I recently had the pleasure to attend a wonderful annual event at my chiropractic alma mater, Sherman College of Chiropractic. While there, I joined a round circle type of discussion led by some amazing women in the chiropractic field. I always love attending this annual event and specifically this discussion group. Not only do I get to see fellow colleagues and friends whom I haven’t seen in ages, I also come away feeling refreshed about our profession (and life!) and with new ideas to share, implement, and practice myself. I’m not always able to attend this event every year, however when I do get there, it gives me that feeling of filling up my tank, leaving me refreshed, renewed and ready to be the best version of me I can be. (sounds kind of corny but it’s true!)

Ironically, the discussion of “what fills your tank?” came up during this discussion group. We all have, or really should have, things or moments that help us center ourselves, or re-center ourselves each day that help fill our energy tank (both in the physical and mental sense of energy). It could be something as simple as having some absolute quiet time to yourself to start your day, or beginning your morning by stating/writing a gratitude list. Perhaps you are a person who feels renewed after time spent in the outdoors walking or jogging. Maybe it’s the time you spend digging in the soil of your garden that fills your energy tank. Perhaps it’s saying ‘good morning’ to your co-workers when you first see them instead of complaining about the weather/drive/day ahead. The list can go on and on, because it’s truly unique to each individual.

Until the discussion came up, I hadn’t really thought about what I do on a regular basis to keep myself going, to fill my tank. I realized that life can be busy, crazy in fact, if we let our schedules fill up with “stuff”. Even the minute, day to day tasks of keeping a house going (cleaning, dishes, laundry, cooking, etc) can bog us down and completely fill our time. Add in work, family obligations, sports, etc and you get the feeling there’s not enough time in a day! As I pondered a bit more about what helps me feel refreshed and less stressed, it hit me that it doesn’t have to take up a large chunk of time. I realized I inherently did something almost every day to “fill my tank” without knowing why until now. I’ve always begun my days a bit earlier than anyone in my house. I enjoy (almost need to) beginning my day quietly, completely by myself. I’m the first one up, I shower, make our coffee, take the dog out, and usually get time to sit by the window while slowly drinking my coffee before anyone else is really up and about. I’ve come to savor this time in the morning. I love sitting there in the quiet by the window, watching the first rays of sunlight waking up the world outside. Some days I may get quite a bit of time to be in this moment, other days it may only be a few minutes. The amount of time doesn’t matter as much as just being able to have that moment each day. It sets me off on the right foot and in a happy, positive frame of mind each day.

I encourage everyone to look at your daily routines and find something for yourself that ‘fills your tank’. It’ll help you feel less stressed out, less like you’re burning the candle at both ends. Perhaps you’ll start feeling a bit healthier-maybe less stress-induced headaches. You may possibly start holding your adjustments better. I can’t express to you enough how much just one small thing can help to shift your perspective leaving you feeling renewed, refreshed, and in a positive state of mind.Think about this also: allowing yourself ‘that something’ each day to fill your tank, will also help you be a better person to those you care for and love.

In Health,

Dr. Jen