When you’re feeling completely drained …

Do you know what an accomplishment it is that you simply and honestly acknowledged that you are nearing burnout right now? That, in itself, is a big, loving step toward taking care of yourself. Good for you. Without asking anything more of yourself at this moment — without changing much in your routine just yet — simply slow down so you can become more mindful in every moment. For example, take a seat and feel the support of whatever you’re sitting on. That’s all you need do: just feel supported. When you’re preparing your food, notice the various colors and textures of the ingredients and appreciate your final presentation. When you eat, savor the taste and texture of the foods … maybe after taking that first bite, sit back, close your eyes and just enjoy. When you shower, resist jumping in and out … feel the water droplets running over your skin. Feel its warmth and visualize the water taking away all the tension from your body. This begins your practice of being in the moment and, when you are in the moment, you are not worrying, looking back or looking ahead. You are looking out for you.

When you’re getting run down …

It’s great that you are taking this opportunity to check in with you — your energy level may not be where you want it to be right now, but just caring enough to consider it is a beautiful way to honor your emotions and show self-love. Just by showing yourself some love, you change the direction you’re headed for the best. Now how about allowing yourself to focus on worrying less and lowering anxiety levels? You might start by considering that we humans have 65,000 – 80,000 thoughts a day, and they’re mainly just our minds chattering away. That’s ok. Rather than try to stop or control them, let the thoughts run loose for a moment while you just observe. Once you’ve let go and allowed your mind to have its way without judgment, begin breathing deeply. Inhale and exhale slowly several times. With the inhale, think HERE. And with the exhale, think NOW. Do this rhythmically several more times. It takes only a few minutes to regulate your nervous system, which will elevate your mood and overall sense of well-being. Incorporating this simple breathing exercise throughout your day and life will make you more present, freeing your mind and body to continually recharge. All is well. All is well. All is well.

Half empty or half full?

To keep yourself at the higher end of the energy spectrum, here’s a little exercise you might try first thing in the morning. Just after you’ve opened your eyes — rather than extending your hand and reaching for a device that will only show you all the unopened emails and your long to-do list which would send anyone directly into fight or flight mode — pause. Instead of reaching out, try just lying there and having a good look around the room.

Take a long, deep breath and stretch your arms up over your head. Set a positive intention for the day, something like this lovely Buddhist morning prayer: “Waking up this morning, I smile to receive 24 brand new hours. May I live each one in mindfulness, and greet all beings with the eyes of compassion.” Stretch fully, as you breathe deeply. Do this so mindfully that you really feel how good it is to stretch and breathe.

Next, while still lying there, bring to mind three things for which you are grateful. Rather than write them down at this point, just focus on feeling the energy of gratitude in your body. Savor all that you have — a comfortable bed, food in the fridge, good people in your life, and a mind and body that you are committed to resting regularly. Let that gratitude really sink in and notice if you feel more energized for the day ahead.

Feeling good-to-go.

Wonderful! When you check your battery and feel nearly fully CHARGED, take a minute to give yourself due credit for taking self-care seriously and using your energy wisely and well. Your sense of well-being is something we’d all like to have! To keep feeling good and possibly even more grounded and energized, consider bringing mindfulness into more and more of your daily activities … become even more aware of sensations of stress in your body — when your neck and shoulders become tense, when your tummy starts to knot, or when your chest feels heavy. With practice, such awareness will trigger self-regulation — for example, you’ll find yourself automatically taking the action necessary to release any tension you may be holding; you’ll start doing some simple breathing exercises or you’ll stand up and literally shake it off. You are well on your way to continually self-charging!

When you’re happy and you know it …

Congrats! You seem to be successfully doing what so many people dream of: Being present and self-loving enough to continually give your mind and body the rest and relaxation it needs to stay fully-charged while managing the stresses of daily living. Not surprisingly, people are likely in awe of and inspired by you and your good energy. The more you can continue to model the behaviors that make you so good at self-care — and allow those who admire you to see what self-loving things you’re doing — the more motivated they’ll be to make that vision and those behaviors their own. What a wonderful gift to the world you are to simply be self-loving. Give yourself a big hug and cheer today for embracing the words of Buddha, “You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection.” Yay for you.