MENTAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT tips » The myth of relaxation

MENTAL ENERGY MANAGEMENT tips » The myth of relaxation // Why are so many people often stressed and tired? And why don't our current methods of relaxation really help us to feel better? And how to manage your energy in a way that you can be productive and have success, but without feeling exhausted? You're going to get the answers in this video :)

Instead of talking about time management, let's talk about energy management for a sec. How to not be tired and stressed, and how to work on health, self care AND personal development. In our current society, success almost always equals being very busy, experiencing stress and feeling drained and exhausted. But hey, it's worth it. Or....... is it actually?

As a minimalist, I apply the same principles of minimalism to my energy. I don't want to spend it on things that are not important, or that I don't enjoy. Of course this is not something you can control 100%. We all have to do things we don't like every now and then. But when you're being very mindful of how and when you spend your energy (much like being mindful of how and when you're spending money) you get to some valuable insights.

Our mental energy is kind of like a battery, because it does have a maximum capacity and it is a finite resource. It gets depleted and then recharged again. There are a few tricks that we can apply to make sure our battery levels don't get drained completely, making it necessary to recharge for a loooong time before feeling energized again. If you can apply these techniques in your every day life, you can get more done, and feel better doing them.

A quick research gave me insight into how many people are feeling on a daily basis. Search terms like 'how not to be tired right now' and 'how not to be tired in the morning' are a clear indicator that people could use some mental energy manipulation, or a kinder phrase: mental energy management. So let's talk about it.

What things do you do to relax? And do these things actually help you to recharge your mental energy battery? Share in the comments!

Lots of love,
🌼 Vera

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FIRST TIME HERE? Welcome. I make weekly videos about minimalism, simple living, happiness and self development. With Simple Happy Zen I hope to create a place for everyone to take a little break, to get inspired and take care. We deserve to. Thank you for joining the channel and subscribing, feel free to say hi if you’d like!

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[MarielaMerino]

during my 10 minute break at work I try to avoid using my phone. I like to take a short walk around the building and get some air. It feels nice :)

[ankitapatil]

You are the first Youtuber to explain us about energy management. This is so needed, we often ignore. Superb video, Vera! Your channel is indeed unique. I am working on multiple ventures and these tips will help me to avoid a burnout. Thanks. 😊

[NinaWn]

I have another tip that might be usefull for what you say about distractions, how people do lots of things at the same time and then your brain is still busy and not relaxing at all.
My tip is: do something difficult that requires all your attention. I noticed this when i got lessons to learn how to drive a motorcycle, I was superscared and i thought it was very difficult, but I noticed that after every lesson it had been so relaxing also, my mind didnt wonder off for one second, i didnt think about work, i didnt think about any problems or whatever was bothering me, i only thought about the motorcycle and how to steer and handle it, and the other traffic and what i needed to do to get the motorcycle to do what i wanted. It helped maybe that i wasnt a natural talent so it took me a long time to master the skills, but it really was very relaxing and gave me a lot of energy. Ofcourse there will be a point where you have mastered it and then you have to find something new to learn. :-)

[SuDaixi]

I have never had more energy especially in the mornings until I quit all caffeine. No tea (both black and green tea have caffeine, so now I only drink herbal), no coffee, no soda (some soda has caffeine), no energy drinks. I used to have a hellish sleep schedule, being super tired at night but unable to sleep and being a zombie in the mornings who couldn't wake up even with 5 snoozes until it was late. Now I actually wake up on my own before the alarm most of the time and just kinda lie there relaxed, slowly waking up on my own, and well rested in the morning until alarm rings and then I am up and ready for anything. And throughout the day I would have pretty even energy levels without feeling like I need a nap in a middle of the day. And all that from just quitting caffeine (which I was actually not trying to quit at the time, just stop for a few months due to a different reason). Once the initial 2 weeks of withdrawal symptoms were gone (headaches and sleepiness), I felt so amazing I swore off caffeine forever. I no longer even crave it and I am never going back to it. Strangely enough I realized I actually absolutely hated the smell and taste of coffee the whole time. Now that I am not craving the caffeine in it I realize it makes me gag and kinda always did. That's why I used to drown my coffee in milk and heavy cream and sugar.

[hyenaedits]

I spent 16 years of my life (school + 4 years of college) with the mindset that I will burn myself out on work and use the long vacations to recharge, only to realize very quickly that that's not how the adult world works. I'll definitely be working small, frequent breaks into my schedule. Maybe not every hour like clockwork, but definitely at several points throughout the day.

[allieblank]

You have such great varied content! I have not seen many videos about energy management. My new goal lately is to stop going to my phone when I’m tired or I have a free moment. We know this, but I find myself still doing it. I find my brain is happier and calmer not always going to my phone to fill the void. Our brains need to breathe! 🙂

[kimhargrove]

Hi vera. This is your nurse friend in Florida usa. I enjoy your videos so very much and I have most of my co-workers watching them as well. Because of this and the fact that we work long hours and have short time for breaks. We have tried to implement small things during the day to help us as well. We now have our 1:00 planks we're at 1:00 in the afternoon we all gather together and try to do a one minute plank on the floor. We also have 10 minutes where we walk around the office as fast as we can so that we can get in a little bit of exercise and break as well. I just wanted to let you know that your videos definitely changed all of our lives for the better and make us try to be the best person that we can be while allowing ourselves to forgiveness and listening to our bodies more. We work in such a stressful relief job that it is very hard to find that time.

[malous]

This could have not come at a better time. I feel my energy was drained out from work for the last few weeks, cramming up to do as much as I can before the end of the day, working late, with no lunch/no breaks, and yet work keeps piling up. I also keep a mental note on my to do list before I go to sleep! Friday was no exception. The irony of it all is I advise my love ones to always take care of themselves- and yet I find it very challenging to do it for myself😔. I love my job, but is very demanding. I just finished your morning meditation and if I could give it a million thumbs up every morning, this space is not enough. Thank you Vera, as always. May light, peace, happiness and calm follow you everywhere you go. 💙

[ablueslenz]

Vera, loved this video as always. Your discussion of the myth of relaxation reminds me of people who take trips/ holidays for relaxation, but then fill up their itinerary with loads of stuff that are anti-relaxation. They then come home just as tired as when they left. 🤦🏾‍♀️ The opening quotation was spot on, thank!💚

[PaganShagger]

I had to get rid of all my clothes and put them in garbage bags for good will. I bought sets of clothes that were minimal and useful. First step in clearing your mind is cleaning your closet and reducing your wardrobe. Great vid.

[bradcox]

This is a much needed video for people to watch. We find ourselves living in a world today that is literally stressing itself to death. Society turns to electronic devices, comfort food, or drug use to alleviate that stress. Which in turn makes up more stress that is killing people. Humanity is constantly finding brand new ways to inflict damage on itself. Ironic isn't it! I myself only use my phone for 30 minutes a day total and I don't watch t.v. Instead, I walk, go hiking, take a jog for a couple of miles, do some writing or artwork, plus I engage in Zen Buddhist meditation (Zazen). I'm as calm as a slug...no stress here baby! Lol!!!

[natmichelle]

My husband and I are so guilty when it comes to Hulu/Netflix binges...while we are on our phones. 😑 I want to work on this. Thank you for sharing!

[lailakhan]

Yes plz make that vedio on healthy lifestyle for better sleep

[juliebennion]

Deep slow Yoga breathing is perfect for a short break, it actually improves the chemistry of your whole body while it relaxes your mind and muscles. Alternate nostril breathing too. Love your videos!

[ilaria]

Your videos are just so good! I have been following you for quite a while now and I think your channel is getting better and better. ☺️ Thanks for the useful tips! Much needed. And - maybe it’s not so important, but still - I really like how you have always integrated nature shots into your videos, they are so relaxing to watch while listening to your words. Please don’t change this format! :D

[mmcbluefly]

I love hippie dippy things! Thanks for another great video!

[amygirl]

I’m also suffering from burnout and looking for a way out of my current career while job searching. The movement vs. stillness tip is a great insight. Sometimes I try to stop and breathe and meditate at my desk. It just doesn’t work. I will try to move or go outside, away from my environment instead.

[Cubelixa]

SUCH an important video for me as a HSP. Deep down I already knew I've been doing it all wrong. Thanks so much for bringing this to my attention.

[JoyfulLivingLinda]

Your videos are my absolute favorite out of all the videos I watch on Youtube. They mean so much to me and I look forward to them each week.
I am so happy to see your channel grow all the time and at quite a fast pace too ❤

[kristinaatgreenmeadowswede]

Thank you Vera, your videos arw so uplifting and useful! 👍🏻💖