#peri10k

Recently, I gave a talk on Periscope entitled "Self-Care Habits for High Energy." I gave 4 great points that can truly help you in your self-care practices and increase your energy levels. Check out the tips below. You can watch the video, listen to the audio or read my thoughts below. 

(1) Create Healthy Boundaries

One of the first things that you can do for yourself to have high energy is to create healthy boundaries. To clarify, a boundary is the ability to say no when you mean no, and yes when you mean yes. You reserve your sacred yes by saying No when you need to.

Healthy boundaries are the key to maintaining your energy. If you don’t have them, people and situations will drain your energy. For example, you end up doing things that you don't want to do. Then, you will use additional energy by feeling resentful for doing things you don't desire to do. Without proper boundaries, you will spend energy on things, people, and relationships that don't work for you or are not in alignment with your goals or energy. You may also encounter and be more susceptible to "Energy Vampires," which are people who will drain your energy if you let them.

And the reverse is also true. If you surround yourself with high energy people, you will increase your energy! Again, you must have healthy boundaries to take proper care of yourself - mind, body, and spirit - as well as maintain high energy levels.

(2) Design Self-Care Practices & Routines For You

This tip is simple. Your self-care needs are distinct to you. Therefore, your self-care routines and practices should be as individual as you are. Take some time to figure out what things or activities make you feel refreshed and rejuvenated. Start listening to yourself. Start to hear what makes your heart sing. Just because your best likes yoga and meditation doesn't mean that works for you. Other ideas include journaling, meditating, spending time with friends, exercising, or spending time in nature. If you are looking for more self-care ideas, sign up for my email list to receive the 31 Self-Care Ideas For Mamas PDF. Once you figure out what works for you, schedule it. (Check out my Mama Love Planner for self-care planning and scheduling!)

(3) Eat Best For Your Body

Eat best for your body is so important. Quality food in equals quality energy out. You don't need to have a Ph.D. in nutrition and biochemistry to understand that your body thrives off of "alive," nutrient dense foods, and not processed or "dead" foods. Remember, food gives you life. And of course, you should listen to your body. Take note of your energy levels when you eat certain foods.  I’ve changed my diet a couple of times and I’ve noticed the difference that my diet makes on my energy levels. Figure out what works best for your body. It could be as simple as drinking more water. Or you could try eating more fruits and vegetables and less meat a few days a week. Or you can go completely vegetarian or vegan. Just experiment. And if you need help figuring out where to start, Google the elimination diet. The key is to take note of what works best for your body and be consistent. Remember good food in equals good energy out!

(4) Take A Social Media Fast To Clear Your Mind & Spirit

The last tip is to consider taking a social media fast to clear your mind and spirit. Unplug! Sometimes it is so good to "check out" for a while so you can “check in” to yourself. A media fast from television, internet, and social media will reduce your mental clutter. If you are looking to hear your intuition or listen to yourself, you need to get quiet.  In addition, you will free up not only your energy but your time too. Try it! 

 Today, I gave a talk on Periscope entitled "How To Start A Conversation With Anyone." I gave 7 great points that can truly help you in your personal or professional lives. Let's jump into the tips.

(1) Know You Have Something Valuable To Contribute

I really want to encourage you to start conversations because you have something incredibly valuable to contribute. You truly do! Simply by being you - a divinely created and inspired human being - you have something to add! My hope is that you will value you who are and what you have to share. In addition, I encourage you to be authentically you. Share from your real and true self because that's more than enough!

(2) Create Prepared Openers

For some of us, starting a conversation is really challenging. Perhaps you are introverted or a little shy. Or maybe you get a little tongue-tied. This suggestion is for you. Take some time and create a prepared opener, which is often called an "Elevator Pitch." It is simply who you are, what you do, and how you serve (or solve a problem if this is a true business situation). Spend some time crafting an opener. I encourage you to write it down. You can even practice it alone or with someone. I guarantee that a prepared opener will make you feel more confident and at ease.

BONUS: Start The Communication In A Genuine Way For You

In this digital age, you are not tied to starting a conversation in person. There are so many alternative ways to communicate. There is email, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Linked In to name a few. If you feel comfortable with one of these platforms, try using it to start a communication with someone. You don't have to start conversations in person. Do what works for you

(3) Use Something You Have In Common

An easy way to break the ice with someone is to start a conversation based on a mutual interest, a shared association or contact. Honestly, it could be something as simple as talking about the weather (especially if you live on the East Coast) or the traffic (if you live in Los Angeles). Do a little research, if necessary, to find a common interest or thread to start a conversation. It will make the person feel more comfortable with you and the conversation will likely flow easier.

(4) No One Is Better Or Greater Than You

I want you all to remember that we are all created equal. We all bleed. We are all born and one day will die. And as the saying goes, all of us put our pants on one leg at a time. Try to remember that when you are uncomfortable around someone who "may appear" to be more successful than you. This person is simply farther along in their story and you could be at the beginning or middle of yours. Please know that no one, absolutely no one, is better than you. No one!

(5) Just Do It

All it takes is a smile and a simple "Hello," "Good morning," "Good evening," or "How are you?" You will be amazed at the power of a smile and a warm, personable demeanor. People love to get to know others that look pleasant and are friendly. If you take a genuine interest in someone and approach them in a friendly manner, it can be pretty easy to get that conversation rolling!

(6) You Have Nothing To Lose

This one may be a shocker for many of you. You are reading this and probably thinking. Yes, I do have something to lose. I am going to be embarrassed. Or I will look stupid. I don't want to deny that those feelings could come up for you. However, you haven't really "lost" anything. In fact, since you didn't know the person to begin with you, you didn't lose anything by trying. In my math book, you only have something to gain - a new associate, a new conversation. Rejection is a myth. Try to remember this mindset shift when you are feeling uneasy about approaching someone new.

If you want to read more about how rejection is a myth, check out "The Success Principles" by Jack Canfield. It's a great book!

(7) Don’t Take The Rejection Personal

In the event that the conversation does not take off, please, please, please, don't take it personal. Ninety-nine percent of the time a person's reaction to you has nothing to do with you but 100% to do with what's going on with them. They may not have time to talk at the moment. They may be distracted. They may have had a terrible day. Or they might just be unfriendly, which has nothing to do with you. To be honest, it's not about you.

One of my favorite books, "The Four Agreement" by Don Miguel Ruiz, gives this amazing agreement that is so applicable here. It's the Second Agreement, which is Don't Take Anything Personal. Once you realize that how people respond and operate in the world really have nothing to do with you, you become a lot freer to just be you. Do you! Take risks. Start up conversations.

It's a brand new year. And I hope that you've set goals that require you to stretch, leave your comfort zones, which undoubtedly will require you to make new connections. I encourage you to use these tips to start a conversation with anyone. Who knows. That conversation might make your year!

I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. And check out some of my favorite books in my Mama Favs store. And there are still a few Mama Love Planners™ in stock, grab yours today!

Love & light,