We are in the last week of March, the end of the first quarter. It's a great time to check in and take an energy inventory. Why? Because small changes you make now can impact where you will be at your mid-year mark.
We all know that how we feel and what we accomplish depends on our energy levels. Yet, too often, we ignore the warning signals that our energy is getting close to empty. It's kind of funny (not really) that when our fuel light is on, we pull in to get gas, but when WE are low, we "push through".
Energy encompasses our physical, mental and emotional realms. Signs we are low can be obvious - think hunger pangs and can't keep your eyes open. Or they can be a bit obscure: boredom, negativity, unintended weight gain or loss, anxiety, loneliness...
We lead busy lives. When our "busy" is productive we can feel energized and accomplished. But sometimes being busy means we've taken on too much. Or that we're struggling to prioritize. We may use "busy" as a distraction. Or to avoid thinking or feeling. These types of busy deplete. They leave us drained, irritable and anxious.
Who & What is plugging into my energy?
Make a list.
Do the top 3 match who & what you want plugging in?
Is there a balance of give & take?
This helps to identify where your energy may be leaking, which makes it easier to prioritize and then target your action steps. That may look like better boundaries with time, saying no, and asking for more of an equal exchange.
Where am I plugging in?
Not everything we plug into will renew our energy. Sometimes we're not even immediately aware of what we're plugged into. What we consume matters. What we choose to listen to, watch, read and scroll through brings energy in that affects our state of being. Who we spend time with, our physical surroundings, noise levels and the food we eat all have impact. Even our movement can add or detract from our energy stores. If you're already fatigued and muscle sore, pushing yourself to run harder or lift heavier may deplete your energy stores further. A recovery form of movement like walking or yoga will likely be more restorative. The takeaway here is to identify what are the sources you may be plugging into that are actually taking, not adding to your energy supply.
Which sources revitalize and provide sustainable energy for you?
Take a Time inventory:
We have 168 hours/week.
What is the actual amount of time you spend a week:
Sleeping
Working
You Time (exercise, hobbies, personal growth, alone time)
Family/Significant Other/Friends Time
Tasks
Fun Time
Give each a number/percentage. How many of these hours are satisfying or rewarding on some level?
Now, what is the ideal amount of time you would like to allocate to these areas? How far off are you? Is there a place you can make a shift? Hint: If sleep is lacking, start here - improving your sleep has an immediate ripple effect on efficiency and enjoyment in all areas.
Daily Check In
On a scale of 1-10, how is my energy?
- Physically
- Mentally
- Emotionally
Knowing which areas are low helps you to choose the right resource.
What if I had just a little more of, could help right now?
