Manage Your Energy

How to Manage Your Energy, Not Just Your Time

When we think about productivity, most of us immediately jump to time management. But here’s the truth: managing your time without managing your energy is like pouring water into a bucket full of holes. Eventually, it runs out.

If you often find yourself with a full schedule but little progress—or worse, burnout—it might be time to shift your focus. Let’s explore how to manage your energy, not just your calendar.

1. Know Your Energy Rhythms

Everyone has natural energy highs and lows throughout the day. Some people hit their stride at 10 a.m., while others come alive at night.

Try this:
Track your energy for a week. Every 2–3 hours, jot down how you feel—focused, tired, distracted, etc. Use that data to structure your tasks:

• High energy = Deep work (writing, strategy, analysis)

• Low energy = Shallow work (emails, admin, errands)

Tip: Avoid scheduling important work during your natural slump.

2. Guard Your Mornings

Your morning energy is your most valuable resource. Before the world demands your attention, you get to decide how to invest it.

Start your day with intention:

• A short walk or stretch

• Journaling or planning your top 3 priorities

• A quiet moment without your phone

Protect this time. It sets the tone for everything that follows.

3. Fuel Your Body Right

Energy isn’t just mental—it’s physical. What you eat, drink, and how much you sleep directly affect your capacity to show up.

Quick wins:

• Hydrate early. Even mild dehydration reduces focus.

• Prioritize protein and whole foods.

• Cut back on sugar and caffeine spikes—they come with crashes.

And never underestimate the power of 7–9 hours of good sleep.

4. Take Strategic Breaks

Pushing through fatigue doesn’t make you productive—it just makes you exhausted. Breaks aren’t a luxury; they’re a necessity.

Use techniques like:

• Pomodoro (25/5 rule): 25 mins focus, 5 mins rest

• 90-minute focus cycles: Then take a real break—walk, stretch, breathe

• Screen-free meals: Let your mind recharge

Step away to come back stronger.

5. Say No with Purpose

Every “yes” is a no to something else—often your energy. Boundaries protect your capacity.

Ask yourself:

• Is this essential?

• Does it align with my goals?

• Will it drain or fuel me?

Remember: saying no to distractions is saying yes to focus and vitality.

6. Do More of What Fills You

It’s not just about avoiding burnout—it’s about creating joy. What activities energize you emotionally, creatively, or spiritually?

It could be:

• A conversation with a good friend

• A few minutes of creative writing

• Listening to music

• Time in nature

Schedule these into your week. They’re not indulgent—they’re essential.

Final Thoughts

Time is finite. But energy is renewable—if you know how to protect and replenish it. When you manage your energy well, you don’t just get more done… you enjoy how you’re doing it.

Start small. Pick one area this week and experiment. Productivity isn’t just about doing more—it’s about doing what matters with energy that lasts.