Spend Your Energy Like It’s Money

 Here in the Northern Hemisphere, we’re just shy of the longest day of the year—and I have to admit, this is my favorite time. The long days bring a sense of possibility, and I find myself energized and ready to do all the things.

But just like money, I’ve learned to treat my energy as a finite resource. You can spend it, save it, invest it, or waste it. And most of us don’t even realize where it’s going.

Sneaky Ways You’re Draining Your Own Energy

Every Friday, I meet with a small group to reflect on our week—the wins and the lessons (we don’t call them failures!). In our last meeting, an expert in the differences between how women and men operate reminded us that women are not designed to be “on” all the time. We need intentional breaks throughout the day to replenish ourselves. The problem is, many of the things we call “breaks” aren’t actually helping us. For example:

• Scrolling social media often *drains* more energy than it gives.
• Skipping meals or eating junk food is an energy debt–you’ll pay for it later.
• Overloading your to-do list is making too many “withdrawals” without enough deposits.
• Living on caffeine instead of sleep? That’s a short-term win with a long-term crash.

Now compare those energy drains with habits that replenish and invest in your energy bank:

• Moving your body is an energy investment. You get more back than you put in.
• Drinking enough water keeps your energy “bank account” in balance.
• Morning sunlight resets your internal clock and gives you a natural boost.
• Eating protein with every meal helps prevent the blood sugar rollercoaster

See the difference? Most people don’t feel tired because they lack energy. They feel tired because they’re spending it on the wrong things.

How to Take Control of Your Energy Budget

Just like tracking your spending can lead to better financial habits, tracking your energy can lead to better days. Here’s a simple way to start:

1. Do an energy audit. For just one day, notice where your energy goes. What activities feel like withdrawals? Which ones feel like deposits?
2. Plug the leaks. Stop spending your energy on things that don’t serve you. Just like you wouldn’t waste money on something useless, stop giving energy to things that drain you.
3. Make high-return investments.Try these small swaps for a big impact:

• Replace your afternoon caffeine hit with a 10-minute walk.
• Start your day with water before coffee.
• Step outside and look at the horizon during breaks instead of your phone screen.

The more wisely you spend your energy, the more of it you’ll have—no extra caffeine, motivation, or willpower required. Try this for just one day and see how you feel. And if you do, I’d love to hear about it!