Over the last few months, I've been very aware of my energy. Some days I have so much energy that I'm almost manic. I create, do routine tasks, keep on top of stuff, clear out my inboxes, and look around for more. Other days, the idea of making a simple phone call is enough to send me back to bed.
As an organizational zealot and a maximizer, I much prefer the high energy days.
I've found that there's nothing I can do about the low energy cycles. I just ride it out and try to be gentle with myself. I also know that, since it is a cycle, the high energy will come back. I can't possibly sustain that level of energy, so it makes sense that there are periods of low energy to balance it out.
I've found three ways in particular that help me deal with, and get things done (I do have a business or two to run!), during my low energy cycle:
- Follow the energy. If I feel like drinking tea and reading, I do exactly that. Forcing myself to work makes me miserable, and my work output is pitiful.
- Do the absolute basics. If I have two e-mails to send and one phone call to make, I do those right away. Then the rest of the day can be sent following the advice in #1.
- Remember that it's only temporary.
I thought at one point that it might be easier, and more balanced, if I just maintained one level of energy: creative, yet not manic. Productive, yet not wired. Well, that might be easier and more balanced, but I don't know how to force that. And, personally, I love the times when I'm high energy. It's fun, and it fits in so well with my perky personality.
It's a lot like how I've struggled with BEing over DOing. I BE with the energy, whatever it is. (Sorry for the odd wording.)
Comments