Lacking in energy? How many points do you have today?

There's been a common topic come up with the clients I've been working with over the last week so I thought probably we are all feeling it… tiredness, overwhelm or just sheer busyness. Many people are finding they just don't have as much energy as they had before, some have been ill and have long Covid effects and others just feel tired for no real reason.

There are explanations that fit all of us but energy can be sapped by things being different. Think how you felt after last learning something new - even when you loved learning that thing. Tired and happy. The last few years have been lots of new things. New words, new understanding, new behaviours, new ways of working. Your brain has had to change, adapt and learn at a voracious rate.

So what can you do to help it?

I'm going to give you this anaolgy.

Imagine that every day you wake up you have a set amount of energy points. Let's say 100 points.

Everything takes points. So...

Zoom/Teams.... 10 points

Calls....5 points

Admin 3 points

Family 0 - 100 points!

Feeling low/rubbish/frustrated etc 0-100 points.

You can see how very quickly your points can be used up - 5 Zoom calls, half your energy points gone. Family issue - all of them gone!

When you plan your days try to work out how much energy you have and therefore plan around it. Right now I only book a maximum of 4 zoom calls a day because I know my kids, my writing, my exercise will use up the rest and I'd rather do as much right as I can and end the day feeling good.

So what happens when you can't dictate what you do?

Gamify your day! You can earn energy points back!

Staring out of the window for a couple of minutes (giving your brain that precious downtime we’ve discussing before) 3 points.

Pausing and resetting yourself in a few minutes - 5 points.

Taking a lunch break and eating something healthy -20 points.

Having a laugh at something - 30 points.

You'll know what replenishes you. I often find by 5 or 6pm I'm tired, sometimes physically and mentally. However, almost always i make myself go out for an hours walk. This almost fully replenishes me.

Walk - endorphins = 30 points!

Mental break (preventing mental breakdown!) 30 points

Talking to a friend, listening to a podcast, just being quiet (yes those of you who know me - I can be quiet!) 20 points

Feeling proud of myself 10 points!

So, try to look at the next day, the next week and plan around where you are right now. Remember that energy fluctuates. If i have a busy week i try really hard not to have a busy week after it., or I'll definitely make sure i don't work over the weekend. Do a body check in and work out where your levels are and see if you can tweak your day to fit YOU.

As you see even a few minutes pause is beneficial.

I'd love to know what you think?