Are you a busy bee and have a big to do list and feel bad when you don’t tick off those tasks while the list keeps getting longer? Perhaps you think you need better time management. Maybe you do.  Yet not before attending to the one thing that makes the difference.

Work/life comes a tendency to feel driven to get stuff done.  Sometimes it leads to 

• burning the candle at both ends. 
• blurred work/life boundaries.
• a constant state of overwhelm, not feeling great, and being unfocused. 
• feeling frustrated there doesn’t seem to be enough time to get everything done.
• blaming yourself or others.

If we just muster up the will power, we can burn bright for a while to get it all done.  And then…we can flame out and feel exhausted,

Here is the secret to getting things done in a balanced and sustainable way:

Manage your energy first, manage your time second because your time is a finite resource.   Energy is a different story.  It is fluid and renewable.

You may think, ‘Wendy that is great but I don’t have time, and that is the problem.’  

 

First let’s agree on why this thinking is flawed and doesn’t serve you. 

By not managing your energy, it is harder to thrive. The small list above provides some examples. 

By managing your energy, you can bring your best to your family, people, tasks, conversations, creative ideas, focus, sleep, and problem-solving, just to name a few.    You can also release tension, resentments, worry, disappointments etc that can weigh heavily on your mind and drain your energy. 

Having more energy is not an invitation to cram in more tasks.

Instead, it’s about optimising your energy levels across all aspects of your being—spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical. By doing so, you unlock a profound sense of purpose balance, flow productivity, and fulfillment in your work/life.

 

Understanding energy management

Spiritual Energy: The Inner Fire of Purpose

At the core of energy management is spiritual well-being. This encompasses your sense of purpose, connection to something greater than yourself, and alignment with your values. Practices such as meditation, prayer, journaling, or spending time in nature can replenish your spiritual energy. Taking moments for reflection and gratitude helps to realign your focus and infuse your actions with meaning and intention.

• When was the last time you spent time and connected with nature?  (Sun, sea, land, air)
• Create a simple habit of mindfulness practice.  This could be meditation, mindfulness, journaling, gratitude

Emotional Energy: In flow with values

Emotional well-being is the foundation of healthy relationships and personal fulfillment. Know your values and acting from the core of your values is essential for your energy. Managing emotional energy involves recognising and processing your feelings in a constructive manner. Surrounding yourself with supportive relationships and setting boundaries also contribute to emotional resilience and vitality.

• What are your top 3 values?  Consider which activities align to your values – the essential ones? All others could be ‘non essential’. 
• How much attention and time are you placing in your significant relationships? 

Mental Energy: Sharpening your mind, like a breath of fresh air

A clear and focused mind is vital for productivity and creativity. Managing mental energy involves cultivating habits that enhance cognitive function and reduce mental clutter. 

• Create a simple habit to engage in activities that stimulate your intellect: reading, learning new skills, or solving puzzles.
• Clear your space to help clear your mind

Physical Energy: Honoring Your Body, its your energy home and foundation.

Prioritising physical health through proper nutrition, regular exercise, adequate sleep, and stress management is essential for sustained energy levels. 

• Right now, tune into and listen to your body’s signals and honor its need for rest and rejuvenation. 
• Even short bursts of physical activity throughout the day can boost energy and productivity, so find opportunities to move and stretch, especially during long periods of sedentary work.

 

Integrating a sustainable practice of energy management into daily life

Effective energy management is not a one-time endeavor but an ongoing practice that requires mindfulness and self-awareness. 

Start by identifying one small and simple thing you can do to replenish each aspect of your energy—spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical—and incorporate them into your daily routine. 

Experiment with different techniques to discover what works best for you and adapt as needed.

Remember Small consistent steps will win every time. 

Give yourself the gift of energy, consistently and lovingly and feel gratitude for the rewardse