Types of energy (and how to tend to them!)

In my previous article on balanced self-care, I briefly talked about the idea that we all have different types of energy that (naturally) require different kinds of action(s) or attention. To refresh, these types of energy are: physical, emotional, spiritual, cognitive, and social. So, what does it all mean? Let's break it down.

Tapping in to our physical energy needs requires awareness and attention to (you guessed

it!) the physical body. This doesn't always mean engaging in rest/restful actions. Sometimes the physical body is asking us for exertion - some type of movement, or engagement - to effectively regulate itself. Here are some examples of what can look like to tend to your physical energy needs:

• stretching

• walking/running

• gentle and/or mindful movement (i.e. yoga, tai chi)

• massage (self, or from other)

• intentional breath work

• self-pleasure / sexual intimacy

• rest / relaxation / sleep

• meditation / progressive muscle relaxation

• self-soothing postures

• hydration / nourishment

• deep pressure stimulation

These are just some examples. Your body might be asking you for something that isn't on this list - I invite you to listen to it.

Next up we have emotional energy. Tuning in to our emotional energy - and by extension our emotional energy needs - can be a bit more complicated than checking in with the physical body. Some of us might be more attuned to our physical selves than our emotional selves, and thats okay! It can require intention and practice to build up skills and comfort in the emotional realm. Psychotherapy can also be a helpful resource for developing these skills.

Now why might a person want to build up their skills and comfort level to tap in to their emotional energy and needs? Emotions can be a great tool for building self-awareness and identifying unmet needs. This is why emotional intelligence can also be an incredibly useful tool if we are looking to engage in healthy relationships - with ourselves, and with others! Here are some examples of what it can look like to tend to emotional energy needs:

• connect with Self or others

• mindfulness / meditation

• journalling / gratitude practice

• emotional expression / release

• boundary-setting / maintenance

• self-soothing / self-stimulating

• practicing self-compassion

• creative expression

• movement

• hydration / nourishment

Again, these are just a few examples - there could be any number of other ways that someone might tend to their emotional energy needs. Keep in mind that an individual's emotional energy needs could shift from day to day, even moment to moment, so the key to expanding this area of self-awareness is to check in with yourself regularly.

Cognitive energy is yet another area that might require our attention. This area is connected to human needs for mental stimulation, rest, engagement, and purpose.

As with our other types of energy, cognitive energy needs can require regular self check-ins to determine what actions might be needed.

Here are a few examples of what it can look like to tend to cognitive energy:

• learning a new skill or concept / exploring interests

• engaging in healthy debate / stimulating dialogue

• solo activities such as word games, crossword, or sudoku

• interactive activities such as trivia, cards, or board games

• exploration of personal values, goals, reflecting on meaning attributed to events, experiences, or topical issues

• journalling / self-reflection

• mindfulness / meditation

• finding source(s) of entertainment

• taking breaks / engaging in "mindless" activity

Next up we have social energy. Have you ever heard or used the term "social battery" to refer to someone's current capacity to engage with others (i.e. "my social battery is drained!")? The concept of social energy invites us to acknowledge our need for connection with others (i.e. social engagement) versus our need for connection with Self (i.e. alone time).

How do you know when your social battery is empty? And what does YOUR social battery need in order to recharge? Here are just a few examples of what it might look like to tend to (or "recharge") your social energy:

• one-on-one time with others

• group activities

• alone time to create, lounge, journal, move, meditate, breathe, listen to music, read, etc.

• engaging on social media / other virtual spaces

• disconnecting / setting boundaries with social media / virtual space(s)

And finally, we have the concept of spiritual energy. Spiritual energy is connected to the human need to find value, meaning, connectedness, and sense of purpose in life. What comes to mind when you think about your spiritual energy needs?

For some, the concept of religion is deeply entwined with their sense of spiritual identity, energy, and needs. For others, their spiritual self is not connected to religion at all. For some, it is connected to nature, to their connections with other people, or even to our shared humanity.

In a very basic sense, our spiritual "Self" (and by extension, our spiritual energy & needs) is connected to our belief systems, and the ways in which we honour these belief systems through our actions. Here are a few examples of what this might look like:

• building a sense of community

• connecting with a higher power

• exploration of personal values

• connecting with nature / animals

• acts of kindness / altruism

• prayer / meditation / quiet reflection

• cultivating relationship with Self

• engaging in any rituals/practices that are meaningful to you

And again, these lists are not exhaustive - there could be many other ways someone honours their spiritual, cognitive, social, physical, and/or emotional energy needs! Psychotherapy can also be a helpful space to develop new insights and skills for self-care in these areas.

Our energies (and therefore our needs) are fluid - always changing - in response to both our internal and external environments. I invite you to slow down, and when possible - to pause. Check in with yourself. Tune in to how you're feeling in these five energy realms - what is this awareness telling you about your needs? What's next? I invite you to gently inquire, and respond with intention.