Are you feeling drained, exhausted, and running on fumes? Does it feel like the world is constantly demanding your time, energy, and attention?
Fear not, my friends! In this day and age, protecting your energy is crucial. But don’t worry, you don’t have to resort to living in a bubble or meditating in a mountain cave to find some inner peace.
There are plenty of simple and practical ways to shield yourself from the chaos of the world and keep your batteries fully charged. So, grab a cup of coffee, put your feet up, and let’s dive into the five ways you can protect your energy in a demanding world.
What is Energy Management Vs. Time Management?
Energy management is the practice of consciously managing your physical, mental, and emotional energy throughout the day.
Unlike time management, which focuses on managing your schedule and tasks, energy management involves prioritizing activities that boost your energy and avoiding activities that drain it.
It’s about being mindful of your body’s natural energy rhythms and learning how to work with them rather than against them.
Energy management recognizes that our energy levels fluctuate throughout the day and that not all hours are created equal.
Therefore, it’s important to prioritize activities that require high levels of energy during times of the day when your energy is naturally high and conserve your energy during times when your energy is naturally low.
5 Ways to Protect Your Energy (According to the Experts)
In the book, “The Power of Full Engagement: Managing Energy, Not Time”, Tony Schwarts and Jim Loehr introduce the idea that if we seek to get the most out of ourselves, we need to take a hard look at our personal energy fluctuations throughout the day — and schedule accordingly.
But how do you protect your energy when life seems demanding and chaotic? In this article, I’ve got 5 ways to start taking your energy back!
Let’s go…
1. Set Boundaries for Yourself (And Keep ‘em!)
Setting boundaries is super important for our energy protection. If you fail to set boundaries, you open yourself up to constant demands on your time, attention, and emotional resources.
This can quickly lead to feelings of overwhelm, burnout, and exhaustion. By setting boundaries, you communicate to others what you are willing and able to do and what you are not. (I failed miserably at this during my corporate working life, and I paid for it!)
If you manage expectations it prevents others from overstepping and taking more than you can truly give.
Make a commitment to yourself to honor your energy levels and protect your most valuable resources, yourself!
2. Get your R&R On (and unplug!)
When you push yourself too hard and fail to give your body and mind the rest they need, you risk depleting your energy, becoming run down, burned out, and eventually chronically sick! (Speaking from personal experience!)
Proper rest and recovery help you recharge your batteries, reduce stress, and enhance your overall well-being.
My therapist had me read the book Sacred Rest by Saundra Dalton- Smith (which I highly recommend!) She shares the seven different types of rest and why each one is critical for our mind, body, and souls. (Who knew there were so many different ways we need to rest?)
Deep rest can take many forms, such as getting enough sleep, taking digital breaks throughout the day, praying & meditation, and exercising or doing activities that bring you joy.
What fills your cup? Can you remember the last time you truly took a break?
Making rest and recovery a priority is essential for living a healthy, balanced, and fulfilling life.
3. Prioritize deep work (and inner work)
Scheduling time for deep and inner work is a crucial aspect of protecting your energy levels in a chaotic world.
Deep and inner work involves activities that help you connect with your inner self, such as journaling, meditation, and self-reflection. These practices help you tune into your intuition, clarify your values, and connect with your purpose.
When I was in the fast lane to sick and burned out, I gave up my gratitude and journaling practice — and this was a huge mistake! But I’ll be the first to tell you it’s so easy to do…
But keeping this routine helps you create space to recharge your energy, gain clarity, and focus on what’s truly important.
Check out my FREE Soul Care 30-Day Journal to start your inner-work journey 🙂
By prioritizing deep and inner work, you invest in your personal growth and well-being, and you become better equipped to handle the demands of a chaotic world with grace and resilience. (And I think we could all use a little extra grace!)
4. Learn to Delegate (a little!)
When it comes to delegating, I’m the worst! The control freak in me wants to ‘just do it myself!’
But learning to take things off your plate is a must when it comes to protecting your energy. Take a hard look at your to-do list and see what REALLY needs to be done by you, and only you?
When you take on too much responsibility, you risk overextending yourself and depleting your energy reserves. Delegating tasks to others can help you lighten your workload, free up time and energy for other priorities, and, most of all, prevent burnout.
Just remember, when handing over tasks, be VERY clear about your expectations and delegate tasks that align with the skills and strengths of others.
5. Be kind to yourself (Practice Self Love)
Self-love and being kind to yourself are crucial aspects of protecting your energy. When you practice self-love, you cultivate a sense of compassion, acceptance, and appreciation for yourself.
This means treating yourself with the same kindness and respect that you would offer to a loved one. It also means recognizing your worth, honoring your boundaries, and prioritizing your well-being.
When you are kind to yourself, you create a positive and nurturing inner environment, which can help you manage stress, reduce anxiety, and enhance your overall resilience.
On the other hand, when you engage in negative self-talk, self-criticism, or self-doubt, you risk draining your energy and reducing your capacity to cope with challenges.
By practicing self-love and kindness, you become more resilient, better equipped to handle the demands of a crazy world, and more connected to your inner strength and wisdom. Ultimately, self-love is a powerful practice that can help you protect your energy, cultivate inner peace, and live a more fulfilling life.
Practice positive self-talk to help keep your mood in check and positive vibes flowing throughout the day.
The Wrap – How to Protect Your Energy
Protecting your energy is crucial in a demanding world where stress, anxiety, and burnout are common. By setting boundaries, prioritizing rest and recovery, scheduling time for deep and inner work, and practicing self-love, you can safeguard your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
These practices may require effort and discipline, but they can help you cultivate a more resilient, peaceful, and fulfilling life. Remember that protecting your energy is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process of self-care and self-awareness.
Remember, take care of YOU!
XO
