How Are You Spending Your Mental Energy?
By Joy Stephenson-Laws, JD, Founder
We’ve all looked at toddlers running around in circles with seemingly endless energy and have said to ourselves: I wish I had that energy, or I wish I could bottle that energy and sell it.
As adults we may not have the physical energy of a toddler, however, considering we have up to 60,000 to 70,000 thoughts per day makes me believe we certainly have the mental energy comparable to the physical energy of a small child. The mind just keeps going and going. Taking a mental break is usually a lot harder than taking a physical break.
When we are depleted of our physical energy, it’s generally pretty easy to lay on the couch or maybe take a nap. Our mental energy just seems endless as we have thousands and thousands of thoughts each day. Mental energy is important, because it creates thoughts which can have a great impact on our habits. Then, our daily habits create a lot of aspects of our lives. For example, if we constantly think it is too difficult to workout or eat healthily the more likely we will be sedentary or eat junk food. As a result, the more likely we will be overweight and unhealthy.
If we believe we are never good enough, the less likely we will be to go for that job promotion or take a risk that can elevate our lives. Perhaps we feel we do not deserve it, or we are afraid to fail. As a result, we stay stagnant in our lives and sad that we can’t seem to move forward.
This is all why I say it is imperative to practice mind training and be cognisant of how we spend our mental energy. I spend my mental energy empowering and uplifting myself, even when life events are not going exactly how I want to or if I am not feeling my best. Our mental energy is non-stop, and it’s up to us if we want that energy to be negative or positive.
"If you are depressed, you are living in the past. If you are anxious, you are living in the future. If you are at peace, you are living in the present." Lao Tzu - Ancient Chinese Philosopher
I love this quote and always strive to spend my mental energy in the present time. We cannot change the past or predict the future. The future is also not promised, so why waste time outside of the present. I like to say it’s called the present for a reason, because it is a gift.
To really focus on the present, sometimes it’s important to not even think about the next few hours. Think about what is the next best step. Maybe it is as simple as bruising your teeth, doing a few stretches or drinking a big glass of water. This all isn’t to say that you should never plan ahead, however, sometimes it is necessary to look directly in front of you and be in the moment.
Mind training and protecting our mental energy is not easy, but we can get better with practice and intention. It really can be life-changing if we commit to it and view it as an essential part of our daily living. For more tips on mental training and fitness, check out these pH blogs.
Enjoy your healthy life!
