“Come on, kids are young that’s why they have so much energy!” I know, I know and I used to think the same thing. They do have boundless energy, but you can have it too. Take it from someone who desperately craved an average amount of energy and could barely get through the workday with two autoimmune diseases. Plenty of people are looking for more energy, with or without medical conditions. You see articles on this topic all of the time, so it tells me low energy is a common thread with most folks.
Whenever I am around my nephews, I am blown away by the amount of seemingly endless energy children have. So what’s so different about being an adult than say a six-year-old? Well, a lot, but many things are within our power to change if more energy is truly your end goal. It’s not that hard for us to change either. Let’s list some childlike qualities that will usher in the energy we all want to have again.
BE ACTIVE
Kids are running around all day long. They move. I can’t tell you how many people I know that lack energy because they fail to just physically move everyday! The same people complain they lack energy. I know this seems like a catch-22 – you have no energy, yet, you have to find the energy to work out. It’s incredible, once you work out for a few days your body will naturally create momentum, which will lead to more energy, a better mood, and even a restful night’s sleep.
JUST PLAY
Kids play and play and play. Do you play? Do you let yourself have “fun” time? Recess? Seriously, take a moment to think about it. I struggled with this one myself and found the times I was “relaxing” I was really trying to be productive by reading investment books or answering work emails. Resist working or reaching for something productive when you actually have some downtime. What can you do that would be relaxing, let alone (gasp) fun? Fun is allowed as an adult! I started taking guitar lessons, have a weekly girl’s night and always make time for a bubble bath. Really think about how you can treat yourself to something and thoroughly enjoy it.
EAT CLEAN
Kids have these amazing digestive systems that are not backed up from years of abuse. Eat right and your gut will adjust accordingly. Don’t be surprised how miraculous and childlike your body can be! Bodies adjust in just a few days time. Digestion will regulate, your mood will improve and your energy will increase!
BE IN THE MOMENT
Think back to when you were a kid. Do you remember asking yourself why the holidays seemed so FARRRR AWAAYYY? For me, December was the longest month of the year and I couldn’t wait until Christmas Day. Now the holidays zoom by, where it feels like shopping, baking and decorating are frantic endeavors (and dare I say, are now chores?). Well, what changed? Children have a knack for naturally being in the moment. They fully take in the wonder of the season and the everyday. Children are always discovering, learning and appreciating what they see, smell, touch and hear. Be in wonderment of all that is around you.
LEARN
You have to admit, as kids, we had to be in class learning something whether it be English, math or what-have-you almost every single day. Are you still learning and improving? You could be stuck in the same old job or routine without any sort of challenge. Learning keeps you youthful, motivated, fresh and current. Learn a new skill, change a job, play an instrument, read a book or practice a new language. The options are endless!
CREATE
Young children are so lucky in that they are encouraged to be artistic in school. I cherished the times my teacher asked our class to make a Mother’s Day card or some special craft we could take home and share with everyone. Enter Junior High and High School. Art suddenly is taken out of the curriculum as “important” and is considered optional or even a frivolous elective. Math and science are emphasized. I’m not saying anything is wrong with math and science, but art should have the same weight of importance in my mind. Ask yourself, where is the artistic expression in your life? Can you pick up writing, coloring, cooking, or knitting to name a few? Not to mention creativity can also be incredibly cathartic and relaxing.
BE YOURSELF
Children are legit. Kids can be forthright, intuitive and uniquely themselves. There is definitely something to be said about being yourself and not trying to be someone else. Judy Garland has an awesome quote, “Always be a first-rate version of yourself instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.” There is a beauty in not wearing a mask, not having anything to hide and owning who you really are, without caring what other people think of you. Kids have this down pat.
I’m blessed in that I have four beautiful nephews. Having them in my life makes me realize how authentic and intrinsically happy children are. We have so much to learn from them. My nephews make me appreciate and understand things I would never have thought about with my adult eyes and mindset. The next time a child speaks, listen to them intently, encourage their thoughts and let yourself play along. It’s definitely fun.
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