So picture this: it’s Monday morning, and your alarm clock jolts you awake after what feels like you just fell asleep. As you drag yourself out of bed, a nagging thought creeps into your mind: how will ever have the energy to tackle everything on your plate today?
If you can relate to some version of this scenario, you’re not alone. For most of us, the daily juggle of professional obligations and family responsibilities can often leave us feeling drained, depleted, and downright exhausted.
From long hours at work to early mornings packing school lunches, the demands of our roles as both accountants and moms can take a toll on both our physical and mental well-being. Yet, despite our best efforts to stay afloat, it sometimes feels like we’re running on empty, constantly pouring from an empty cup.
But here’s the thing: just like I’ve said on this podcast before about self-care, prioritizing our energy isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. As accountant moms, we’re typically the glue that holds things together, and people rely on us to keep things running smoothly.
Whether we’re preparing tax returns in the office or putting together dinner in the kitchen, our ability to show up with energy and motivation directly impacts not only our own success at work but also the well-being of those we care for most. Whether you realize it or not, your energy, or lack of it, does affect those around you.
That’s why the topic of energy management hits close to home for so many of us. It’s not just about squeezing in a few extra hours of sleep or guzzling one too many cups of coffee—it’s about recharging our batteries and reclaiming our sense of balance so that we can be the best version of ourselves.
It’s about recognizing that we have to protect our energy if we hope to thrive in both our personal and professional lives. We have to pay more attention to what fills us up and what depletes us.
For a lot of us, we can’t keep doing what we’re doing. It’s just not sustainable.
So, if you’re tired of feeling perpetually rundown and ready to have more energy, I’ve got you covered.
This week I’m going to explain why energy management is so important and what you can do to have more energy.
Why energy management is important
Now that you’re probably picturing all those days that you felt yourself dragging, it’s time to dive into why prioritizing energy management isn’t just something to put off once the kids get older or when work gets easier, but something to focus on right now.
The truth is that, if you aren’t learning energy management now, even when it seems impossible, you’re going to end up with more physical, mental, and emotional problems than you may realize. Believe me, I get it – from early morning meetings to late-night diaper changes, we’re constantly being pulled in a million different directions, leaving little time or energy for ourselves.
But here’s the harsh truth: when we neglect our own well-being in favor of meeting the needs of others, we’re setting ourselves up for a dangerous game of diminishing returns. In other words, by constantly sacrificing our own health and happiness for the sake of others, we’re inadvertently depleting our energy and ultimately sabotaging our ability to perform at our best in every aspect of our lives.
Sure, we might be able to power through a few extra hours of work or squeeze in one more load of laundry, but at what cost? Unfortunately, the more we push ourselves beyond our limits, the greater the toll it takes on our physical health, mental well-being, and overall quality of life.
Think about it this way: When was the last time you felt truly energized, vibrant, and alive? Chances are, it’s been far too long since you felt that sense of vitality that comes from being well-rested, well-nourished, and well-cared for.
The funny thing is, it’s often during those moments of exhaustion and overwhelm that we’re expected to perform at our best—whether it’s meeting a tight deadline at work like tax season or keeping up with the demands of our families.
It’s also important to point out that when we neglect our own needs in favor of meeting the needs of others, we’re not just shortchanging ourselves—we’re shortchanging everyone around us. Because the truth is, again, we can’t pour from an empty cup.
We can’t show up as the best version of ourselves for our clients, our colleagues, or our loved ones if we’re running on fumes and running ourselves ragged in the process. We’re not doing ourselves or anyone else any favors by being depleted.
That’s why prioritizing energy management isn’t just a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable. It’s about recognizing that our energy, just like our time, is a precious resource that we must protect.
It’s about recognizing that we have the power not to give our energy away to people, places, and things that often seem intent on draining us dry. We need to learn how to fill our own cup up and protect its contents at all costs.
So, if you’re tired of constantly playing catch-up or of feeling like you’re always one step behind, then it’s time to take a stand. It’s time to reclaim your energy because when you prioritize your own well-being, everyone around you benefits.
And that, my friends, is a cause worth fighting for.
What you can do to have more energy
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of prioritizing energy management, especially for accountant moms, let’s explore some actionable strategies and practical tips to help you do what you do. While it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by everything vying for your time and energy, remember that small, consistent steps can make a world of difference in filling that cup up.
The first thing to focus on is sleep. I know it can be challenging, depending on your children’s ages, but try to aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. In fact, research suggests that the length and quality of our sleep are associated with improved cognitive function, mood regulation, and overall physical health
In other words, if we want to be able to do the accounting work that we do, we need more quality sleep for our brain to be at its best.
To do this, I suggest creating a relaxing bedtime routine that signals to your body that it’s time to wind down, such as reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle yoga. Set a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends, to regulate your body’s internal clock and promote restful sleep.
Since I get up early, I also go to bed early. Sleep has to be prioritized if I want to have the energy to do everything that’s on my plate.
The second suggestion is to nourish your body. For this, you’ll want to focus on balanced meals and snacks that provide sustained energy throughout the day.
Research has found that consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is associated with higher energy levels and improved cognitive function.
Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water throughout the day because research has shown that even mild dehydration can impair cognitive performance and mood, leading to low energy. It’s also important to limit caffeine and sugary beverages, as they can lead to energy crashes and dehydration.
If you can, plan and prep meals in advance to make sure you have healthy options readily available, even on busy days. Consider batch cooking on weekends to save time during the week.
The third suggestion is to stay active. This can be challenging for accountants who sit at our desks most of the day, but try to find ways to incorporate movement into your daily routine, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk during your lunch break or a quick dance party with your kids after dinner.
Research has shown that even short bouts of exercise can boost energy levels and improve mood.
You’ll want to explore different types of exercise to find what works best for you, whether it’s walking, jogging, yoga, swimming, or dancing. The key is to find activities that you enjoy and that leave you feeling energized.
To make this a habit, schedule regular workouts on your calendar as non-negotiable appointments with yourself. Treat exercise as an essential part of your self-care routine, not just a luxury.
The fourth suggestion is to manage stress. For this, most people will suggest you practice stress-reduction techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or mindfulness exercises to calm your mind and promote relaxation.
What has worked for me to be able to have stress-free tax seasons and feel much more energized is to manage my mind. The truth is that stress is a feeling that only ever comes from our thoughts, so when I manage my thoughts, I eliminate stress.
The other thing around managing stress is to set boundaries around work and family commitments to prevent burnout. Learn to say no when your plate is already full.
Be open to seeking help from a coach, friends, or family if you’re feeling overwhelmed. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help and delegate tasks when needed.
And the final suggestion is to schedule downtime. If you want to have more energy, begin to prioritize leisure activities that bring you joy and relaxation, whether it’s curling up with a good book, gardening, or spending quality time with loved ones.
Research shows that carving out time for leisure activities and hobbies can lead to greater overall life satisfaction and improved mental health, so set aside a designated time each week for self-care activities that replenish your energy. Whether it’s a solo spa day or a girls’ night out, make time for the things that make you feel alive.
Hopefully, you can see that incorporating some of these strategies into your daily routine can gradually boost your energy levels. The truth is that when you commit to making yourself a priority, you’ll see your energy and enthusiasm for life improve as well.
Summary
Whether we’re preparing tax returns in the office or putting together dinner in the kitchen, our ability to show up with energy and motivation directly impacts not only our own success at work but also the well-being of those we care for most.
That’s why prioritizing energy management isn’t just a luxury—it’s a non-negotiable. It’s about recognizing that our energy, just like our time, is a precious resource that we must protect.