big.
-- First, break down the issue into smaller portions. What is it you want to do or change?
-- Decide what you must do yourself.
-- Determine who can help you out with portions of the task.
-- Ask for help.
-- Learn a new skill by taking a class or going online.
2. Lack of inspiration
-- Think about an issue that you feel strongly about to gain some energy.
-- Changes do not have to be dramatic to make a difference.
-- Look for some new ideas….look in seed catalogues, paint stores, furniture stores, take a walk, read the news, take a trip to a museum, gallery or the zoo.
3. Boredom.
-- Look at the issues from a different perspective: get inside the closet and look out, look in the window from the outside, ask someone else what they might do if they were in your situation.
-- Find someone with the most outrageous look on life and ask them how they might change what you are wanting or not wanting to change.
-- Write down what it is you would like to do and then take a walk, turn on some tunes and dance allowing your subconscious mind to work on the solution.
4. Distraction.
-- It’s hard to think creatively when your life and mind are filled with other things.
-- Get organized, schedule time for things you must do and save time for things you’d like to do.
-- Keep a small notebook available and jot down any thoughts or ideas you have about your desired outcome.
-- Multitask: Can you start the laundry, start dinner, and while those things are under way you could dust, do some other task, read, take a bubble bath or e-mail or talk with a friend.
-- Clutter can be very distracting. Clear out a space, donate unused things and throw away things that have served their purpose. Gather things that you just don’t have time to deal with, like old photos and package them away for a later date when you have more time.
-- Create more storage space with shelves, storage containers and boxes.
5. Overload.
-- You have taken on too many projects or not completed enough things before adding more.
-- If you need to maintain commitment, try positive self talk methods to help keep you focused and on track.
-- Visualize a time when you were excited about whatever you are not excited about now. Remember how it felt and hold onto that feeling.
-- Look at something that you did well previously. Use it as a motivator, an example of what you can do.
-- If you don’t need to maintain a commitment, then take a break! Even the most dedicated person doesn’t spend their whole life working. Think about something else for a while, and come back refreshed.
Pick one of these things and “Just do it!” Sometimes all you need is to take the first step. It’s amazing what happens when we let go of those thoughts and behaviors that have a tendency for keeping us stuck in a rut. Enjoy, spring is around the corner and we will have more energy and a brighter outlook! Enjoy!
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