You Probably Don't Have a Time Management problem Part 2

     Ok, so we realize we have an energy management problem, but how do you maximize our energy?!?! Because really that's what we all want to do, right? Just like wish time management, it can be helpful to sit down, analyze, and make a plan. We'll just be looking at things a little differently.
 
  The first thing I think we need to do is figure out which task are energy draining, and which are recharging.  And I don't just mean food and sleep charge, everything else drains. There is a lot more to it than that! So grab a notepad, pen, and a delicious beverage, and let's get started.

     Yes, food is our source of energy, but not all food is going to make us feel good.  How often is also really important.  When I don't eat properly, I crash big time, and it tends to be a crash that lasts much longer than the few minutes I thought I was saving by skipping a meal or a snack.
 
     Consider how much sleep YOU need.  Do you need 8 hours a night?  10? Or are you better off with 6? If you don't get enough sleep, your body doesn't have the chance to do a lot of important repairs. If your sleep is frequently interrupted, it's going to take more time in bed to get the sleep you need.

     What about hobbies?  Knitting and other crafts help me unwind and relax.  Writing recharges me, too, as does working my Lilla Rose business.  Rest is good.  By taking the time for yourself by doing the things you love, you can prevent burnout.  Don't forget - you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of anyone else.  If you don't "keep Sunday" already, start*.  I have a post on that here, but this one from Like Mother, Like Daughter is MUCH better, plus it has the voice of years of experience behind it.  (By the way, I will probably be sharing a LOT from LMLD.  I can't think of a better blog for a new bride - or any wife, really.)

     Are you an introvert or an extrovert?  Introverts are going to recharge best alone, or maybe with a small group.  Extroverts recharge best with people!  So an introvert who works with people all day are going to need some quiet time in the evening, and an extrovert will probably want to spent time with friends or family, especially if their job isn't very social.

     Next lets look at the daily grind.  We all have tasks that we have to do.  Some we enjoy, some we hate, and some are just there.  Figure out what falls into each category.  Usually it's best to get the hardest tasks out of the way first, then you don't have to spend the day dreading them.  Also, it doesn't hurt to take a look at why each task is in a category.  If you hate to put laundry away because you hate drawers (yup, that's me) then pick up some hangers for your clothes instead.  Move things around.  Find new ways to do things.  I'm not a big fan of washing dishes, but I'm always surprised how quickly they get done when I'm listening to a good audiobook.  I love my Norwex clothes for cleaning windows and dusting - I don't get a headache from fumes, and it kinda feels like magic how well they clean.  Find out how your family feels about their chores, too.  Someone else in your household might not mind that task you dread.  Go ahead and delegate it out. (And for all things housekeeping, I refer you again to LMLD.)

    Finally you want to look at your normal energy cycle and your schedule.  When you want to schedule things may depend on whether you are a morning person or a night owl.  You might find it easier to do mental work after physical, or the other way around. Ladies, like Paula said you may even want to take a closer look at your whole month to see when the best time to do some things.  And if you know that the end of the month tends to be stressful because of deadlines at work, then you might not want to invite company over that weekend.  Unless of course you are an extrovert.

    Even if you aren't one to stick to a schedule, I think this can help create some habits that will enable you to get more done in a day. I think there is a lot of sense in doing your hardest, most distasteful job first thing, so you aren't dreading it all day. You can also try switching things up - hardest tasks followed by easiest to give yourself a chance to "recharge." Breaking mental work with physical work is also helpful. "A change is as good as a rest."

Please comment with your thoughts on all of this!  I'd love to hear your ideas.  Can you think of any ways you could do better in your energy management?  Any tips? In my next post I will be sharing some ideas for those who feel like they fall into that "Low Energy" category.


* A note on the importance of daily prayer.  It isn't always going to be energizing or restful - especially if you have small children to pray with.  But it is always going to be important.  We can't always feel the effects of prayer on our soul, but they are always there.  Often times it is when we find prayer the most difficult that we are gaining the most graces from it.