FamilyEducation.com
Print this page E-Mail this pageSign-up for Newsletters

Parenting Newsletters. Great tips for your inbox.

Beware the Energy Sappers

Have you ever noticed how certain people affect your energy level? You can be with some people for only ten seconds and feel their spark igniting something inside you. On the other hand, there are people who can suck the life out of you in seconds.

  • To decrease contact with energy sappers, you need to know who they are — before you run into them. Then, even if you can't avoid them, at least you can limit your involvement. Identify three energy sappers in your life. Think about what you can do the next time you meet, to avoid getting sucked into a whirlpool of negativity. For example, you could just silently wish the person well, and move on. Or you could limit the time you spend in the vicinity.
  • To increase contact with people who radiate positive energy, look for people who always seem to be learning something new, meeting neat people, getting involved in "hot" projects, and generally living life fully. One clue will be how good you feel when you're around them. Pick out one of these people right now, and go borrow some energy.
The best way to deflect negative energy from anger, jealousy, gossip, or fear is to think high-energy thoughts yourself — of peace, generosity, integrity, and love.

Read the next Quick-Lift

More on Chilling Out

Excerpted from
Recharge in Minutes ©2003
Suzanne Zoglio, PhD
www.zoglio.com

Buy the book

More on: Stress Management for Moms