Internal Energy. You might have heard this term many times by now. If you are into Physics or Engineering, you know its definition is on a scientific level. But did you know there is a side to internal energy that governs us, our emotions?
Internal Energy in Humans
Internal Energy has many names throughout history. Buddhist monks call it Qi. Tai Chi practices often refer to the term Chi.
Ancient practitioners and modern psychologists alike agree that the biggest obstacle in your path to happiness are not external, but internal. So, what is this ‘internal obstacle’? And how do we jump this hurdle?
We require energy for everything we do — physically, emotionally, and intellectually.
Physical Energy is the energy we use for our physical actions and activities, be it exercise, chores, driving, shopping, and so on.
Emotional Energy is the energy we expend to manage our emotions. I’m sure you have heard of positive stimuli energising us, while negative thoughts pulling us down. These are functions related to Emotional Energy.
Intellectual Energy, on the other hand, is the energy we use to think and focus. It helps us in our cognitive processes such as creativity, brainstorming, decision-making, and so on. It also helps us overcome distractions.
These three work in tandem, as our Internal Energy.
We need internal energy to sustain our relationships, to do our job better, and for physical activities like gymming. We need energy to be able to focus on the important things in life.
Manage Your Energy, Not Time
Our energy is not stored like how we store water in a jug. It comes and goes in bouts. Like a wave, it has high points and low points, and this is for everyone. You, your neighbour, the celebrity you admire, your child — all of us have high-energy times and low-energy times in a day.
To be able to do our tasks effectively, we need to manage this energy cycle. So, the simple thing is — manage your energy, not your time! All that juggling you do to stick to time schedules,etc, would have given us better results if we managed your energy instead!
So, how do we do that?
Tips to Manage Energy
The first step is to understand what drains our energy and what gives us a boost of energy. No one can be at peak energy at all times. In my book, Happiness Habits: The Urban Professional’s Guide To Good Living, I illustrate how energy works and how to understand it better.
Getting into the Flow
All of us have about two or three times in the day when we are at peak energy. This typically lasts for about 90 minutes each, and we feel like we are “in the flow”. Once we start noticing these, we can figure out when these high periods occur. Now all you have to do is do your most taxing tasks in these times!
Sleep is Important
Seven to nine hours of sleep is essential for adults to function at their peak capabilities. Sadly, many people consider sleeping for this long as a ‘waste’ of time. In my book, I go into detail about how sleep changes your body and mind to heal and consolidate your memory functions.
Nutrition and Hydration
Quality sleep, balanced diet and good hydration can go a long way in helping us manage our emotional health, along with our physical health. Here are a few simple things to start off:
● Make use of the law of least effort — hide the unhealthy food or make it inconvenient to get to, but keep healthy ones easily accessible.
● Eat on time — Use high-energy periods to plan the day. Now that you have a schedule, decide what you will eat at a time, and determine you’re not tired or hungry.
● Avoiding unhealthy foods never really works for most people — they are tempting. Instead of fighting it, focus on trying to eat more healthy foods.
● Always keep a water bottle in your line of sight. Use an app to remind you to drink water.
Pick one or two things that resonate with you and start using these tips to elevate your energy level.
As human beings, it is quite normal for us to be driven by our senses. They play a major role in our self-discovery, an important element in the pursuit of happiness.
I cover such simple and actionable tips like this in my new book, Happiness Habits: The Urban Professional’s Guide To Good Living.