Recharge Your Life: A Practical Approach to Burnout Prevention

Lola Thomson
Sep 7, 2020
2 min read

Updated: Dec 27, 2024

How to Recharge Your Energy and Avoid Burnout

Have you ever found yourself wondering where all your energy goes by the end of the day? Whether you’re managing a demanding job, juggling family responsibilities, or navigating life’s endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel depleted.

As someone who is no stranger to burnout, I know all too well the short and long-term emotional, spiritual, physical and relational consequences of not learning to slow down. Burnout doesn’t discriminate—it affects everyone, regardless of privilege, responsibilities, or circumstances. But there’s one key factor that levels the playing field for us all: how we use our energy.

Your Energy Is Like a Rechargeable Battery

Think of your daily energy levels as a battery. Some tasks drain that battery, while others recharge it. Managing mental health and avoiding burnout starts with balancing these energy levels. In my work with clients, this concept holds true 100% of the time.

So how can you assess where your energy is going and make meaningful changes? The first step is to understand how you can prevent burnout based on your needs and lifestyle.

Step 1: Assess Your Energy Usage

Start with your to-do list. Look over your daily tasks—work, personal responsibilities, and everything in between. Label each task as either a “+” for recharging or a “-” for depleting.

Here’s an example:

Morning wake-up ritual (brush teeth, coffee, and cuddles with Sadie): +
Walk Sadie (my dog): +
Get ready for work: +
Work: -
30-minute gym workout: +
Shower/bath: +
Prep dinner: -
Clean kitchen: -
Prep lunch for tomorrow: -
Evening bedtime ritual (skin routine, stretching, reading): +

Once you’ve gone through your list, note whether you’re doing more energy-depleting activities than recharging ones.

Step 2: Look for Patterns and Make Adjustments

Try this exercise for a week and look for patterns in how you use your energy. If you find that most of your tasks are draining, prioritize adding at least one recharging activity to your schedule each week. Over time, aim to create a more balanced day.

Here’s how you can make room for more recharging activities:

Delegate tasks: Assign responsibilities to family members or roommates. Teaching kids new skills might take effort initially but pays off in the long run.
Embrace “good enough”: Give yourself permission to let some tasks slide. Does the kitchen counter need to be spotless every night? Probably not.

Step 3: Create Space for Rest and Joy

Freeing up time by delegating or letting go of perfection allows you to incorporate activities that replenish your energy. Whether it’s a walk, a creative hobby, or quiet time with a book, these moments make a significant difference in how you feel.

Why This Matters

Balancing your energy is easier said than done, but the benefits are worth it. Small changes to your routine can reduce overwhelm, help you feel more in control, and leave you with the energy you need to thrive.