From Exhaustion to Enthusiasm: Energising Your Work Life

I was struck this week by how tired I felt, and after chatting with my colleagues, it became clear that everyone is feeling the same—desperate for a break and a holiday. Expectations keep rising, and resources seem more limited than ever, leaving us all running ourselves ragged. While I can't change the environment you work in, I can help you optimise how you show up and make the most of your energy.

We've all experienced those days at work where everything feels like a drag. Energy levels plummet, and tasks that normally wouldn't faze us suddenly seem insurmountable. But what if I told you that you can actively manage your energy levels and make work feel less draining and more invigorating?

 One of the keys to boosting your energy at work is understanding what activities and interactions give you energy and which ones drain it. Not all tasks are created equal, and not all people impact us in the same way. Recognising these differences can be a game-changer.

Different Tasks, Different Energy Levels

 Some tasks naturally drain us. For me, these are often repetitive administrative tasks or long, unproductive meetings. Conversely, I find that creative brainstorming sessions or working on something new, or strategic projects give me a significant energy boost.

 I also make a conscious effort to fill my diary with tasks that bring me joy and energy. I even colour code my diary so I can see at a glance when I might be heading into a low-energy zone. This simple system helps me prepare mentally for the more draining parts of my day and ensures that I balance them with activities that re-energise me.

 People Can Be Energy Vampires or Boosters

 Just as tasks can affect our energy levels, so can the people we interact with. Some colleagues leave you feeling uplifted and inspired, while others might drain your energy. It’s important to be aware of these dynamics and manage them effectively. The advice here is straightforward: try to spend less time with those who drain your energy and more with those who make you feel alive.

 Your personality type also provides clues about what brings you energy. Introverts usually feel more energized by spending time alone and can feel drained if they have to interact with others for long periods. Conversely, extroverts need social interaction to refuel their energy and might find a day spent alone quite exhausting

 The Power of Delegation

 I've also learned to delegate tasks that sap my energy to others who might find them invigorating. If there are administrative tasks that I find particularly draining, I try to pass them on to someone in my team who enjoys them or at least doesn't find them as draining as I do. It's not about shirking responsibility but about optimising the team’s overall energy and productivity.

 The 90 20 Rule

 There's also a theory based on the Ultradian Rhythm, which suggests we can concentrate effectively for about 90 minutes before needing a break of around 15-20 minutes. While it's not always feasible to take a break every 90 minutes, even switching to less taxing tasks can give your brain a chance to reboot and recharge. Implementing this approach can significantly improve your overall productivity and well-being.

 Emotional Niggles and Their Impact

 By far though, the biggest drain on our energy are those emotional niggles, the small, unresolved issues that our subconscious brain is constantly thinking about. It’s like leaving the car lights on: it drains our battery slowly, but then one day, the car just won’t start, and our energy levels feel totally depleted. Whether it's a lingering disagreement with a colleague or an unmet personal need, these niggles can quickly accumulate and have a huge impact on our resilience levels. Addressing these issues head-on can free up a lot of mental and emotional energy.

“I’d really like to have more energy at work Jo, what can I do?”

Here are some practical tips for managing your energy at work:

Identify Energy Drains and Boosters:

Take note of the tasks and people that either drain or boost your energy. Try to minimize time spent on draining activities and maximize those that energize you.

Trial the 90-20 Rhythm:

Experiment with working in 90-minute focused intervals followed by a 20-minute break. This can help maintain your productivity and keep your energy levels up throughout the day. If you can’t take a break, do something easier on the brain sales. I do a few quick emails.

Prioritise Joy:

Fill your diary with tasks and meetings that bring you joy and satisfaction. Colour-code your meetings to quickly identify potential low-energy zones.

Manage Emotional Niggles:

Address unresolved issues head-on to prevent them from slowly draining your energy. Clearing up these emotional niggles can free up significant mental and emotional resources.

Leverage Personality Insights:

Becoming more self aware and understanding your personality can help you work out what brings you energy. Introverts might need alone time to recharge, while extroverts may thrive on social interactions.

Plan for Recovery:

Schedule regular breaks and ensure you have time to rest and recover, especially during intense work periods. That certainly sounds like an excuse for a HOLIDAY!

So, whilst we can’t expect to LOVE every single minute of our working week, we can think about how we focus on the tasks and people that bring us energy and joy. After all, happiness is what drives success and not the other other way round. I’m all for more happiness in the workplace.