Five Energizing Habits to Make You More Productive

As a holistic productivity coach, I’ve seen repeatedly how much overall well-being impacts productivity. As a caregiver and mom, I experience it personally, too, having spent years in various states of overwhelm and exhaustion. I’ve come to realize that this is something most of us experience. So, how do we break free and find the balance? The answer: approaching productivity with energy management, not time management. This week, episode 249 of the Positively Living^Ⓡ Podcast is about five energizing habits to make you more productive!

In this episode of the Positively Living^Ⓡ Podcast, I share how you can take a sustainable approach to productivity by practicing energy management and offer actionable steps you can take right now to tackle your to-do list without feeling drained.

Key Takeaways:

The difference between time management and energy management (and why energy management is objectively more important).
Five habits that can help you maximize your energy to help you be more productive.
Additional resources for you to dive deeper into energy management and personalize it.

The Overwhelm Epidemic: Why Traditional Time Management Falls Short

We live in a culture that glorifies the “hustle and grind,” often at the expense of our well-being. When we inevitably feel overwhelmed and exhausted, the standard advice is to improve our “time management.” While effective time management is undoubtedly important, it’s an incomplete solution. It focuses on organizing tasks within a fixed timeframe but neglects a crucial element: our energy.

Traditional time management works best for those with consistent health, limited commitments, ample support, and neurotypical brains. But what about caregivers, those with chronic illnesses, creatives, and neurodiverse individuals? What happens when unexpected life events disrupt even the most meticulously planned schedules?

Time is a fixed resource, while our energy fluctuates constantly. We experience daily and hourly shifts in our physical and mental capacity, impacting our focus, motivation, and priorities. Some days, we feel unstoppable, while others, we struggle to get out of bed. This is where energy management comes in.

Energy Management vs. Time Management: A Paradigm Shift

Time management focuses on what we do with our time, while energy management focuses on how we show up to do it. You can be working on the right, value-aligned tasks, but if you’re doing so with depleted energy, your efforts will be less effective.

Energy management is about understanding and optimizing your personal energy levels. It acknowledges these fluctuations and aims to align tasks with your peak energy periods. It’s about working smarter, not harder, by prioritizing how you feel and how well you can perform based on your current energy state. It’s about matching your energy to the task and accepting when you simply don’t have the energy for something. By understanding your energy patterns – both regular and unexpected – you can optimize your activities to support your daily tasks and long-term goals.

The Foundation of Energy Management: Self-Awareness

The cornerstone of effective energy management is self-awareness. You must understand the sources of your energy, recognize and adjust for dips in energy levels, and learn how to replenish your reserves. While you can’t create more hours in the day, you can influence your energy. This brings us to five key habits for maximizing your energy and boosting productivity.

Five Habits for Energizing Your Life

These habits aren’t quick fixes but building blocks for a more sustainable and vibrant life.

1. Rest: The Productive Powerhouse

Let’s dispel the myth that rest is laziness. Rest is essential for productivity. Think of it as refueling your tank. It’s not just about getting enough sleep, though that’s crucial. Rest encompasses various forms, from naps and quiet meditation to simply allowing your mind and body to relax. Even a few minutes of deep breathing can make a significant difference, especially for caregivers. Elevating your feet can further calm your nervous system and improve circulation. Rest is also where inspiration often strikes. Allowing your mind to wander can lead to breakthroughs and new ideas.

2. Nourishment: Fueling Your Body and Soul

Our bodies require the right fuel to function optimally. Mindful eating means paying attention to how different foods affect your energy levels. This isn’t just about eating “healthy” foods, although that’s important. It’s about understanding your body’s specific responses. How does skipping breakfast affect your focus? Do you thrive on intermittent fasting, or do you need sustained energy throughout the day? How do sugary snacks impact your energy? Nourishment extends beyond physical food. Consider what feeds you on a deeper level. What activities or experiences make you feel cared for and fulfilled? When you feel nourished, you’re more likely to experience flow, a state of peak productivity.

3. Creative Exploration: Igniting Your Inner Spark

Engaging in creative activities can actually boost your energy and productivity. This isn’t about working on your main projects; it’s about pursuing activities that spark joy and allow for self-expression. This could include painting, writing, playing music, doodling, coloring, reading, or even something like redesigning a room. It could be as simple as singing along to your favorite song while doing chores. Creative exploration allows you to tap into your passions, refuel your creative well, and return to your work with renewed energy and focus.

4. Movement: Energizing Your Body and Mind

Movement isn’t just about hitting the gym; it’s about finding ways to move your body that you enjoy. Movement releases endorphins, which can elevate your mood and boost energy levels. Walking, dancing, stretching, playing drums, or even pacing while brainstorming can be beneficial. Even short bursts of movement, like getting up from your desk to stretch, can improve circulation, sharpen focus, and release tension.

5. Rewards: Celebrating Your Wins

Rewarding yourself is essential for maintaining motivation and energy. Achieving a goal is rewarding in itself, but having something to look forward to can provide extra motivation. Rewards don’t have to be extravagant; they should be something you genuinely enjoy. It could be anything from enjoying a treat while watching your favorite show to planning an outing with friends. Rewarding yourself reinforces positive behavior and keeps you energized and engaged.

Embracing Energy Management for a More Fulfilling Life

These five habits can help you maximize your energy and achieve sustainable productivity. Which habit will you try today? By prioritizing energy management over traditional time management, you can create a more balanced, fulfilling, and productive life. Explore additional resources, like podcasts and workbooks, to deepen your understanding of energy management and discover what works best for you. Start prioritizing your well-being, and you’ll be amazed at how much more you can achieve.

Learn more about Positively Living^Ⓡ and Lisa at https://positivelyproductive.com/podcast/

Could you use some support? The Quickstart Coaching session is a way to get to know your productivity path, fast! A speed-round strategy session is perfect for a quick win and to see what coaching can do, the Quickstart will encourage and inspire you to take intentional, effective action! Go to https://www.positivelyproductive.com/plpquick for a special listener discount!

CONNECT WITH LISA ZAWROTNY:

LINKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:

(Find links to books/gear on the Positively Productive Resources Page.)

Ep 83: [Strategy Call] Juggling All the Things with Amanda Acker

Ep 119: How Productivity is Impacted by Seasonal Energy

Ep 131: Manage Stress Through Rest and Play with Gary Ware

Ep 146: 10 Simple Self-Care Ideas [Round Up]

Ep 160: Seasonal Planning for Neurodiverse Entrepreneurs with Erik Fisher