I have been feeling sluggish the last few weeks. First, I continued to struggle with the painful awkwardness of a healing wrist. Next, we navigated an extended power outage (speaking of energy); then a stifling layer of forest fire smoke filled our valley. The unhealthy, very unhealthy, and hazardous dots on the air quality map have devastated my physical activity.
Body and mind connected as they are, a sedentary body houses a low-energy mind. Creative energy and high spirits have been challenged. I was tempted to curl up in a corner and suck my thumb until it passes. That's why I pulled out a well-worn copy of Loehr and Schwartz' book this week and started to re-read. I love their emphasis on conserving and recharging inner fuel for a healthy and happy life.
The authors begin by sorting human energy into four dimensions: physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual. They point out the importance of managing a healthy balance among those dimensions and suggest ways to maintain and increase energy for each of them. The second principle of their approach portrays a model of optimal energy that alternates effort with recovery. They develop the metaphor of high-energy living as a series of runs separated by walk breaks (versus running continuously and hitting the wall). They call the repeated cycling of exertion and rest "oscillation."
Oscillation, or interval training, is an established practice in sport. We have probably heard, and may have experienced the effect of pushing our limits, incurring a modest level of intentional injury, and healing stronger than before. When we lift heavier weights, micro-tears in the muscle open, ache for a couple of days, then repair better able to meet the test the next time. When we push ourselves to run past our comfort zone, we fatigue at first but the body rises to the challenge of improving its capacity to metabolize and to remove waste products from the system.
Oscillation in everyday life operates on the same principle. We grow emotionally with deeply caring and sharing relationships. Emotional intimacy can, however, be most satisfying and our ability to maintain an open mind and heart more consistent if we alternate together-time with solitude now and then.
We grow mentally when we challenge ourselves to learn something new, whether by switching to a smartphone or taking a class outside our field. As with other dimensions, our energy for learning has a limit, and the time comes when more effort leads to head-banging frustration instead of a breakthrough. Walking away and doing something quite different (like housecleaning or a hard workout) can bring us back fresh and ready to continue the learning process.
Finally, even spiritual energy depends on cycles of intensity and reprieve. Many of us focus extended effort on work that gives meaning to our lives. It may be career, it may be family, it may be community service, music, or art. Any one of those endeavors can be all-absorbing. Burnout is, however, a risk, even in roles we find fulfilling, if we don't invest in periodic recovery and self-care. An hour at the spa, conversation with a supportive friend, or reading a novel at the park can regenerate the sagging soul and bring us back with renewed zest.
