Have you depleted your surge capacity?
I was reading an article the other day that I really connected with both from my love of understanding more about the human brain, and from a personal experience I am going through right now.
It is my hope that the article (link is below) and this post may be of help to you or someone you know as we individually and collectively navigate through this unprecedented time of a global pandemic.
THE ARTICLE
The article was talking about something called “surge capacity” which to paraphrase is the adaptive systems (mental and physical) we draw on for short-term survival in acutely stressful situations.
While it is great that our human body and mind utilizes this to protect us from short term situations like a natural disaster, in the case of Covid-19 which has no end date at this time, we can end up depleting our surge capacity and struggle to renew it.
Who knew!
MY EXPERIENCE
I found myself in this situation in August. At the time, I didn’t know what surge capacity was, I just knew I wasn’t myself and I didn’t understand why despite knowing what I know.
I would sit at my laptop and try to write a blog post or make much needed changes to my website, but I had didn’t have the focus or energy to do it.
I found myself being quite content to watch Netflix for hours. (I normally do not watch TV much at all and certainly not in the summer months).
I was overly drained when spending time with others. (I’m a major introvert who also loves people so I’m used to the energy drain, but this was extreme.)
I would sit on our back porch, look at the sky and have very few thoughts running around in my head (definitely not me – my head is typically running rampant with future based thoughts).
I was ready to close down my website because I felt there was no point in trying to help people see past the illusion of separation when the world seems hell-bent on division. In fact, I said the words “I think I’m done” to both my husband and my accountability partner. Definitely not me!
Yup, it wasn’t a pretty time.
I knew I wasn’t depressed. I wasn’t anxious. I was still enjoying life despite the lock down. My family and friends were healthy so I had no worries that way. I was just really drained.
I knew it had to be something, but I didn’t know what it was.
Then I saw the article.
IT WAS A LIGHT-BULB MOMENT
While I am not a medical professional, that article hit home for me.
I realized that I must have depleted my surge capacity or drained myself and on top of that, I wasn’t helping my system to renew it.
Why?
Despite being drained, I still put a lot of effort into mentoring other business owners through this crazy time. It was quite taxing and hard on my heart as some of the people I supported were in a very dire situation as they had absolutely no money coming in.
But the big kicker was that I had inadvertently allowed myself to get drawn into the 7x24 news cycle! I’m still surprised by this as I’m not someone who traditionally watches/reads the news all the time. It doesn’t mean I am ignorant to what is happening in the world, I simply limit my exposure to it.
Looking back, that changed when Covid-19 started to spread throughout the world. I would check fact-based news sources for accurate information to understand what was going on and how to best protect myself and others. From there other articles caught my eye particularly related to the division and uncertainty going on around the world and in particular within the USA. I realized I was checking the news far too often.
Instead of the news motivating me to help create positive change, all the doom and gloom I was consuming through the media was deflating my belief that I could make a difference, and apparently my surge capacity!
Not a great thing to happen when you are an empath with a deep inner-calling to help create a better world.
But now I understand what was going on with me and I’m happy to say I am doing much better now.
HOW I’M NAVIGATING IT
I have taken and continue to take steps to replenish and to not over extend my surge capacity / energy again.
The number one thing I did was to stop consuming the news cycle and to greatly limit my time on social media. It’s been great. I am still aware of what is going on in the world, I am just careful in terms of volume and what I expose myself to while I regenerate. I know I can’t help to change the world and help others by depleting myself again.
I am being gentle with myself and recognize that I need to rest and just chill while I gain my energy back.
I’m doing my best to be okay with the fact that my website is a disjointed mess right now. I know by resting I will be able to get back to it sooner.
As someone who is driven to help others, I know I can’t help them if I am depleted so I have greatly reduced the number of clients I work with right now so I can give those clients my full attention.
I’m spending time outside enjoying the beautiful weather and views instead of parked in front of my laptop.
I am reading again (good material) and am being inspired by others who are also positively focused on helping to create a better world.
I am reconnecting with my inner-self through meditation, music and connecting with nature.
I am also blessed to have a small but very supportive group of family and friends in my Covid-19 social bubble.
THE CHANGE
The change since implementing these steps just over a week ago has been great.
My energy, focus and drive to help make a difference is quickly returning to normal. I’m still taking it easy but my head is full of thoughts again and I look forward to writing again soon.
'Til next time, I hope this post has helped you and to help you understand the role your surge capacity may be playing in how you may be feeling as you navigate through this unprecedented time.
Surge Capacity Articles:
Here’s the link the article on surge capacity -- Your ‘Surge Capacity’ Is Depleted — It’s Why You Feel Awful
I found this one too which links to an audio interview with Ann Masten, PhD, a psychologist and professor of child development at the University of Minnesota, who is referenced in the first article. — The Global Pandemic is Depleting Your ‘Surge Capacity’.
