World WellBeing Week: A guide to transformative energy and finding inner balance

Have you ever noticed how your energy levels can fluctuate throughout the day, influencing your mood, mindset, and overall sense of wellbeing?

In our second article for World WellBeing Week, Sara Liddle of Inflori Coaching explores how, from moments of vibrant enthusiasm to bouts of frustration or fatigue, your emotional and energetic state profoundly shapes your experiences and interactions with the world around you.

Grasping the intricate dynamics of energy is key to unlocking your fullest potential and improving your holistic wellbeing. By understanding the theory of energy and how this links with wellbeing, you can take the necessary practical steps needed to significantly improve your life. At the heart of this understanding lies the concept of energy levels – specifically, the distinction between catabolic and anabolic energy.

In this article, we will explore how these two types of energy impact your life and why mastering them is essential for designing your state of wellbeing. From the destructive nature of catabolic energy to the transformative power of anabolic energy, let’s delve into the nuances of each and get practical insights to help you navigate between them.

Harnessing the power of energy levels can empower you to cultivate greater peace, happiness, and fulfilment.

What is energy?

Energy is more than a power source; it’s the fundamental essence of the universe, vibrating at different frequencies and influencing every aspect of your existence. Bruce D. Schneider’s founder of Core Energy Coaching and the Energy Leadership Index (ELI) provides insight into how you perceive and react to situations, helping you understand your unique energy frequency and its impact on your wellbeing.

The energy levels range from 1 to 7, containing varying degrees of anabolic and catabolic energy. As you ascend these levels, catabolic energy decreases while anabolic energy increases. While no energy level is inherently good or bad, prolonged exposure to lower catabolic energy levels can negatively affect your health, wellbeing, and happiness.

How does catabolic energy impact your wellbeing?

While catabolic energy has a place, it will negatively impact your health and wellbeing in the long run. In the short term, it can provide a sanctuary, a way to withdraw from the world to retreat and heal. It can spur you into action when you need momentum or no longer wish to tolerate poor behaviour from yourself or others. There is, however, a downside if you remain in catabolic energy for too long. You may notice the negative emotions associated with catabolic energy results, such as anger, resentment, and fear, can drain your energy and erode your sense of wellbeing over time.

In a typical day dominated by catabolic energy, you might wake up weary and uninspired, dreading the tasks ahead. You may encounter stressors like traffic jams, work deadlines, or conflicts with colleagues or loved ones throughout the day. You might react negatively to these challenges, feeling overwhelmed and struggling to concentrate. You may have strained interactions and engage in arguments or passive-aggressive behaviour. By the end of the day, feeling emotionally spent, seeking distractions like mindless scrolling on social media, binge-watching TV, or other health inhibiting activities to cope with the day. All of
which is detrimental to your health and wellbeing.

The power of anabolic energy

In stark contrast, anabolic energy holds the key to transformation. It’s about fostering good feelings whilst building a foundation for long-term resilience and wellbeing. When you operate from a place of anabolic energy, you will see the world in a different light, experiencing emotions such as gratitude, compassion, and joy.

A day infused with anabolic energy might begin with purpose and excitement for the day ahead.

Cultivating an anabolic energy state can enhance your overall sense of wellbeing, strengthen relationships, and increase your capacity for empathy and understanding. A day infused with anabolic energy might begin with purpose and excitement for the day ahead. You wake up feeling refreshed and energised, ready to tackle your to-do-list with enthusiasm.

Throughout the day, you approach challenges with a positive mindset, seeing them as opportunities for growth and learning. Your interactions with others are supportive and collaborative, fostering a sense of connection and camaraderie. You may experience moments of creativity and flow, where time seems to fly by as you engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment. By the end of the day, you feel satisfied and content, reflecting on the meaningful connections and accomplishments of the day.

Wellbeing by design

Understanding the ebb and flow between catabolic and anabolic energy shapes your overall wellbeing. These energies influence your thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, shaping your daily life. Building greater self-awareness and emotional intelligence is key to recognising and navigating these shifts in energy.

Intentionally creating anabolic energy involves increasing self-awareness, practicing mindfulness, and reflecting on experiences. Focus on developing authentic relationships and support systems while minimising catabolic energy through setting boundaries, practicing self-care, and reframing negative thoughts.

The power of energy awareness will bring you closer towards a balanced, fulfilling, and authentic life. By staying curious and open to self-discovery, you can live with intentionality, designing your wellbeing, health, and happiness.

Understanding energy levels, particularly the distinction between catabolic and anabolic energy, is crucial for personal development and holistic wellbeing. Catabolic energy, characterised by stress and negativity, can drain your energy, and erode wellbeing over time. In contrast, anabolic energy fosters growth, resilience, and positive relationships, leading to increased empathy, joy, and fulfilment. Mastering these energy levels empowers you to design your state of wellbeing, leading to greater peace and happiness in life.

Sara Liddle (main picture) is a Professional Certified Relationship and Life Coach. She is on a mission to support couples and individuals improve their relationships by overcoming common challenges. Sara offers private coaching sessions using core energy in her practice. She has many online courses, including Relationship Reset and Relationship Reboot. As a co-host of the podcast Geordie Lass and Doc Sass, Sara shares valuable insights on strengthening your relationship.