Most of us wouldn’t let our cars run out of gas. But sometimes we forget that it’s important to top off our emotional tanks as well.
Renae was proud of her new Prius. The hybrid seemed to go and go on a single tank of gas. That’s why, on a long trip, she stopped paying attention to the gas gauge. She turned up the radio, sang along, and focused on getting home. When the car began to jerk, she pulled to the side of the road wondering what could be wrong. That’s when she realized she was out of gas. Even a Prius needs hydration to keep running.
Many of us treat ourselves like a new Prius. We assume everything is fine, so we stop paying attention to our needs. Then we’re surprised when we break down. But it’s important to feed our emotional tanks with a steady diet of the things that bring us joy and peace. Not only is this good for our mental health, it helps fortify us to face the stresses life can bring.
The Dangers of Not Filling Your Tank
Running low on emotional hydration can cause us to say and do things that are damaging to ourselves and others. For example, if you’re already emotionally drained, the copy machine running out of paper might push you over the edge. But if you’re in a calm place, you’ll see the same circumstance as a minor inconvenience.
Ideas for Emotional Hydration
- Establish a routine. Include things that bring you joy. Eat lunch with your spouse or partner every day, or talk to them on the phone. Give yourself a five-minute break each afternoon, and do something just for you. Play a game on your phone or take a brisk walk.
- Find a friend to talk to. Share when you feel frustrated or upset. If you don’t have a trusted friend, try writing in a journal. When we talk about our feelings, even in writing, it helps unload the negative.
- Be grateful. Each day, think of a set number of things you’re thankful for. They can be major or minor. For example, be grateful that the coffee machine in the break room still works. Gratitude turns our thoughts toward positive things and makes us feel better.
- Do what you dread first. Even if you only work on it for fifteen minutes, you’ll find a sense of accomplishment by marking it off the list early in the day.
- Move your body. Being active raises dopamine, which is a feel-good hormone. The more you move, the better you’ll feel, both physically and emotionally.
- Rest. Grumpiness is often the result of being tired. If it takes you an hour to fall asleep, go to bed an hour early so you’ll still get the required number of hours.
- Treat yourself. At least once a month, do something that makes you feel happy or relaxed. Go to a movie, play, or sports event. Buy a new cookbook. Get a manicure or a massage.
- Turn up the tunes. Listen to your favorite music while you’re doing other things.
- Join a group. Learn to write, take an art class, or find a community sports league. This will give you something to look forward to.
- Volunteer. Helping others is a joy-generator.
Keep in Mind
Like keeping that Prius topped off, it’s important to consistently hydrate your emotions. Doing so will strengthen you against stressful breakdowns, help your days run smoothly, and make your life more pleasant.
©2023 Amplified Life Network
