energy
Everyone has a limit to the amount of physical energy available in their gas tank. The same applies for mental energy. Conserving it and using it wisely can change a life. The first step in learning to conserve mental energy is to identify what are called “energy leaks.”
Working Around the Clock
A major leak is working 24/7. In this digital age, it’s easy to work Sundays, at 10:30 p.m., or upon waking at 5 a.m. Over time, it’s just spinning wheels, working for the sake of working, and addiction to devices and email. Quality decreases, and the chance of mistakes increases. Everyone has a unique cycle — a time of day that’s most alert and productive. Whether it’s at 7 a.m. or 7 p.m., take advantage of this cycle and work diligently during this time on the things that need more focused attention. If the lowest part of the cycle is 3 p.m., avoid the most challenging tasks during this time. When is the most productive time of day? When is the least productive time of day? Know this and work with it. Doing so will conserve mental energy.
Productivity experts suggest a 10-minute break for every 60 minutes of focused work. What is a break? Anything but work — stay away from the screen, get outside for a few minutes, or think about anything except what’s next on the calendar. Give the brain mental space away from the daily grind.
Exposure to Blue Light
Blue light exposure contributes to brain fog, mental fatigue, migraines, and suppression of melatonin. Today’s electronics use back-light technology that emits strong blue light waves to help enhance screen brightness. Because our eyes’ natural filters do not provide sufficient protection from blue light, investing in blue light-blocking glasses can help combat mental fatigue. Many companies provide protective eyewear, but for a local option, check out father/daughter, Texas-based startup Lucia Eyes.
Social Media
Social media came on the scene like a storm just over 10 years ago, yet it’s already hard to imagine what life was like without it. While it has many positives, it can also be one of the biggest consumers of mental energy there is today. Even with a tightly curated list of friends, when a social media app is opened, information is being pushed out. There is no option to filter out the onslaught of questionable news, opinions, and promotions. The brain uses an enormous amount of mental energy to sort through and filter the information. Consider not using social media on Sundays. Limit use to 15 minutes per day during the week. Avoid looking at it during the most tired and therefore most emotionally vulnerable time of day. Lastly, to save mental energy for what matters, cease to engage in political debate over social media. Stating political opinions to a curated friend list is like stating it in an echo chamber — or, it’s an invitation to the trolls who want to stir things up. Instead, go out and activate and serve in the community for the causes that matter.
Lauren Wessinger is a yoga and meditation instructor and the owner of The Mindful Project. You can follow her on Instagram @laurenwessinger
