Manage Your Energy, Not Your Time

Most of us work extra hours and compromise on our sleep schedules to meet the rising demands of the workplace. This takes a toll on our physical, mental, and emotional health. There are indefinite problems that may occur because of working long hours and sitting extra time in front of the screens. At the end of the day, it may leave us feeling exhausted and drained out. Likewise, when a person does not have the energy to finish a task, it may likely reflect on the productivity and results of the task. You should note that your energy levels can be regularly renewed by practicing certain good habits. Here , we will share significant ways to help you manage your energy, not your time.

Time Vs. Energy: How to Prioritize?

Traditionally, we all have been prioritizing time. Most of us divide and allocate time for each task. At that particular time, we try to complete that goal or finish that task. This method does not focus on improving the energy levels of an individual. It has even been found that more than 50% of employees experience burnout because of a lack of energy levels . The concept of energy works differently than that of time. You should note that physical and emotional energy can be renewed, but only to a certain extent.   

While allocating time for each task, you should also know which tasks require more energy than the rest. When you know how to manage your energy, not your time, you will be able to focus on the tasks more productively. On the other hand, a lack of energy may directly lead to a dip in productivity levels. As a result, you may end up spending more time on each task than usual. Even if you have good time management skills, you may not be able to get good results when you are not feeling energetic. Every individual should give priority and aim to manage energy, not time to have a better and healthy lifestyle.  

Keep in mind that by managing your energy levels, you will be able to focus on each task in a better manner. There are chances that you will get better creative ideas and will be 100% present in the conversations. It will be beneficial for you, and you may likely get much better results than you may get by learning time management.  

How to Manage Your Energy?

Managing your energy, not your time, should be the mantra of life. Here are some practical ways to help you manage your energy levels so that you can achieve better things in life.  

Get Proper Sleep

One of the first steps that you need to follow is to include rest and get proper sleep every day. When you are not giving your body the time to relax, there are chances that you will be feeling drained out only. It is better that you start taking proper rest and sleep for a minimum of eight hours. Wake up on time and follow the sleeping pattern religiously. Avoid breaking the habit and give your body the time to replenish itself to improve energy levels.  

Set Your Boundaries

One of the biggest mistakes that most people make is that they do not set clear boundaries. You would know your energy limits better and what time of the day you are more productive. Try to work on the tasks during the time you are more productive, as it will motivate you to do better. Prioritize each task and start working on them one by one. Besides this, you would also have to adjust your boundaries in order to manage your energy, not your time. For instance, if a particular task exceeds time, you should change the priorities of other tasks. Avoid sitting for long hours when you are already feeling exhausted.

Recognize What You Want to Achieve

You can better manage your energy levels, not your time, by focusing on where you are utilizing the energy. Some specific tasks may be of high priority, while others can be delegated or left for later stages. You should first recognize the race you wish to run and understand how much energy it would require. Write down your goals and start working on them to achieve the best results.

Keep a Journal

Another effective way that could help you manage your energy levels is to keep a journal . You should know that energy is not a constant like time. Each one of us has 24 hours to complete a task, but the energy levels will vary from person to person. Keeping a journal of your energy levels will help analyze the activities that sustain your physical energy and activities that are deteriorating your emotional energy. Keep track of all the activities and note what sustains and drains you. This would help you understand what the negative traits are that you need to remove and how you can improve your health every day.

Do Not be a Professional

Be your authentic self at work and avoid being a professional pleaser. Take up tasks you can complete easily, and stop unnecessarily pushing yourself. You might want to unleash your energy levels and do more in life. However, you also need to understand when the right time is to stop and manage your energy, not your time.  

Stop pushing yourself to sit for extra hours and fight against your own strengths. Focus on completing the quality of each task and completing the same task in leased time. Use the above-mentioned ways to manage your energy, not your time. Make this a mantra of your life and be more fulfilled at work.