Have you ever found yourself spending time on your computer, phone, or TV, and then feeling blah afterwards? I don't mean uplifting things like corresponding with a loved one, or watching something fascinating and educational. More like the mindless scrolling or bingeing that seems to waste the hours. Or there's that one friend or family member you talk to on the phone, and afterwards feel mentally exhausted.
Although these activities don't seem energy-intensive, they can drain you of any motivation to do anything else.
Brahmacharya, a Yama (principle) of yoga is sometimes translated as abstinence. I believe that it can also be interpreted to mean a correct use of energy so that it is preserved for better activities that may actually INCREASE our feeling of vitality.
What kind of things can you do to raise your energy? Here are 3 of my favorites:
1. Spend time in nature. I love walking where there are trees, or going to the beach just to immerse my senses in the environment and get outside of my head.
2. Spend time with someone who builds you up. You know that person you like to visit with, when time just flies by.
3. Take a yoga class / get some movement - of course you know I would say that right? I actually took a class with one of my favorite teachers yesterday and couldn't believe how much energy I had the rest of the day!
I hope you can join me in a class this week, so we can energize each other.