Sunshine for the Soul by Monica Gelinas

I remember the long Chicago winters with thick cloud cover and no sun for months on end. 

When I would visit my family in N.M., I would look up and savor the open space, blue sky and bright sunshine.

I didn’t realize how much I needed the sunshine until I didn’t have it anymore. 

As I navigate my work from home days, I have created a ritual of going outside for a few minutes. I close my eyes and soak up the sun. 

It has become a source of replenishment for my mind, heart and soul. 

An energy booster. 

For the past year I have been focusing and learning to manage my energy. I believe this is more important than managing time. 

If I can regulate my energy, I will be more resilient and I will be able to capitalize on opportunities in life. 

I have learned to monitor my energy according to what is depleting and then pick a replenishing activity so my “battery” does not get to zero. (something we would not let even our phones do)

This is a new life pattern for me.

In the past, I would go, go, go until my battery was very low, then I would push a little further until I was exhausted and needed a long break or I was emotionally depressed and wondered why. 

In other words: BURNOUT. 

Just having an awareness that the daily activities such as decision making, self-regulation, stress, pain, taking initiative, sleep deprivation are all depleting. As the day progresses so does depletion. 

Here is my positive psychology short list of repletion activities:

Savoring

Time in nature (Sunshine)

Laughter

Exercise

Well balanced meal

Social connection

Meditation

Silence 

Clear goals

Relaxation

Of course my favorite being: 

Sunshine.

Then your light will break forth like the dawn. Your recovery will speedily spring forth. 

Isaiah 58:8

Recharge Your Life

What are your go-to replenishment activities? Share your favorite ways to recharge and avoid burnout in the comments below!