We are in the midst of an energy crisis. In the world, and within ourselves.  Anxiety, uncertainty, war, political tensions are all leading to collective burnout, depletion, and a sense of physical and emotional exhaustion.  The worst part is that there doesn’t seem to be an end in sight – particularly as we are going into a chaotic holiday season.

So, what can we do?  At every level of the problem, the only real choice we have is to work on the every-day habits that WE control.  And that essentially means work on ourselves.  I know I am not the only one that is having to devote more time and concentrate on saving, focusing, and creating energy, and I thought I would share some of my key practices with you:

Use my energy wisely – I am trying to be more discerning of where I spend my time and energy.  Sometimes I don’t have an option, but when I do, I am trying to (gently) let go of/minimise people and things that sap my energy.  I have found that this makes a huge difference for me, and not necessarily apparent for them (which in itself is a lesson!).  For example, I cannot (and don’t want to) give up working, but I have tried to focus my work more on the type of projects that energise me, and say no to those that don’t.  I have learned to say no to “getting together for coffee” with large groups where there is little connection, but “yes – more please” to small groups of people who nurture me and care about me.  

Double down on experiences that energise me – what are the things that you do that give you more energy?  I love keynote speaking and the work I’m doing at European Women on Boards – I’m trying to do more of that.  I also have dedicated early Monday mornings to offering a dance class for friends and family who want to “dance for joy” – sure, I get to work a little later that day, but whoo! With great energy. 

Find alternative sources of energy – I am trying to be creative and explore other ways of finding sources of energy and recharging.  For example, I have gone back to art – I dug up my old art supplies and have put on my schedule a weekly evening art session where I do nothing but paint, draw or just doodle.  

Conserve my energy, and recharge – frankly, I have rediscovered the joys of pyjama days or no-tech days on weekends, I have set up timing limits on most of my social media apps, am trying to get to bed half an hour earlier every day – and on work-from-home days, I try and take a 30 minute nap. JOY.

None of these are earth shattering or new.  But I am finding that having the discipline to make these things a priority helps me stay energised.

So, what gives you energy?  What do you do to stay energised?
As always, I would love to hear your thoughts.

All the best,

Rose