The Energy Audit: Decode What Truly Fuels You

In our busy lives, it’s important to know what activities and interactions lift us up and which ones drag us down. Understanding this can help you keep your mental and emotional well-being in check. Here are three simple yet powerful questions to ask yourself to see if something is fueling or draining your energy.

1. How do I feel physically and emotionally after this interaction or activity?

One of the easiest ways to figure out if an experience is good or bad for you is to pay attention to how you feel right after it happens.

• Physical Feelings: Are you feeling energized and lively, or tired and worn out? Your body often gives you the first clues.

• Emotional Feelings: Are you happy and content, or stressed and upset? Your emotions can be strong indicators of how an interaction or activity is affecting you.

Why It Matters: By checking in with your immediate physical and emotional reactions, you can quickly tell what makes you feel good and what leaves you feeling drained.

2. Do I feel motivated and inspired, or exhausted and overwhelmed?

Next, think about how the experience impacts your overall mindset and drive.

• Motivated and Inspired: Does it leave you excited and ready to take on new challenges? Positive experiences often boost your sense of purpose and inspiration.

• Exhausted and Overwhelmed: Do you feel like you need a break or that you're too overwhelmed to continue with your day? Negative experiences can zap your energy and make even simple tasks feel difficult.

Why It Matters: Knowing how an experience affects your motivation helps you understand what fuels your drive and what might be holding you back.

3. Would I want to engage with this person or activity again, or do I need to recover and recharge first?

Finally, consider the long-term effects and your desire to repeat the experience.

• Engage Again: Are you looking forward to doing it again soon? Positive experiences usually leave us wanting more.

• Recover and Recharge: Do you need some time to recover before considering it again? If an experience leaves you feeling like you need to recharge, it might be more draining than beneficial.

Why It Matters: This question helps you identify which activities and interactions are sustainable and good for you in the long run, and which might be harming your mental health over time.

Asking yourself these three questions regularly can make a big difference in managing your energy and overall well-being. By being mindful of your physical and emotional responses, motivation, and willingness to repeat experiences, you can make better choices about how to spend your time and who to spend it with. Remember, it’s important to prioritize what lifts you up and supports your mental health.

If you’re curious about learning more ways to maintain your mental and emotional well-being, consider talking to a mental health professional. Therapy can offer valuable insights and personalized strategies to help you thrive.