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The Shirley Local #92 min read

What Does It Really Mean to Recharge?

Recharging looks different for everyone. How to figure out what actually refills your energy.

By Jianna Bustamante, DPTLiving Well, in The Shirley Local

What Does It Really Mean to Recharge?, a Shirley Local column by Jianna Bustamante, DPT

The short version

Recharging is less about what you do and more about how it makes you feel. It is anything that resets your mind and body from everyday stress, like coffee with a friend, a walk, a book or quiet time alone. Figure out what works for you and make time for it.

Hello, Shirley! This week I got asked a simple question that made me stop and think for a second: “What does it mean to recharge?” It is one of those phrases we hear all the time. People are constantly saying they need to recharge or that they did something over the weekend to recharge. But what does that actually mean?

Honestly, I think the answer is different for everyone. One of my friends told me that going to pilates helps her recharge. Another friend said she purposely schedules 30 minutes during the weekend where she sits alone on the couch doing absolutely whatever she wants. No plans, no pressure, just quiet time for herself.

When I really thought about it, I realized recharging is less about what you are doing and more about how it makes you feel. It is anything that gives your mind and body a reset from the stress and routines of everyday life. I see it as something that helps refill your energy so you can tackle the rest of your week feeling a little more like yourself again.

The important thing is figuring out what works for you. Recharging does not have to look productive or impressive. Sometimes it is getting coffee with a friend, learning a new skill, seeing a movie, reading a book, taking a walk, or simply spending time alone.

I also think recharging is important for our overall health. When we constantly push ourselves without taking time to reset, it becomes harder to show up as our best selves physically and mentally. Giving yourself permission to recharge is not lazy. It is necessary.

So this week, ask yourself: what actually helps you recharge? Once you figure that out, make time for it.

This column first ran in The Shirley Local, our hometown paper, where Jianna writes a regular health column. We are proud to support and contribute to it.

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