A low energy way of doing everything
I went to therapy today, not conventional therapy, but a therapy where I learn to live with low energy.
She taught me something pivotal today, and I want to write about it because it's so exciting to me, and it WORKS (tried it out a couple times already).
An example
So let's say I tell myself I should really clean the bathroom, and that thought makes me leap up and run to clean.
Old me: heads into the bathroom, moves like a maniac and strands half way through with no energy and a messy bathroom.
New me: Looks at bathroom and asks:
- What do I gain from doing this task?
- What small aspect of this task can I do that will make me feel happy/satisfied now?
The answer for the first question is that it will give me peace of mind to have the bathroom clean. I also know that doing work around the house is calming my thoughts if I do it right.
The answer to question two is one to ponder. I know I can't do the bathroom in one go, but what I can do is tidy. I can tidy up and that would make me feel satisfied for right now, proud of myself for doing that.
If I let the old me take control, I will be out of energy for the rest of the day. If I let the new me take over, I build in multiple moments of being satisfied with my work, I respect my energy levels and get things done.
And yes, it does mean that I can't do a big task of cleaning the bathroom in one go. It may take a couple days, but it will be done. And I will have energy left in my day to play, to create, to enjoy life.
Isn't that the most important?
This is just an example, but I have something I need to do today that I can work out too.
My plan for today
The table in the living room is such a mess.
I could try to tidy it all away in one go, and then wear myself out. I could also gather things that need to go to certain parts of the house and collect them in boxes or crates to be taken there at a later time. I could then toss the trash , and then I have the table free to do a jigsaw puzzle on.
I hope I've explained this clear enough. There are way more questions that I can ask myself too, but this is the basics of this technique.
I hope it's useful to you!