List #76 - 5 shifts I made to manage my energy better

I used to slam into my day like a linebacker on 1000 mg of caffeine. My mornings would be instantly rushed, filled with constant checking of social media, Slack, and email. I would down two coffees, no breakfast, run, shower with podcasts constantly switching. I was essentially stimulating myself so much that by the time 11 AM rolled around, I would feel wired, tired, and extremely cranky.

At the risk of sounding extremely cliché, something really did have to change. Oh yeah, and the way I dealt with that exhaustion at 11 AM? More caffeine (in the form of an overly expensive Starbucks beverage), sugar, and carbs. I was a dream to be around at 3 PM.

In the past year I’ve made a few select changes that are helping me manage my energy better. I’ve always been a morning person, so prioritizing this time in my day to really collect myself has been paramount. Knowing this, the following five things happen for me before 8 AM, ideally. Not always, but most days.

1. I started slowing my workouts down A LOT

   Close friends and family will know that once I get into something, I easily become obsessed and tend to overdo it quickly. I did learn that this can be a common ADHD symptom, which makes sense for me. I go overboard, especially with workouts, and surprise, tend to irritate something.
   
   By focusing on what really serves me in the moment, whether its a more low-key strength training session, or burning through stress with a harder run/hike, I have become more flexible (literally) with exercise and the pressure is removed.

2. I eat a big breakfast and stopped getting sugary coffees

   I’ve said before that I love breakfast, and having it be really substantial (I’ve found) is important for sustaining my energy through the afternoon. It really makes a difference. I typically do protein in the form of eggs or full-fat yogurt with nuts, chia, and berries, along with sourdough toast and lots more fruit.

3. I do a quick scan of my phone, then try to read something instead

   Since my job is, quite literally, all on my phone, it would be a little irresponsible of me to ignore it completely. As soon as my coffee is ready I do a “scan” to make sure nothing is urgent, then read for ten minutes. My parents live on the East Coast too so this allows me to check in on them and make sure I haven’t missed anything.

4. I sit like I did in middle school

   When I’m having coffee or breakfast, if I’m not reading, I try to sit in the silence like I did in the mornings before school when I didn’t have social media. It’s really relaxing.

5. I limit podcasts

   I’m a podcast JUNKIE, but now I try to limit my listening to really calming music first thing in the day. If I’ve done my workout and feel good, I might put on a podcast, but I' try and save them for later in the day when I take the dog out.