In today’s demanding work environment, feeling depleted by work is a common struggle many of us face. We shed light on why we often often feel drained and we will also share practical strategies to reclaim our energy and well-being.
Understanding Energy and Safety
Making any significant change requires both energy and a feeling of safety. Energy, plus a feeling of safety. Our brain’s primary job is to keep us safe, which it does by sticking to familiar routines.
Even if these routines are draining, they’re predictable and thus perceived as safer by the brain. The first step towards change is reassuring your mind that it is safe.
How exactly can you achieve this? By being deeply attuned to your body. Your body communicates through biofeedback loops, sending signals to the brain that can help it feel secure. Practising mindfulness and emotional awareness can be powerful tools in making this connection.
Managing Emotions
Emotions are an integral part of our daily experience, yet they are often neglected or suppressed. When you notice feelings that aren’t positive, rather than sweeping them under the rug, address them head-on. Tracy suggests fully experiencing these emotions before transitioning to more desirable ones, like happiness.
By honouring these emotions and learning from them, you create a space for lasting change and personal growth. Want more happiness in your life?
Choose to feel happy. Start by thinking about something that genuinely lifts your spirits, whether that’s a cherished pet, a memorable holiday, or your children on a good day.
When you notice a feeling that’s not in the happy sector, feel it. Don’t stuff it down. Don’t pretend it’s not there. Talk to it. Hold it. Honour it.
And once your feeling is done, feeling felt, learn from it. What’s the wisdom within that feeling? What will you choose to think, do, or believe differently as a result of that learning? So if you’re in a situation like your job that leaves you feeling depleted, take a look at what’s contributing to that experience.
Workload and Responsibilities
Another crucial point is distinguishing between your responsibilities and those of others. Overextending yourself to make others happy and comfortable can leave you feeling severely depleted.
It’s essential to Identify what tasks truly belong to you and learn to delegate or decline additional burdens.
Engage in conversations where you can return responsibilities that aren’t yours. Practising this with a trusted mentor, friend, or coach can make the transition smoother. Just because you can, doesn’t mean you should pick up someone else’s responsibility.
Efficient Work Structure: The 50-5-5 Framework
Prolonged sitting and continuous work without breaks have significant health risks, often referred to as “the new smoking”. To counteract this, it isrecommended to use the 50-5-5 framework.
Dedicate 50 minutes to focused work, followed by 5 minutes for note-taking, and then 5 minutes for movement. This method helps maintain high productivity while ensuring regular breaks to refresh both your mind and body.
Scheduling these focus sessions ahead of time ensures your valuable time isn’t taken up by impromptu meetings, letting you guard your peak performance periods.
Thriving
Feeling depleted by work doesn’t have to be your status quo. By understanding your emotions, setting clear boundaries, and adopting efficient work habits, you can revitalise your energy and transform your work life from draining to fulfilling. For those seeking more personalised guidance, you can join Tracy’s Revitalize program towards rediscovering your energy and attaining crystal clarity on your goals. By prioritising your well-being through these strategies, you can truly thrive both in and out of the workplace.