5 Tips to Recharge Your Battery

I’ve been feeling exhausted and run down lately.  I’m a wife, work full time, and have children and grandchildren I worry about. I’m an elder and Bible teacher in my church, and am the administrator for a fellowship of churches. I’m researching ideas to grow my blog at ReeINSPIRED and am writing another book.  I have many goals but only have 24 hours in a day. I’ve been trying to reach all my goals during the 24 hours allotted to us but started feeling burned out. I’m exhausted from everything on my plate. My batteries are drained, and I need to find a way to recharge them.

Have you ever experienced anything similar to what I’m experiencing?  Have you been going and going and going like the little Energizer Bunny?  Do you find yourself falling asleep in meetings?  Does your lack of energy hinder you from chasing your dreams?

Yes?  

Then I’m not alone.  

Many women are stretched to the max and feel like they are at their breaking point.  Some of you may not even realize you’re at your breaking point.  People around you see it and feel it, however.  You’re short-tempered, snapping at people, making mistakes, and not following through with your tasks.  If this sounds like you, it may be time to recharge your batteries.  

A few years ago, I had an iPhone that drained quickly, so I always looked for an outlet.  I scanned the room, looking for a place to charge my phone everywhere I went.  I charged my phone while driving around town, waiting for flights at the airport, eating at restaurants, and even while visiting people in the hospital. That phone had to be fully charged because the battery would drop from 40% to 17% in the blink of an eye.  

I need to be as diligent in recharging my personal battery as I was recharging that phone’s battery.  My energy level can’t get to 17%.  I need a 100% personal charge because I have many people relying on me.  My family needs me to be 100% charged so I can be a wife and mom.  The pastor and congregation expect me to bring the bible study lessons and sermons they need for spiritual growth.  My readers expect inspirational posts that will help them live victoriously.  The boss relies on me to be at the top of my game to help our customers.  Most importantly, God is watching and empowering me to do everything He’s called me to do.  

Many women are being pulled in multiple directions simultaneously.  What’s a woman to do?  How can we get charged and stay charged?

Tap Into Your Source

My source is my relationship with Jesus Christ.  When I find myself so tired and busy that I don’t have time to read my bible, I know something is wrong and need to rethink my priorities.  My alone time – studying the bible, praying to God, and listening to His voice – is a necessity; there’s no compromising on that time.  My relationship with Christ is the electrical outlet I need to recharge my spiritual batteries.  I have to tap into that relationship a few times each day to stay 100% charged.

Enjoy Alone Time

It’s very seldom that many of us find time to be alone and still.  I’m not talking about the times you’re alone but scrolling through Facebook and reading everybody else’s drama.  Neither am I talking about the time you spend watching drama-filled reality t.v. shows.  I’m talking about the alone time here when you’re just sitting quietly enjoying an activity that calms and centers you.  Some people like to paint, others draw, while some women like to take long walks around a lake.  I like to write as it allows me to tap inward and put my emotions, dreams, hurts, disappointments, and victories on paper.  Whatever you enjoy doing alone that recharges your batteries and brings you peace – DO IT!

Learn to Say No

One of our biggest problems is saying yes to too many requests.  You are not a superwoman.  You can’t be everything to everybody all the time.  Sometimes you have to say no. Let people know you’re burned out and need a rest.  I was praying recently and expressed to the Lord that I’m tired.  I told Him I needed to take Sundays off from all things business.  Since then, I relax and spend time with family after church.  I have to say no to any non-emergency-related requests on Sundays.  Learn to set boundaries and say no when necessary.

Check Your Diet

How are you eating?  Changing your diet to remove sugary, high-fat foods may be one of the easiest ways to recharge your batteries. When I’m eating clean, I’ve noticed that I have more energy and don’t feel as run down as when I’m not eating clean.  I also saw that overeating sugar saps my energy.  Eating fresh fruit, vegetables, lean cuts of meat, and healthy snacks throughout the day invigorates me.  Speak to your doctor or a nutritionist for instructions on clean eating.

Get Rid of Stress

Stress can deplete anyone’s energy.  I always feel tired when I’m stressed out because then I don’t eat right (see above), and I don’t rest.  I think about stressful situations when I’m awake and when I’m supposed to be asleep.  Isn’t it amazing how stress interrupts our sleep?  I could be exhausted, and stress will either prevent me from falling asleep or wake me up after I’ve fallen asleep.  If you’re stressed out, try to get rid of the stressor.  Turn to your source or maybe seek out the help of a specialist who can help you handle the stress.  

I’ve provided five tips on recharging your batteries, but you can do so many other things to get the recharge you need when you’re feeling depleted.  You’re a woman – so I know you have many responsibilities and many people depending on you.  We have to be on top of our game and keep going.  There’s no stopping the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts, friends, employees, and businesswomen that we are.  Just remember to recharge your batteries so you can be there for everyone who needs you.  

Until next time,

Aretha