Take him outside! In the past few weeks my eight year old has been exposed to an unusually abundant amount of online and offline media. Around this same time period he has been displaying his colors. Accepting limits less, responding to us in disrespectful tones, having unleashed energy, interrupting conversations more, becoming frequently aggravated with his younger brother.

I was stumped at first. Is he just growing up and asserting himself?  Probably yes, but I had the feeling it was somehow also related to media and the internet.

The tipping point was when we went to a hotel to have a little family getaway and everywhere we went was a computer or TV. At breakfast there were 3 TV’s on and I watched how my son ate while his eyes only drifted from one TV. to the other.

After breakfast, feeling upset that my considerate, bright, creative son was turning into someone else lately, my partner and I decided to leave the hotel early and get us all outside. We went for a hike on that chilly, sunny day at the Chesterfield Gorge in NH.  At arrival, I began to notice a change. We all seemed a little calmer. Our 8 year old began to lead the way, focused on the trail, aware of his surroundings. He didn’t complain about the steep hills or the cold. He led independently and quietly almost the whole way. Occasionally stopping to reflect or show us his amazement in something. We arrived back at the car rejuvenated, more connected as a family.  Both boys happily climbed in and in minutes, peacefully fell asleep for the ride home. A lesson learned.

Often we are unaware of the aspects in our lives that drain or even enhance us. We may wonder why we feel fantastic one day and out of sorts another. Although there may be various reasons why we fluctuate, writing some thoughts down can highlight certain experiences which have not been under our radar. Below is an exercise to provide a quick yet effective tool for insight and new possibilities.

ENERGY DRAINERS AT WORK:
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ENERGY DRAINERS AT HOME:
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3.
ENERGY BOOSTERS AT WORK:
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2.
3.
ENERGY BOOSTERS AT HOME:
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2.
3.

Now, set a goal to reduce or eliminate one energy drainer in your life this week. Then, commit to increasing or participating in one energy booster this week.

Let me know how it goes and enjoy!