ENERGY MATTERS

I thrive on routine and regimen because it’s predictable and that gives me comfort. I am not a “fly by the seat of my pants gal”. If that’s you, I don’t know how well this would work for you but for anyone who WANTS structure but isn’t sure what could work, maybe try energy blocks!

When my kids were small and I worked outside the house, everything I did was time based because those were my base points. Work, kid activities, appointments, bedtimes.

This isn’t the case for me anymore because I’m not required to be anywhere or do anything at specific times. Over the past 4 years I’ve been able to structure my days based on knowing when I am best able to handle certain tasks. It’s an energy thing, which is then put into a chunk of time. It’s flexible but rhythmic in a way. And of course can shift based on what or who needs things.

Here’s my rough daily breakdown:

5ish-9ish: deep work. planning / designing / writing

9ish-12ish: tending work. errands / dishes / walking / lunch / food prep / creative work

12ish-4ish: light work. client work / admin / logistics / design or physical creating

4ish-5ish: transition. shower / eat / house stuff / family stuff

5ish-9ish: catch-up work. review my weekly list / wrap up tasks I started earlier / light brain tasks

It’s a flexible structure that allows me to focus my energy in order to be the most productive and least distracted. Sometimes that deep work block means a heavy crafting session that breaks right through that tending work block. And sometimes that afternoon block turns into vegging on the couch editing photos & watching a show (or 6).

I pay attention to my energy which allows me to float through my weekly list and knock out stuff when it feels right - even with lots of deadlines.

Is this something you'd try?

document your energy and life with issue no. 33 of the crafty babe magazine! GRab it here!