How to Manage Your Energy Instead of Your Time

On this episode

Many of us are overwhelmed and drained trying to manage our time. It’s easy to blame external factors like workload or funding, but we often overlook how much control we actually have over the way we spend our time.

The key is learning how to manage our energy in different areas: physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual (which doesn’t have to mean religious). Simple practices like deep breathing, reframing negative thoughts, and focusing on the present moment can make a big difference.

Gratitude is another powerful tool that helps us shift our way of thinking and find joy in what we already have. These strategies don’t take much time, but they can help us feel more energised and capable.

To start, take a couple of minutes each day to breathe deeply and calm your mind. Practice reframing challenges into opportunities or lessons. For example, instead of saying, “I’m so overwhelmed”, we can try “I have a lot going on, but I’m making progress”.

Spending time identifying what truly gives us energy – whether it’s meaningful work, connecting with others, or taking a short break – helps us prioritise better. Writing down questions like “What makes me happy?” or “What am I grateful for?” can also bring us some clarity.

If we keep trying to manage our time and not think about our energy, life can feel more stressful than it needs to. We can end up stuck in a cycle of frustration, exhaustion, and even resentment, which affects not just our work but also our relationships and overall wellbeing.

So why not take two minutes today to pause, breathe deeply, and reflect on one thing you’re grateful for. It’s a small action, but it can help manage your energy better so you feel more in control.