What’s Running in the Background?

Alice Ranker
Nov 8
3 min read

This week I ended up in the Apple Store talking with a technician about my phone battery. Even though I fully charge it at night, my battery quickly drains once I start my day. The technician explained that even when I wasn’t ‘using’ my phone there were things running in the background causing a drain on my battery.

What a light bulb moment!

On my way home I couldn't shake the comparison. It hit me that this happens to us too. We feel drained, at least I know I do, even on days when nothing ‘big’ happens or goes wrong, but because of what’s running in the background of our hearts and minds.

Our emotional and mental energy work in a similar way to our phone’s operating system, constantly managing unseen processes. Don't you wish we could just swipe up and close a few of those mental tabs? Me too.

When the technician dug into my settings he showed me how to see which apps were running in the background even though I wasn’t currently using them and how to turn them off. It made me wonder how could I ‘see’ what was running in the background of my life and did I need to turn ‘it’ all off?

Some of those background drainers could be worries from unfinished conversations, emotional multi-tasking, like when we care for so many others without taking proper care of ourselves, and even old stories that we hold on to and allow to roll around in our mind, reiterating limiting beliefs.

Once I was back at home, I sat outside with my journal and listened. I have learned over the last several years that my intuition and knowing are strong and can be trusted. I just have to be quiet long enough to hear them.

You can give this a try too. Find a spot that feels calm and without distractions (or at least limited ones). Pause and ask yourself: what’s quietly demanding energy that doesn’t serve me anymore? (If you want more on this topic, I have other blogs that could help. Click here to read: Rest isn’t Cheating, Body & Embodiment, how our bodies tell us when too many apps are running.)

When the technician showed me which apps were running in the background I didn’t delete them, I just changed the settings so I was in charge of when they were on and off. Sitting with myself and recognizing the things draining me allowed me to make similar adjustments internally. I can’t turn off everything, but I can learn to recognize what’s running.

Just like some of the background processes are necessary on my phone, there are some that are necessary in my life, things like compassion, planning, and creativity. The goal isn’t to clear it all but to choose what deserves your bandwidth.

This is not about better time management but about better boundary management. It’s about giving yourself permission once you recognize what’s happening.

The technician also reminded me how to turn on the battery saver mode in my settings. Sitting outside I was reminded that Grace is my personal battery saver.

If, like me, you feel drained it’s not due to being lazy or unfocused, you’re probably just overloaded.

Every system needs a restart. Reset isn't quitting, it’s maintenance.

This week, what if you let one thing rest and gave your best energy to what actually mattered? (And what matters will be different for each of us and may even change from day to day.)

Here’s a journal prompt or conversation starter you can use this week to further explore what’s draining your battery.

“What’s running in the background of your life that you’re ready to close out — and what’s worth keeping open?”

If this is hard, don't stay stuck! I offer a 15 min complimentary session. Sometimes saying things out loud in the right setting is what you need to bring change.

Stay charged and have the best week!

Much love,