Work, commuting, running errands, and countless other things commonly associated with draining your energy are likely to come to mind when thinking about how you spend your time. In addition, more minor, everyday moments can be equally draining.
“Energy leakages” are what Melissa Urban, co-founder, and CEO of Whole30, call them. It is an energetic exchange whenever you interact with someone, whether it’s your mom for lunch or responding to a social media comment. Sometimes it can feel significant and cheerful. Still, sometimes it can also leave you feeling exhausted, anxious, overwhelmed, and frustrated.
Here are some unexpected ways you’re draining your energy.
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Phones And Social Media Are Enormous Energy Leaks
Urban refers to your phone and social media as major energy leaks. She explained that scrolling, posting, commenting, or following comments down the rabbit hole feels effortless, but it’s energy. Most of the time, you don’t get any energy back after looking at social media, especially when comparing your life to someone else’s or checking toxic accounts.
Kids Can Drain You
Urban said kids could also cause energy leakage. She said, “Kids are needy, they need things all the time, and they don’t have the processing for you to be like, ‘Dude, I need a minute.'” Kids need something when they need it. It’s okay because you can’t ask a 4-year-old to cook, but you may add to this energy leak.
Setting Boundaries Is Crucial
It may be necessary to set boundaries if something drains you or makes you anxious. Saying specific topics are off-limits, avoiding gossip, or leaving a heated conversation can be helpful. Urban says that setting boundaries with friends, family, colleagues, and co-parents who are overstepping your capacity is integral to energy leakage prevention.
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Mindlessness Leads To Energy Leakage
UC psychologist Alayna L. Park says that energy leakage reminds her of mindlessness, which is the opposite of mindfulness, the practice of paying attention to the present moment. Park describes mindlessness as autopilot. It can be hazardous when it comes to activities that exhaust us from going through our day without an intention.