How We Can Balance Our Daily Energy Levels

How much energy do you need in a day?

Where does your energy come from?

When we think about the average person’s energy needs, our minds quickly move to ways in which we power our cars and homes — gas, solar, coal, wind, electricity.

But what about how we power ourselves?

A long day juggling work, parenting and running errands can leave us feeling zapped of energy. Spending the day sitting with an elderly family member can be taxing. Fretting about how we’re going to pay our bills can be exhausting. Even fighting back the urge to yell — to be more patient — can be draining.

Each of these things takes energy. Emotions take energy. Brainpower takes energy. Being our best means considering how we balance our energy (because it’s not limitless). Without managing our energy usage and replenishment, our work can suffer, our family or work relationships can be hurt; even our overall satisfaction with our lives can deteriorate.

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• Replenish your body - A balanced diet, plenty of sleep and physical activity that you enjoy all help you maintain high physical energy. You must give attention to each of these areas if you want to be able to maximize your energy. Sometimes we skip these things because we’re pressed for time. But going without sleep, skipping meals or not getting the exercise you need will lower your overall energy level.
• Focus on your mind – We’ve all experienced moments when we run out of gas mentally. You spend hours concentrating on a big project (or maybe two or three at once). It feels like there’s no end in sight and you’ve been pushing without a break. You’re stressed and depleted. When this happens, stop and take a look at what’s on your plate. Have you been taking regular mental breaks? Are you multi-tasking? Would focusing on one project, or even one portion of a project, make you feel less stressed? Your ability to focus depends on your ability to learn what your mind needs to function best. Take breaks. Focus on one thing at a time. Chunk up your tasks where possible.
• Find time for your spirit -  We all need down time, quiet time, alone time. And for most of us, it is in extremely short supply these days. But Susan Kane for psychcentral.com reminds us to rethink quiet time. It’s not a luxury. It’s a necessity. Sure, you’re not accomplishing anything in that moment. But you are accomplishing renewal and rest. You’re recentering, reprioritizing and clearing your mind. This could be yoga, meditation, or even a quiet walk. Make a small amount of time for yourself each day.
• Manage your emotions – This is a big one. Many of us see negative emotions such as anger, frustration and jealousy as things that need to be suppressed. Instead, when we learn to experience and express our emotions in healthy, controlled ways, they have less control over our bodies, behavior and relationships, suggests takingcharge.csh.umn.edu. We are better able to practice kindness. We are better able to assume good intent. And it’s easier to let go of past hurts. Together these abilities make it easier for us to build stronger relationships both at work and at home.  

The energy you bring to work each day affects you, your colleagues, your entire organization. And when you sign off for the night, that same energy affects your family or roommates.  Consider how you can focus on your body, your mind, your spirit and your emotions to balance your daily energy needs.