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Why You Need an ENERGY AUDIT (and how to do one)
Is anyone else feeling exhausted?
Listen to this episode of the Love Your Life Show to learn why you need an energy audit (and how to do one)!
How crazy is it to think that, before COVID and this recent election, if we were asked if we were exhausted or burnt out, many of us would have said OH YES! And it’s not that we weren’t. There was a lot going on! We had a lot of demands on us in terms of juggling schedules and demands of husbands, mothers, kids, etc…
Which is why today’s episode is so important! Whether there are things going on in the world like political uncertainty or a pandemic or a stressed teen or a depressed husband, we have lives to live. You have things you want to do and a type of person you want to be.
Energy Leaks
When we are low on energy, those dreams, goals, and visions feel a long way off. It’s hard to find the energy to follow through on some health or work goal when it feels exhausting to get up from the couch.
Did you know that most of us have hidden energy drains in our daily lives. These drains are subtle but powerful, chipping away at our emotional and physical well-being. Listen in to today’s episode here to learn how to conduct your own personal energy audit.
Understanding Energy Drains
Energy drains can come from many sources, often creeping into our lives unnoticed. Here are some common culprits and how to address them:
Physical Environment
Our surroundings have a big impact on our mental state. Cluttered or chaotic spaces can leave us feeling mentally scattered, overwhelmed, and drained. Studies show that disorganized environments can raise cortisol levels, the hormone linked to stress. Taking time to tidy up and organize your space can help clear your mind and boost focus. The goal isn’t perfection—it’s about creating an environment that supports you rather than drains you. For more tips, check out my recommendations on the Love Your Life Show.
Noise and Stimulation
Our world is full of noise, warriors! From background TV to phone notifications to the neighbor’s lawn mower, these constant distractions keep our nervous system on edge, leading to fatigue and anxiety. Even low-level background noise can disrupt concentration and increase stress. To combat this, try reducing unnecessary noise by turning off unused electronics, using noise-canceling headphones, or setting aside designated “quiet times.” These small changes can help conserve energy and bring back a sense of calm. Tune into the episode for my favorite hacks (and don’t miss the link below for those magical earplugs!).
Relationships and Interactions
The people we spend time with can either lift us up or drain us dry. Energy-draining relationships often involve constant negativity, emotional dumping, or feeling like you need to “fix” the other person. On the flip side, positive relationships leave you feeling inspired, supported, and energized. Pay attention to how you feel after interacting with certain people—it can help you set healthy boundaries. This doesn’t mean cutting people off entirely, but rather being mindful of how much time and energy you invest.
Activities and Commitments
Not all activities are created equal when it comes to energy. Some obligations may feel necessary but actually deplete your energy without adding value to your life. This includes over-committing, saying yes out of obligation, or engaging in tasks that go against your values or desires. Assessing your commitments and letting go of those that no longer serve you is an essential step in reclaiming your energy.
Here are some more ideas to Conduct Your Personal Energy Audit
1. List Your Activities and Interactions
Over a week, you could keep a journal of your daily tasks, interactions, and commitments. Include everything from work responsibilities and household chores to social engagements and downtime activities. Don’t forget to note interactions with family, friends, and even online communication, as these can significantly impact your energy levels.
2. Evaluate Energy Impact
Next to each entry, note whether it energizes or drains you. Be honest with yourself. Sometimes, even activities we enjoy can become draining if they’re overdone or come with hidden stressors.
3. Identify Patterns and Triggers
What can you learn by looking at your scored? Be on the lookout for recurring energy drains.
Pay special attention to triggers—moments that consistently lead to energy dips.
This could be checking emails first thing in the morning or engaging in conversations that feel one-sided. Identifying these patterns helps you become more aware of where your energy is being depleted.
1. Implement Strategic and Supportive Changes
Make small adjustments to reduce or eliminate these energy drains. Start with simple changes, like decluttering one area of your home, setting boundaries on screen time, or limiting interactions with draining individuals. Practice saying “no” to commitments that don’t align with your values or priorities. This isn’t about being selfish; it’s about conserving energy for what truly matters. Consider adding energy-giving activities such as mindfulness practices, regular breaks, or my new favorite, mid day walks.
2. Reflect and Adjust Regularly
An energy audit isn’t a one-time activity. Our lives and circumstances change, and so do our energy needs. Review your audit every few months to stay aware of new drains or shifts in priorities. Reflect on what changes worked and where you still feel depleted. This ongoing awareness empowers you to make informed decisions about how you spend your time and energy. In fact, if you like what we did here, you will love taking this quick LIFE AUDIT.
The Power of Protecting Your Energy
By regularly assessing and adjusting where your energy goes, you can enhance your emotional resilience and overall well-being. Imagine spending more of your days feeling emotionally calm, less overwhelmed, and more in control of your days. Small, intentional shifts lead to significant changes. I am living proof of this. I used to be a frazzled, run from one thing to another, leaking my energy everywhere. Now I routinely do energy audits and feel so much better. I’d love that for you too!
Remember, protecting your energy isn’t about avoiding responsibilities or people but about making conscious choices that support your well-being. You deserve to feel vibrant and alive.
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