How is your energy level today? Did you wake up eager to face the day? Did you grab your planner and charge out the door? Did you plunge into your work with enthusiasm?

You didnt? Perhaps for some time now you just havent had the energy and enthusiasm you think you should have. Maybe you feel tired before the day begins, and drag through your day without enthusiasm and purpose. If so, its time to do something about it.

To gain more energy, you first have to understand that there are two types of energy. One is physical and the other is spiritual. I consider mental and physical energy to be the most important because it is from your subconscious mind and that is where you can draw vast power and strength when you need it.

In the physical arena, theres vast research to indicate that eating healthy and regular exercise are essential to physical energy. The same research also emphasizes that getting the proper amount of rest is as important as is exercise and activity. It is important to let the body rebuild what has been torn down in exercise. Thats how strength, vitality, and energy are developed.

The body and mind both recharge themselves during periods of rest and relaxation. When you have low energy it lowers your levels of confidence, enthusiasm, and self-esteem. These are the times when people are at their lowest and most negative points.

Here are some definite warning signs to look for that will tell you when your battery needs recharged:

You are overly tired or sleepy.
You are tactless, unfriendly, and suspicious.
You are querulous, insulting, and hostile.
You are irritable, sarcastic, and mean.
You are nervous, excitable, and even hysterical.
You are worrisome, fearful, and jealous.
You are excessively emotional, depressed, or frustrated.

How do your recharge your battery? By relaxing, resting, and sleeping.

Of the three, relaxing is the most important and is often the hardest. In the competitive and fast changing world of the 21st century, there are constant pressures on us to be responsible, logical, and hard working. Because of these pressures, we tend to overemphasize the serious aspects of our lives. Neglecting relaxation leads to feeling tense and youre often unable to rest or sleep.

Research shows that being actively involved in recreation has many of the same benefits as meditation. It leaves you feeling calm, energetic, and happy, as well as alleviating many physiological effects of stress and tension. Recreation can lead to total relaxation.

Many people are reluctant to spend time doing recreational activities or fun things because it makes them feel selfish or lazy, or they fear criticism or the loss of approval from others or they may think theyre just too busy. To erase these barriers, you have to give yourself permission to have fun.

Here are some things you can do that will help you to put more fun in your life:

Set aside one hour a day and one day each week for yourself and do a recreational activity that you enjoy.

Observe and emulate ways children relax and blow off steam.

Think back to your childhood and make a list of things you did for fun. Choose one each week and do it just for fun.

Make a list of things you love to do the most. Write down when you last did each of them. Try to incorporate them into your life more often.

Laughter is good for you. Who and what makes you laugh?

There are many ways to relax and have fun. Some people find dancing to be a great way to relieve stress. Others find listening to music, fishing, or playing golf, tennis or other forms of physical activity to be great recreational activities.

For some people activities such as gardening or daily meditation work best to relieve stress. Everyone is different and you have to find what activities work best for you to relax. The key is to avoid activities that invite perfectionism or frustration.

One of the best ways to recharge your battery is to give yourself mental and spiritual vitamins every day. Read books and listen to audio programs that are inspirational and motivational. Take educational classes that are educational and uplifting, that fuel your subconscious mind.

To achieve success and happiness in todays competitive world you have to be focused on your goals and being the best at what you do. The only way you can do this effectively is to make time each day for yourself to relax away the stress and recharge your battery. If you can learn to do this as part of your daily routine you not only increase your chances of success but you will also live a happier and healthier life as well.

Copyright2006 by Joe Love and JLM & Associates, Inc. All rights reserved worldwide.