The different types of energy
The work of Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz in their book “The Power of Full Engagement” is a benchmark in energy management. They suggest managing energy rather than time to improve productivity. They define four categories of human energy, to which Francesca Guilia Mereu adds a fifth. For simplicity's sake, let's imagine these categories as batteries:
1-Physical battery:
This corresponds to our lifestyle habits (sleep, diet, physical activity, hygiene), which help maintain body energy.
2-Mental battery:
This is our capacity to process information, our mental clarity and agility. Mental overload can lead to cognitive fatigue.
3-Emotional battery:
This refers to our ability to navigate through and self-regulate our emotions, as well as those of others.
4-Spiritual battery:
This relates to everything that makes sense to us, our values, achievements and motivation. Misalignment at this level can greatly affect our energy.
5-Social battery:
This represents our ability to establish and maintain interpersonal relationships. A healthy social connection contributes to emotional health, fostering mutual support and a sense of belonging. In a work environment, strong relationships can enhance collaboration and the overall well-being of employees.
The challenges of energy management
Many people think it's easy to manage energy, but they're often wrong.
For example, some people can ignore signs of fatigue until they reach a point of no return. This can lead to burn-out, brown-out or bore-out. All have consequences for health.
Other people, meanwhile, are well aware of their condition, but don't know how to get back on track and are reluctant to ask for support (or don't know which resource to turn to).
Energy management requires a proactive, well-informed approach. Taking training courses and seeking professional advice before the situation gets out of hand can make a big difference. This is precisely the kind of help you need to identify the warning signs in yourself and others.
A global approach
As you can see, effective energy management offers many benefits that go beyond mere physical well-being. By taking a holistic view, we recognize that our energy is made up of several interconnected batteries: physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social. By balancing these different dimensions, we can improve our productivity, stress resilience and overall life satisfaction. For example, a good balance between the emotional and social batteries fosters healthy interpersonal relationships, contributing to a positive work environment where collaboration and mutual support are valued. What's more, being aware of fatigue signals and acting proactively can help prevent burnout and optimize our personal and professional performance.
An integrated approach to energy management is essential to achieving a sustainable state of well-being.
Practical exercise to assess your energy
To start managing your energy better, here's a simple exercise to do every morning:
Rate your energy levels from 1 to 10:
- How do I feel physically?
- How do I feel mentally?
- How do I feel emotionally?
Check your task list and assess the gap with your energy:
- Do the planned tasks reflect my energy level?
- Do they correspond to the type of energy available?
An honest assessment can help you envisage solutions.
Lack of physical energy?
Incorporate short physical exercise sessions, such as stretching or walking, into your daily routine, or take a nap!
Lack of mental energy?
Practice meditation or mindfulness to improve concentration and reduce mental stress. Take regular breaks from work to revitalize your mind and avoid cognitive overload. Keep tasks simple.
Lacking emotional energy?
Avoid busy meetings. Keep a gratitude journal to cultivate a positive mindset and reduce negative feelings.
Lack of social energy?
Get involved in group activities (join the social committee, take the initiative to organize a 5a7, take advantage of coffee breaks...) to strengthen interpersonal bonds and foster a sense of belonging.
Proactive energy management
Energy management is a growing issue for health and productivity in the workplace. By recognizing its importance and adopting appropriate strategies, it is possible to create a more balanced, high-performance work environment.
Rather than waiting for signs of exhaustion, adopt a preventive and conscious approach, adjusting your tasks to your energy levels and valuing positive interpersonal relationships. Energy is a precious resource, and by managing it carefully, you promote not only your well-being, but that of your working environment too. Take the reins of your vitality and build a more fulfilling professional future.
To find out more :
Physical health: managing energy to counter fatigue and regain vitality
