Summary
Energy is exchanged between entities. Human beings derive energy from outside sources (such as food) and expend energy (such as through activity). We expend energy in certain activities which are not healthy for our mental wellbeing. Use of technology is one activity which leads to ill effects for us. Develop a routine to step away from technology in order to maintain your energy and to benefit your mental wellbeing.
Energize Your Life for a Life of Fulfillment
Today’s post is a call to action for everyone on this earth. Energize your life for a life of fulfillment.
Energy for Life
Energy fuels my continued existence, according to me. How else could I accomplish all that I do without energy?
Where do I acquire energy? I eat to have energy. I sleep for energy. I socialize to derive energy from stimulating conversation and inspiring interactions. I move to harness energy. I pause to relax my energies. I bathe in nature to store energy. I marvel in the presence of animals to garner energy from our mutual existences.
My wellbeing depends on energy and my energy impacts my wellbeing.
Those are my beliefs about energy.
Energetic Living for Wellbeing
At the cellular level, energy in human beings is derived from glucose which is converted to energy currencies (ATP, NADH). So, we need to feed our cells in order to feed our bodies. A quick read about energy production in cells is available via the following link:
Cell Energy and Cell Functions
Environment contributes to energy exchange, on the micro and on the macro level. Our cells respond to their environments, thus impacting their energy production. Our bodies respond to their environments, also impacting our energy production. Communities respond to their environments, reflected in their energy production. Environments interfacing with the living being requiring energy to exist results in unique experiences for each being (community) in terms of the energy produced, the energy used, and the energy exchanged.
In order to live energetically, many variables have to be in sync to produce a fertile environment which can contribute to my wellbeing.
Identify Obstacles and Energize Your Life for a Life of Fulfillment
Elements in each of our lives deplete energy, a required step in the process of cycling energy. Consider a body which is only being depleted of energy. Consider a body whose energy quotient, on a social level or an emotional level, is persistently in deficit. Sometimes, depletion of energy is not beneficial for a being, if a cumulative deficit is incurred.
What Are the Energy Depleting Sources in Your Life?
Note that as energy cycles, one entity will be depleted of energy and another entity will gain energy. When the persistent outcome is a deficit of energy, the entity may literally feel energy-less.
Enumerate the energy sources in your life: those which derive energy from you and those which share energy with you. Is there a component of your life which takes energy from you and leaves you feeling listless, literally without sufficient energy to function?
Without seeing your list, I posit that one energy depleting source is TECHNOLOGY.
Yes, I just yelled.
The Problem with Technology
I recommend a podcast episode by Andrew Huberman to learn how nefarious technology can be to human society.
Dr. Jonathan Haidt: How Smartphones & Social Media Impact Mental Health & the Realistic Solutions.
Call to Action: Put Down That Cellphone
Start by changing your relationship with your cellphone. Cellphones can be left in another room during many of our activities. You will learn to be without the cellphone and you will not experience separation anxiety from the device.
Cooking a meal: leave your cellphone outside of the kitchen.
Using the bathroom: please leave your cellphone in a different room!
Eating a meal in the kitchen or dining area: leave your cellphone under the bed.
Ironing clothes in your bedroom: place your cellphone in the bathroom.
Sleeping: turn off the device. (If you need to be on call, have a discussion with your employer about sane and wise on-call needs of the company.)
Riding your bike: turn your cellphone on silence or vibrate and leave the device in your back pocket.
Walk in the forest: turn your cellphone on silence. Warning: your GPS may not work so take a map with you (or learn the hard way).
Develop a routine for being away from your computer, your cellphone, your tablet, Alexa, smart devices, internet routers/modems, etc. Engage in hands-on activities in the absence of technology. The goal is not to become a Luddite. The purpose is to salvage humanity from the adverse effects of technology.
Life is too short to waste on technology. Seriously. Perhaps, healthcare providers can spearhead this campaign to a healthier world, consistent with our code of ethics to do no harm by trying to engage in proactive and preventive behaviours. (healthcare and healthy, what an oxymoron!)
Make Changes and Energize Your Life for a Life of Fulfillment
Life is too short for nonsense. Let’s take steps to appreciate the beauty of Mother Earth and to immerse ourselves in her healing environments.
Be happy. Be socially connected. Be creative. Disconnect from technology. Invest in your own learning for a better world.
Selected References:
Andrew Huberman. (June 10, 2024). Dr. Jonathan Haidt: How Smartphones & Social Media Impact Mental Health & the Realistic Solutions. Huberman Lab Podcast. Accessed online on June 12, 2024, at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=csubiPlvFWk
Scitable by Nature Education. (2014). Cell Energy and Cell Functions. Scitable by Nature Education: A Collaborative Learning Space for Science. Accessed online on June 12, 2024, at https://www.nature.com/scitable/topicpage/cell-energy-and-cell-functions-14024533/#:~:text=Cells%20do%20not%20use%20the,and%20construct%20new%20cellular%20components.
Disclaimer: The content of this post is not meant to substitute for a consultation with your healthcare team.
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