It is our belief that maintaining positive energy, ironically, takes energy, purposefulness, and diligence. As the COVID Pandemic takes another unexpected turn, perhaps it is time for us to view it as a chronic state, that is not yet fading away. This realization can help us adjust our thinking. Rather than anticipating that there is a clear finish line, we may want to adjust how we see the new reality that we are living in. This awareness can also drain our energy which is the last thing we need at this point.
If you are finding that your energy during this pandemic is fading, there are things that we can employ that can begin to restore some of our energy. Let’s look at our diet, the fuel for energy generation. All three macro-nutrients, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are important to our health and energy. The ratio in which we consume them can have a major impact on our overall health and energy. Carbohydrates are the primary energy source, however, when consumed in too great a quantity will zap your energy, create a brain fog and make you want to take a nap. Proteins can help us maintain energy by helping to stabilize our blood sugar level. When proteins are consumed with each meal, we reduce the amount of carbohydrates and therefore reduce brain fog, improve energy and enable us to get through the day without needing a nap. Fats, when consumed with each meal, will also help reduce the amount of carbohydrates and help us maintain our feeling of fullness, satiety.
What we choose to read and pay attention to has the potential to give us hope or launch us into despair. We have recently read, “101 Soul Seeds … For Coping with a Covid Christmas”, by Valerie Zehl. This text offers ways to rethink various holiday celebrations. In an uplifting, practical approach the author gives us the opportunity to change some of our traditions, helping us bridge the old with the new. We found the authors suggestions insightful and doable. For example, on page 116 she writes, “We have all become accustomed to washing our hands for 20 seconds, but we can do more with that new habit. We can use the time to simultaneously thank our Creator, or pray for a beloved, for a stranger, or for our country.” We encourage you to take a look at this book for yourself. Although it is written for Christmas, it’s ideas are applicable to many other Holidays and celebrations.
For those who see this time of year as a time of focus on our spiritual life, this can be a time for inner healing and rejuvenation. Through the pandemic you may have found that your usual means of faith expression has had to change and that your old ways may not be as fulfilling as they once were. Rather than turn-away from your spiritual life, enhance it with rituals and practices that are meaningful to you. For example, you may find a new venue for spiritual growth may enhance your spiritual energy for connection and fulfillment.
The process of maintaining our energy is one that takes purposeful time and dedication. Our energy is sustainable when we give ourselves the permission to focus on what we need physically, spiritually and psychologically
Key Takeaways
Our energy gage needs continual fueling.
Practice Meta-thinking…thinking how we think.
When energy levels are at their peak, anyone can be “the little Nash Rambler”, Beep Beep The Playmates, 1958.
Best Practices
Fill-up with Carbs, Proteins and Fats.
If you are reading, listening, or watching anything that brings you down, STOP IT!
Take time, daily, to take-in the positive experience around you.
Call an old friend with whom you have not connected with in a while.
Things to Limit
Being too busy to being with your loved ones.
Being too busy to being with your pets.
Being too busy to……….
Quote of the Week
“Your energy is currency. Spend it well. Invest is wisely.”
Author Unknown
Energy conservation is a strength that you may want to nurture and build. When you are finding that your energy is being depleted by your surroundings, change your surroundings, and move to an energy enhancement environment, immediately. You have too much to do with your talents to allow them to be wasted.
Be well,
The paraDocs
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The paraDocs are Dr. Francis L. Battisti, PhD, Psychotherapist, Distinguished Psychology Professor and former Executive V.P and Chief Academic Officer and Dr. Helen E. Battisti PhD, RDN, CDN, Chief Nutrition Officer, at SpNOD, Health Promotion Specialist, Research and Clinical Registered Dietitian Nutritionist and former Assistant Professor.
We have developed "The ZONE", because that is exactly where you want to be during this pandemic. A place of focused attention to doing exactly what needs to be done to get you to where you need to be. The purpose of The Zone is to provide a nationally distributed weekly mental-health and nutrition tip-sheet during times of change.
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