The Importance of Energy Management

I have seen several stories today on World Pulse around how we put ourselves across to others, the face we present to the world and why rush-rush, trying to do it all to be seen as successful is not the best for our bodies or minds. I have to agree!

Each of us only has a limited amount of personal energy to use each day and this varies depending on our overall health, how well we've slept, what we've eaten and our mood (mental health). When we try to push this constantly day after day and go beyond our limits, trying to fit everything in to prove something to society, a society that probably isn't really doing the best for anyone, we eventually feel the effects.

As someone with M.E. (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) I know this personally and have had to learn how to manage my energy quite closely. Some days I just about make it through the work day and then collapse in bed for a few hours before trying to have an evening with my husband. Other days I feel like I could do anything, but if I do too much I then regret it for days after as I'm utterly exhausted and often in pain.

The best days are when I've been balanced, I've grounded to start the day, spent times relaxing in sunshine or with art, animals or a gentle walk, and not spent too long on the computer outside of work needs. Sometimes people at work still ask 'what new training do you want' or 'have a learning and development plan'. But I've taught myself that this need to 'progress' isn't really progressing if it burns you out. If all I an do is the basics some weeks, then that's good enough. It's more important to have a balanced life and a life with less pain, more freedom to have energy to do what means something to me or relaxes me, and energy spare to react to the unexpected.

Therefore, I am asking you to manage your energy this week. Take time to spend some energy on what makes you smile, with those you love, or simply resting! Don't feel the need to push constantly to impress someone who probably doesn't care all that much about you. For if they did, they'd care about what makes you happy and healthy. Burning up all your energy isn't healthy, ever. Rest if you can.