Most of us have taken the time to connect with our friends and family more than usual during our time in self-isolation. It’s really opened up fascinating dialogues–ones which wouldn’t have occurred in the “old normal.” While Marco Polo’ing with a friend, sending positivity back and forth through our weekends and workdays alike, she said one of her goals for that day was to “protect my energy.” And I immediately understood what she was saying.

We’re all living inside of a non-stop routine for the time being. Hamsters on a wheel in a cage. It’s a kind of time loop that so easily saps us of our energy. Things that were easy before have gotten more challenging–impossible, even. It takes more energy than ever to get through a day, as if we’re walking in water–exerting ourselves just to move forward.

As our energy levels ebb and flow while working or not working, we’re considering problems and solutions on a local level all the way to a global one. It’s exhausting. On top of that, there are other people who are dealing with their own versions of what is going on in their lives and in their world.

It’s times like this when we must safeguard ourselves from mental exhaustion; madness, even. (Well, “madness lite,” at least). Call it mindfulness or meditation, but I love the concept of protecting my energy, using it only for needed, fulfilling purposes. Not wasting it by spinning my wheels, letting it escape haphazardly.

Positivity has always played a large part in my life. But now–more than ever–I depend on it to help me look through the lens of gratitude as much as possible. But that takes energy. I can’t waste energy on people not acting the way I think they should (wearing masks in public, etc.) I can only control me, and that’s where I make my stand.

Protect your energy by finding the good in the day or in people or in stillness. I know we’re all emotionally exhausted. It’s a global pandemic, after all. Who wouldn’t be? I know many of us are dealing with different versions of loss–whether it’s of a loved or of a feeling of freedom. It can beat you down. And it might seem pointless. But there is a point.

I saw a quote the other day that said: “What doesn’t challenge us, doesn’t change us.” Before the pandemic, this kind of quote might have been met with cheers and applause. Now, it’s just groans and some heckling. We’re tired, yes. But we’re not beaten. To quote a red-headed Broadway baby, “the sun will come out tomorrow.”

And if you find ways to protect your energy, you’ll find moments of joy. I call Saturdays “Soul-Filling Saturdays” now. I indulge my creativity and spend the day doing whatever fits the bill. Mostly, I write–whether it’s here, in my journal or cards I send to friends and family. It fills up my energy tank; prepares me for another week of isolation.

Find ways to protect your energy by indulging in the things that fill your soul with satisfaction or happiness or hope. It can be anything you want. And it will keep you buoyant in times like this. But once this is over and our lives return to something close to “old normal,” imagine how high it will take you!

Protect your energy.