Boost energy levels
- Philip Brophy
- Mar 28
- 3 min read
Keeping fatigue at bay • 3 min read
Research from Sage Journals revealed that most participants who suffered from emotional exhaustion, experienced higher levels of work-life conflict.
The answers detailed in the research revealed increased levels of frustration, with less patience to deal with family interactions by the end of the day, leading to feelings of guilt.
Introduction
Emotional exhaustion can erode our sense of well-being and quality of workplace performance.
This week, we’ll look at methods to keep our fatigue at bay, upping our energy levels to deal with the various demands of our lives, while performing to our best ability.
The path to burnout
Many of us soldier on while fighting fatigue and potential burnout.
Let’s look at brand manager Christine.
She often experiences the same pattern of feelings throughout her workday — fatigue, a burst of energy around late morning, then lethargy, dragging her feet through to the 6pm mark.
In the office, she’s at odds with tackling the demands of constant workplace interaction. When working at home, her boundaries can be blurred between her private and personal life, unsettling her focus and energy.
Christine’s left feeling emotionally drained, sometimes yo-yoing between hyper-productivity, and then getting little done. By the end of the day, she finds that she never has time to do anything beyond the essentials.
Goodbye Gym!
Sayonara Social Life!
Putting the pep in your step
The good news is, we can actively reenergise ourselves to perform at our optimum by:
Decreasing the drain on emotional reserves
When engaging with particularly negative colleagues, Christine’s anxiety levels shoot through the roof. So, she chooses to minimise these interactions.
For example, when Gloomy Glenn launches into one of his rants, Christine is quick to remind her that while the company may not be operating in the way that best suits their team, they’d do better by focusing on the more positive aspects that they can control, such as their workflow.
Conserving the reserves
Next, Christine looks at how she can conserve her energy levels by using emotional regulation methods, e.g., acknowledging reactions to stressful situations.
Firstly, she takes a step back from her own perspective and observes the wider context, reminding herself that what she’s going through is not unique to her, that she’s one of many experiencing the same issue. This approach helps by making it feel less personal, meaning she’ll dwell on it less.
Replenishing the fuel
To increase her energy levels, Christine refuels. She does this by engaging in non-work activities, e.g., meditating or connecting with a friend.
It’s vital that we perform these activities to allow us to psychologically disconnect from work, promoting relaxation and a sense of control and well-being.
Key takeaways
People who suffer from emotional exhaustion tend to experience increased levels of work-life conflict, impacting our professional and personal relationships.
We can tackle emotional exhaustion by: decreasing the drain on our emotional reserves; conserving them; and replenishing them as often as possible.
Try limiting your exposure to things that drain you while focusing on positive aspects you can control. You can also harness a sense of well-being by engaging in non-work activities.
Think big. act small
Can you start using the three-step plan to increase your energy levels?
How about taking a step back to realise that you are one of many who is experiencing the same issue.
This will help to depersonalise the situation, making you feel less triggered and emotionally involved.
Content sources
Forbes, 2020, Monique Valcour, ‘How to Refuel When You’re Feeling Emotionally Drained’
Forbes, 2021, Anne Iversen, ‘How To Supercharge Your Energy Levels To Get The Most Out Of Your Workday’
Forbes, 2022, Sarah Hayes Coomer, ‘Hey, Health Coach: Why Am I So Tired All The Time?’
Harvard Business Review, 2021, Elizabeth Grace Saunders, ‘4 Ways to Manage Your Energy More Effectively’
Harvard Health Publishing, 2020, 9 Tips to Boost your Energy
Sage Journals, 2014, Corinna Reichl et al., ‘Work–nonwork conflict and burnout: A meta-analysis’
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