You can’t always interchange the words resting and recharging.
Recharging doesn’t just mean resting, and resting isn’t always recharging. Often, we confuse recharging with simply taking a break. However, recharging involves engaging in activities that make us feel stronger, sharper, and more capable.
Dr. Luyi Kathy Zhang, a hospice and palliative care doctor and life coach, shared what truly energizes and revives us.
Resting vs. Recharging
Dr. Zhang used a bathtub analogy to explain the difference between resting and recharging. She said, “If we want to increase the water levels in a bathtub, we usually have to do two things. One is to plug up the water that’s draining out of the tub, which is akin to resting. The other way is to add more water into the tub, which is recharging and restorative.”
What Does Resting Look Like?
Resting often involves activities that don’t require much energy, like relaxing on the couch or watching Netflix. However, many people find that even after a weekend of rest, they still feel exhausted. This is because resting alone may not be enough to recharge our energy levels.
What Does Recharging Look Like?
Recharging involves engaging in activities that nourish our soul and make us feel alive. Dr. Zhang explained, “It doesn’t have to necessarily be something that expends a lot of energy. It could be something like just sitting at home and reading or journaling.” The key is to find activities that are restorative and make us feel truly refreshed.
Questions to Help You Recharge
Dr. Zhang suggested asking yourself two important questions to identify what drains and refills your energy:
- What’s draining me right now? Identify the sources of stress and energy drain in your life.
- What can I do to refill and replenish my energy levels? Think about activities that make you feel nourished and recharged.
Rediscovering What Recharges You
If you’re having trouble identifying what recharges you, Dr. Zhang recommended reflecting on your childhood interests, considering what seems fun to you now, and asking yourself what you would do if you weren’t worried about others’ opinions. She said, “We all know deep down what recharges us, but sometimes there’s a lot of noise or fear of judgment.”
The Role of Connection
Dr. Zhang’s work as a hospice and palliative care doctor has taught her the importance of connection. She explained, “The thing that sums up the regrets of the dying is one word: connection. It’s either connection to self or connection with others.” Engaging in activities that help you feel connected to yourself and others can be incredibly recharging.
For more insights from Dr. Luyi Kathy Zhang, visit her website or follow her on social media, luyikathyzhang.com or @dr.luyikathyzhang.
Add comment