Blimey it’s hot out there!

Blimey, it’s hot out there!

I don’t know about you, but I love the warm weather.  I feel warm, lighter, free, and more creative.  But the downside is that it saps my energy which makes it hard to capitalise on the positive aspects.

So, how do I make the most of the energy of the hot days, without draining my reserves?

It’s simple really – I plan my days:  it is easy to create a long to-do or task list as with longer days, surely, I can get more done?  Well, actually, no, the heat can drain our energy levels somewhat and we need to take that into account and be realistic about what we can achieve.

So to plan your days and energy balance, start by looking at what you need to get done this week -not want, NEED. List all the tasks that are non-negotiable and must be completed by the end of the week.  Cross off anything that doesn’t need to be done this week and add it to next week’s list.

Then make a list of what you WANT to do.  This is not your business tasks, but about fun and social activities as including these creates a better balance between work and life generally.

Finally, create a list of the everyday tasks that have to be done, emails, social media posting, accounts, housework, laundry, cooking, exercise, school run etc.  Include meals and appointments in this list!

Now, grab your diary, planner or schedule and allocate the must-do tasks to timeslots. Be realistic about how long these will take, if they are over an hour then consider breaking them into smaller chunks that can be more easily completed. If there are several linked tasks, paying bills, updating insurance, checking bank balances etc. then block them together into half an hour (or longer) twice a week and write them into the diary.  Put meals into their timeslot as we need to eat but often forget as it is not allocated a time.

Then look at the things you want to do and schedule timeslots for these – we need fun stuff in our day, and it so often gets sidelined in favour of the ‘important’ business tasks.

To finish, slot those everyday tasks into your calendar allowing just enough time to complete them.  Tasks expand to fit the time available so if you have an hour for housework, it will take an hour, give it 30 minutes and you will get it done – just faster!

Got some blank slots?  Good – these are your times to rest, sit in the sun, read – or do whatever relaxing activity you choose so keep those blank spots free.

There you go, my very short guide to balancing your energy bank in the hot weather!  One last thing to add- hydrate regularly as dehydration is one of the biggest energy drains.