You often only notice you're tired when it's already too late. If you write your energy down a few times a week, you see it coming sooner.

A number a day

At the end of the day, give your energy a number from 1 to 10. Add one word: what affected it most.

After two weeks you'll often see a pattern. Maybe Mondays are heavy. Maybe a walk gives you more than you thought.

Givers and takers

Make two short lists:

• What gives me energy? People, places, things to do.
• What costs me energy? Even things you enjoy can cost a lot.

You don't have to cross anything out. The point is that you choose, rather than it just happening to you.

Tips

• Plan one giver a day, however small. A cup of tea outside counts.
• Don't put one heavy appointment next to another if you can help it.
• A dip isn't failing. It's a signal. Mention it in your check-in.