Your Energy Budget: Is It Serving You Well?
In the hustle and bustle of modern life, we often find ourselves stretched thin, juggling multiple responsibilities, and struggling to maintain our energy levels.
The last 30 days or so proved to be a true hustle and bustle period for my family. My mom and I planned and traveled to a bucket list destination in Europe. Upon returning with a bit of jetlag, my husband and I had the privilege of hanging out with our grandson for a week while his parents got a much needed hiatus. A few days after he was picked up my mom got painfully ill and had to be admitted for a week; surgery was necessary. One week following this worrisome time, our youngest daughter got married; a most joyous day! Needless to say, I’m glad that I was available and present for each of these moments and yet each of them required me to be on and being on for lengths of period without self-caring is draining. I’m now taking a pause from being present for others so that I can be present for me; to restore and recharge!
Just like managing our finances, it's crucial to also manage our energy budget effectively. But what exactly is an energy budget, and how can we ensure it serves us well? Let's delve into this concept and explore some strategies for optimizing our energy allocation.
Your energy budget refers to the finite amount of physical, mental, and emotional energy you have available to allocate towards various tasks and responsibilities throughout the day. Much like financial budgeting, it requires careful planning, prioritization, and occasionally, adjustments based on your individual needs and circumstances.
Take a moment to reflect on how you currently allocate your energy throughout the day. Are you spending too much time and effort on activities that drain you? Are there areas where you could be more efficient or delegate tasks to conserve energy? Identifying patterns and inefficiencies in your energy expenditure is the first step towards making positive changes.
Just as you allocate your financial resources towards essentials like rent, groceries, and bills, it's essential to prioritize tasks and activities that align with your values, goals, and well-being. Identify the high-impact activities that contribute most to your personal and professional growth, and allocate your energy accordingly.
One common pitfall in energy management is failing to set boundaries. Whether it's saying no to additional commitments, limiting screen time, or carving out designated periods for rest and relaxation, establishing boundaries is crucial for protecting your energy reserves. Remember that it's okay to prioritize self-care and assert your needs.
Incorporating mindfulness practices into your daily routine can help you become more attuned to your energy levels and how various activities impact them. Whether it's meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply taking regular breaks to check in with yourself, mindfulness can enhance your awareness and empower you to make more intentional choices.
The list of ways to recharge your energy budget is endless; here are a few to ponder on.
Mental Recharge
Reduce time spent with toxic things and people and choose to connect with things and people that radiate good vibes that boost and uplift you
Accomplishments often get ignored soon after they've occurred. Remembering successes can be a boost and carry you through
Tap into your creative juices, we all have them
Incorporate a fun activity - get creative
Take a break from technology and get out in nature
Physical Recharge
Take a Bath/Shower
Develop an Exercise/Stretching routine that works for you
Diet - what foods serve your body for optimal health vs foods that cause harm to your body; this may require some intentionality
Aromatherapy
Incorporate good sleep habits; it might require a certain setting or feel to get relaxed. Don’t be a afraid to experiment with what that might feel like
When possible take advantage of power naps
Recognize that your energy budget isn't set in stone and may need periodic adjustments based on changing circumstances or priorities. Be flexible and willing to adapt your schedule and commitments as needed to maintain balance and prevent burnout.
Your energy budget is a valuable resource that deserves careful attention and management. By assessing your current allocation, prioritizing what matters most, setting boundaries, embracing mindful practices, seeking support, and remaining flexible, you can ensure that your energy budget serves you well and empowers you to lead a more fulfilling and balanced life.
Don't hesitate to reach out for support when needed. Whether it's enlisting the help of friends, family, or colleagues, or seeking professional guidance from a therapist or coach, surrounding yourself with a supportive network can provide invaluable assistance in managing your energy effectively. Remember, investing in a positive energy budget is an investment in your overall well-being and success.
CTA
Check in with your body; what’s it feeling or needing?
What small or big action might you call on to move you to positivity if negativity is at play?
What would having a supported resource network feel like?
Spend a few minutes or more, curating music/sounds that uplifts you and or brings calm to your being.(research has shown that ambient sounds like oceans waves crashing, rainfall, ambient sounds and classical music to name a few, have excellent mood-boosting benefits)
Songs
Born This Way, Lady Gaga
Unwritten, Natasha Bedingfield
This Is Me, Greatest Showman Soundtrack
Research done by Johns Hopkins has shown that listening to music can reduce anxiety, blood pressure, and pain as well as improve sleep quality, mood, mental alertness, and memory.
Caution: Be Aware of How a Song Makes You Feel* While songs about mental health can be beneficial, always remember that personal reactions to music can vary; what’s comforting to one person might be triggering to another. It’s essential to find what resonates positively with you.
“The higher your energy level, the more efficient your body. The more efficient your body, the better you feel and the more you will use your talent to produce outstanding results.” – Tony Robbins
Blog Author
I am Jessica Kennedy, Owner of Jessica Organizes You. I’m a beautiful human being; a wife, a mom, an only child, a grandmom, an entrepreneur, a lifelong learner, an introvert, a believer in the necessary power of recharging my energy budget (in order to continually connect with others), I thrive on creating boundaries as a means of self care. I am a certified neurodiversity coach.
My mission as a coach and productivity consultant is to empower my clients to unveil their inherent strengths, unleash their creativity, and amplify their value. In our journey together, we confront obstacles, challenges, and limiting beliefs head-on. By acknowledging these hurdles and embracing their strengths, clients learn to navigate adversity with resilience and grace. Through this transformative process, clients not only overcome barriers but also elevate themselves to new heights, thriving and soaring with newfound confidence and purpose.
Clients often describe me as an external processor, a compassionate listener, A trusted place and an impartial sounding board. My approach involves collaborating with individuals to explore how their specific brain function contribute to their joy. Together, we dive into what obstacles hinder their progress; we take notice of their inherited beliefs, societal expectations, and perceived value systems compared to designing their own value system. Establishing a secure, nurturing, and trusting relationship is key to supporting clients as we uncover challenges. Utilizing their inherent strengths, we set deliberate goals and commit to the necessary effort to achieve them. With each session, clients move closer to crafting a life that authentically reflects their unique selves.