This week I shared how prioritising sleep and exercising with mates are my weapons of choice in the battle against being tired.
And at Alfred team meetings, we’ve started sharing “one thing we did over the past week to recharge”, and it’s been a great reminder to make sure that we charge our batteries first, before trying to help others charge theirs.
So on that note, I’d love to know:
How do you know when your battery is getting flat? And what do you do to recharge it?
I'm much the same as you Ben, making sure I'm getting enough sleep and exercising. This winter I've tried to cut down on extra weekend activities to avoid fatigue and getting sick. Opting to stay home and curl up with a book instead of going out, it means being a bit less social but I feel as important as it is to be connected with other people, it's just as important to have time to yourself too.
I look at short term and long term "recharges". Short term it's mainly daily exercise, even if it's a half arsed workout, to get some endorphins and blood flowing. Definintely better mental state after a bit of exercise. I also just like some quiet time everyday where I can read a book, look at stupid videos on YouTube, or do some hobbying (painting plastic scale models!). Longer term recharges I need a proper adventure break each year. A hiking holiday or long cycle weekend or something similar. Really push the boat out physically and get away from it all. All that combined seems to keep me feeling pretty good across a year and ready to face whatever life brings.
For me, it’s when I struggle to get up. I’m really good at getting up early these days. Usually my motivation or fear of internal ridicule is enough to get me up and going through that urge to stay in bed an extra hour. Sometime though, I just kinda know.
As Breeny said too, getting irrationally upset at insignificant shit.
I’m slowly learning that having an occasional rest day, sleeping the extra hour once a week, is not the end of the world. One workout doesn’t make you fit, one meal doesn’t make you fat kinda thing.
But if a buzz word at the moment but finding a balance between committed and being stupid. Just subtle reminders to yourself that it’s all good. Stop being narrow sited. Big picture/long game is more important.
I reckon I'm a little bit like a hybrid car lol I get a bit of energy from my schedule (driving). Whether it be working on engaging tasks, hanging with mates, having a chat with a complete stranger, or just your general daily activities (exercise, chores, etc.).
Then other times I just need to do nothing (fill up at the servo). Read a book, watch a movie.
How do I know my battery is getting flat? I reckon it's when I feel overwhelmed by smaller things... even the health of my lawn and things of that nature. When I'm rolling on a high, I can comprehend complex issues and tasks, but when I'm low on energy, the small things seem big.
Aug 4, 2022·edited Aug 4, 2022Liked by Ben Alexander
ACT Veterans rugby. Running around with mates, with a team focus, and the banter that goes with it. After training or a game, sharing a beer and talking, some of the guys have had my back when I've struggled and I try to have theirs.
The main one is being present with my kids. Hugs, conversations, watching them. That's how I fill my bucket
The warning signs are generally that I lose motivation to do things that are important to me. It's like a creeping apathy that starts to set in, and my mood gets real flat.
I'm definitely an introvert, so recharging involves spending a bit of time alone in my apartment (which I refer to as the "fortress of solitude"). Usually reading or video games are a good go to. Something that can take my mind off somewhere else for a bit and where there's no pressure to be "doing".
Hi. I'm feeling really burnt out. The last 2 years have been really hard. Lately I've taken to getting up half an hour earlier, before the kids and just taking time to sit and read a novel. Just having a bit of quiet time to start the day has helped. I know I have a long way to go, but it's a start.
I would say my battery is getting flat when I'm noticing I'm not sleeping well, and when I'm worrying more than usual. I also notice it in my fitness - sometimes I'll be "gassed" really quickly when I'm usually fitter than that. (I'm 42 and I'm no superstar, but I can still really notice the difference if I'm run down).
To recharge I stay at home, reduce socialising, go to bed at the same time each night. I also make sure I'm exercising fairly vigorously 5 times per week.
I also get my sh*t together :) I will plan ahead, make sure I'm prepared for what's coming the next week so I'm not "winging it" - it stresses me out big time if I can't be at least moderately prepared for the week ahead.
I like your Alfred team meeting question - good one!
Cheers,
Ben
P.S. I just saw that Hoops is flying home from Argentina - hope he is OK - a good reminder to look after ourselves.
I'm much the same as you Ben, making sure I'm getting enough sleep and exercising. This winter I've tried to cut down on extra weekend activities to avoid fatigue and getting sick. Opting to stay home and curl up with a book instead of going out, it means being a bit less social but I feel as important as it is to be connected with other people, it's just as important to have time to yourself too.
I look at short term and long term "recharges". Short term it's mainly daily exercise, even if it's a half arsed workout, to get some endorphins and blood flowing. Definintely better mental state after a bit of exercise. I also just like some quiet time everyday where I can read a book, look at stupid videos on YouTube, or do some hobbying (painting plastic scale models!). Longer term recharges I need a proper adventure break each year. A hiking holiday or long cycle weekend or something similar. Really push the boat out physically and get away from it all. All that combined seems to keep me feeling pretty good across a year and ready to face whatever life brings.
For me, it’s when I struggle to get up. I’m really good at getting up early these days. Usually my motivation or fear of internal ridicule is enough to get me up and going through that urge to stay in bed an extra hour. Sometime though, I just kinda know.
As Breeny said too, getting irrationally upset at insignificant shit.
I’m slowly learning that having an occasional rest day, sleeping the extra hour once a week, is not the end of the world. One workout doesn’t make you fit, one meal doesn’t make you fat kinda thing.
But if a buzz word at the moment but finding a balance between committed and being stupid. Just subtle reminders to yourself that it’s all good. Stop being narrow sited. Big picture/long game is more important.
I reckon I'm a little bit like a hybrid car lol I get a bit of energy from my schedule (driving). Whether it be working on engaging tasks, hanging with mates, having a chat with a complete stranger, or just your general daily activities (exercise, chores, etc.).
Then other times I just need to do nothing (fill up at the servo). Read a book, watch a movie.
How do I know my battery is getting flat? I reckon it's when I feel overwhelmed by smaller things... even the health of my lawn and things of that nature. When I'm rolling on a high, I can comprehend complex issues and tasks, but when I'm low on energy, the small things seem big.
ACT Veterans rugby. Running around with mates, with a team focus, and the banter that goes with it. After training or a game, sharing a beer and talking, some of the guys have had my back when I've struggled and I try to have theirs.
The main one is being present with my kids. Hugs, conversations, watching them. That's how I fill my bucket
The warning signs are generally that I lose motivation to do things that are important to me. It's like a creeping apathy that starts to set in, and my mood gets real flat.
I'm definitely an introvert, so recharging involves spending a bit of time alone in my apartment (which I refer to as the "fortress of solitude"). Usually reading or video games are a good go to. Something that can take my mind off somewhere else for a bit and where there's no pressure to be "doing".
Hi. I'm feeling really burnt out. The last 2 years have been really hard. Lately I've taken to getting up half an hour earlier, before the kids and just taking time to sit and read a novel. Just having a bit of quiet time to start the day has helped. I know I have a long way to go, but it's a start.
Hey Ben,
I would say my battery is getting flat when I'm noticing I'm not sleeping well, and when I'm worrying more than usual. I also notice it in my fitness - sometimes I'll be "gassed" really quickly when I'm usually fitter than that. (I'm 42 and I'm no superstar, but I can still really notice the difference if I'm run down).
To recharge I stay at home, reduce socialising, go to bed at the same time each night. I also make sure I'm exercising fairly vigorously 5 times per week.
I also get my sh*t together :) I will plan ahead, make sure I'm prepared for what's coming the next week so I'm not "winging it" - it stresses me out big time if I can't be at least moderately prepared for the week ahead.
I like your Alfred team meeting question - good one!
Cheers,
Ben
P.S. I just saw that Hoops is flying home from Argentina - hope he is OK - a good reminder to look after ourselves.