Tori Uncensored

We often assume time management is the key to getting things done, but time alone isn’t enough energy is the real factor that determines how effectively we work, focus, and make decisions.

In my previous blog, I explored how Time Blocking helps create structured work sessions, but without understanding energy patterns, even the most organised schedule can lead to exhaustion.

So how do we work with our natural energy cycles, instead of forcing productivity when we’re drained?

Why Managing Energy Matters More Than Managing Time

Think about those moments when everything seems to flow effortlessly when you’re fully focused, making progress, and feel energised. Now compare that to times when even simple tasks feel overwhelming.

That difference isn’t about time it’s about energy levels.

• High energy means high productivity tasks feel easier and more efficient.
• Low energy means slow progress forcing productivity leads to frustration and burnout.
• Understanding when we’re naturally focused allows us to structure work more effectively.

For me, managing Chronic Fatigue has forced me to reassess how I work. I can’t just push through exhaustion if I don’t respect my energy levels, productivity suffers and recovery takes longer. That’s why learning to track and optimise energy rhythms has been essential.

Tracking Your Energy: Lessons from 168 Hours

In 168 Hours, Laura Vanderkam challenges the idea that we should track time day by day. Instead, she encourages looking at a full week—168 hours—to get a true picture of how we spend our time and energy.

This approach is incredibly useful for understanding your energy baseline before making adjustments.

Step 1: Track Your Time for a Full Week

Instead of focusing only on daily routines, track everything for a week work, downtime, commuting, even small tasks.

✔ What tasks do you spend the most time on?

✔ What energy levels do you notice throughout the week?

✔ Which activities drain you, and which recharge you?

Doing this helps reveal patterns you might not have noticed, making it easier to adjust for better energy alignment.

Balancing Work, Family, and Personal Time Based on Energy Cycles

Energy management isn’t just about work tasks like meetings and brainstorming it’s about making sure your personal life, family time, and hobbies fit into your week in a way that supports your energy, rather than drains it. For example:

✔ Busy weekend with family? If you’ve had a packed weekend of activities day trips, social events, or heavy planning then shift intense work meetings from Monday to Tuesday, allowing space to recover.

✔ Heavy work week? If your workload has been intense, plan weekends for restoration focusing on restful activities like reading, watching films, or relaxed socialising.

✔ Personal priorities? If you’ve neglected hobbies or downtime due to urgent work demands, ensure you schedule time for creativity, journaling, exercise, or socialising in energy-friendly slots.

✔ Family commitments? Just like work tasks, not all family activities require the same level of energy.

• High-energy family activities – Trips, organising home projects, social gatherings.
• Mid-energy activities – Cooking together, casual outings, shared hobbies.
• Low-energy activities – Film nights, reading, quiet conversations.

By mapping these personal and work commitments over a full week, you can see where adjustments need to be made to balance energy instead of running on empty.

How I Apply Energy Management in Real Life

Over the years, I’ve learned that energy management isn’t about doing more it’s about doing things at the right time.

✔ When my energy is low, I step back rather than force focus.

✔ When my energy peaks, I prioritise my most critical work.

✔ When I feel drained, rest becomes a strategic action, not a failure.

For me, this approach has been essential in navigating Chronic Fatigue it allows me to remain productive without pushing beyond my limits.

Final Thoughts: Energy Management is the Key to Sustainable Productivity

✔ Productivity isn’t just about managing time it’s about managing energy.

✔ Tracking 168 hours instead of single days gives a clearer picture of energy patterns.

✔ Aligning tasks with natural energy cycles leads to more effective focus and sustainable success.

✔ Balancing work, family, and personal interests ensures long-term well-being.

How do you manage your energy throughout the week? Have you noticed patterns in your own productivity cycles?