Happiness Project: Boost your Energy

This week on the Happiness Project, MiniVanMom asks us to look at ways to boost our energy. According to Gretchen Rubin, "research shows being happy energizes you, and at the same time, having more energy makes it easier for you to engage in activities - like socializing and exercise - that boost happiness. Studies also show that when you feel energetic, your self-esteem rises". The five steps Rubin used to boost her energy are:

• Go to sleep earlier
• Exercise better
• Toss, restore, organize
• Tackle a nagging task
• Act more energetic

I don't know anyone who gets enough sleep, certainly not any mother! My day begins when the alarm goes off at 4:55, every school day (unfortunately, this means that sleeping in on the weekends is now 7:15). I really don't know how I can get anymore sleep. I feel as though I am going to bed at a reasonable hour (usually 10ish). Instead of more sleep, I would kill for some recharging time!

I have started to get back on the exercise bandwagon and it feels good. I love the boost that it does give me. The problem is finding the time to actually do it. I can't get up any earlier, and I don't want to workout after dinner. With kids activities, I just don't always have the time. My plan is to make it more of a priority now.

Cleaning house and getting things in order is definitely energizing and contagious. I love the feeling of having things in their place. My real problem is that I don't do it on a regular basis. While my house is clean, it is not always tidy. I am probably a little too laid back on the occasional pile of mail, or pair of shoes cast aside. I've got three kids, the youngest of which is just 21 months. I feel like I am constantly picking up crap and putting it back where it belongs.
I know there are people out there whose homes always look neat and tidy, I wish I was one of those people, I just don't have the energy to do it. There are times when I panic, what if someone just dropped by? Maybe I'm too concerned at what other people would think of me...or maybe I should find the time to tidy on a regular basis. Don't get me wrong, my house doesn't look like a bomb went off, just not perfect.

I have too many nagging tasks to even focus in on one. lets review that nagging "to do list"
At least I've gotten the painting/lights/and carpet done.

Act more energetic- I guess that's like acting happy. That is a tough one. I don't know if I have enough energy to feign energy. but, I resolve to stop dwelling on being tired. I have a horrible habit of responding to the question, "how are you?" with "tired". Even if I'm lying, I am going to find a way to respond differently.

I think once I start "acting energetic" and get on a better exercise routine, the energy will come...my very own Field of Dreams.