Feeling Exhausted? An Energy Audit Might Help

“I’m just overwhelmed…”

That phrase is often heard when people reach a point of feeling burned out and haven’t had the opportunity, or rather, given themselves the permission, to pause and take inventory of their thoughts and emotions. In a fast-paced, constantly in motion world, individuals and teams start operating in a way of responding, reacting, or pushing through to meet deadlines or goals. During this stage, feelings and emotions are lost at some point through this overwhelming period; people stop noticing who they are becoming, or maybe more importantly, who they want to be.

My Car Won’t Start

Most of us have been there in our lives. We put the key in the ignition, turn it, and ‘click’, followed by a few more clicks because it’s a moment we can’t believe is happening. Now we will be late, and the dead battery keeps us from completing the task. Looking back on the situation, there were probably signs.

It took a little longer to get the vehicle started.

The lights would flicker or start to become dim.

The internal light wouldn’t come on, but the dashboard lights still work.

We ignored the battery indicator on the dashboard.

I imagine that quite a few can relate to this; if you can’t, take heed now. Now, compare those types of signs and internalize them. Have you been suffering from brain fog or indecision? Struggling with being irritable or short-tempered? Chronic fatigue — even after sleeping and at rest, you feel exhausted?

It’s not just about being tired, confused, or quick to be expressive. Something else might be at play—it’s the internal battery, and your energy has been potentially leaking for weeks or months without you realizing it.

Shift Begins With Awareness

Every moment of the day, we are either reacting or responding. While the two might seem similar, it’s the energy behind the choices. That energy is either draining (catabolic) or restorative (anabolic). When unchecked, stress can influence every aspect of our lives, and the energy defaults to a more survivalistic state.

More reactive, less present.

There is a growing disconnect between how we want to live and how we are actually showing up based on “needing to vs. wanting to.” Being overwhelmed is your dashboard light. It’s your signal for an invitation to check in with yourself and raise consciousness around the choices that you have in front of you.

What Can Be Done?

Take the time to conduct an “Energy Audit”. You can do this by simply journaling out the following three questions:

1. Where am I giving my energy that doesn’t necessarily align with what I value?

2. What thoughts or habits have I created that are automatic but are not serving me right now?

3. Who or what fills my cup, and when was the last time I prioritized it?

   
   

It’s recommended that when asking yourself these three questions, you do so in a private space with as few distractions as possible, based on your circumstances. If you can’t think of something immediately, begin writing, and magic might happen. Even a single shift in your awareness today can change how you respond and show up tomorrow.