Energy Crisis

The news is full of information about the 2022 energy crisis.

There are two kinds of energy crises: oil/electricity; and the people energy crisis.

Are you lacking energy?

I'm seeing this quite a lot at the moment. Projects are starting and stopping; an inability to focus; reactive rather than proactive; fear of moving forwards and committing to change.

We've had to endure a lot of change in the last couple of years, which is very draining of energy. All this change and micro-stresses are zapping energy usually used to straddle work and life, leaving some of us with no energy in reserve. Now we are shifting back to 'normal'; there is still a lot of change happening; this stress may not be immediately apparent but in microdoses, but it all counts!

I've heard quite a few people talk about how they are struggling creatively; there is nothing left for personal projects or hobbies. Reentry into the physical, rather than virtual, world of work is burning up that vital creative energy.

The good news is this is temporary.

It is important not to focus on that lack too much - because that takes energy! We have to accept it for a bit. We are fortunate it is winter; we can legitimately hibernate in the evenings and recuperate.

There are a few easy things we can do to help with that energy:

• Get up and out early for a walk - resist hitting the snooze, be ready to hit the early light - it is good for you and makes you feel brighter; supplement this with a daylight lamp on your desk in the day.

• Keep hydrated - easier said than done, but essential.

• Take lots of breaks from the screen - small breaks make all the difference.

• Get plenty of sleep - you know what is right for you.

• Read - so important, it doesn't have to be life-changing, complex, or worthy; start reading if you don't already.

If you are working as a creative or you employ creatives who may be experiencing burnout or have discovered something is getting in their way, drop me a line so that we can chat about how I can help.