I was recently reminded of the importance of energy chargers each day. Ironically this was during a time that was full of excitement.

The past week has been a blur. My husband and I were in Portland for a conference called the World Domination Summit. While it’s been super great to connect with other likeminded people, I found myself extremely drained as an introvert. To add to the craziness, I wasn’t getting as much sleep with the later nights and so much more going on.

As someone who doesn’t take enough time for breaks, I cannot overemphasize the importance of energy chargers each day.

I was wiped by the fourth day of nearly day-long activities, events and socializing. Fatigue started to get to me. With the fatigue, my worry and general feeling of insecurity began to worsen.

In a previous post, I mentioned how I’m tackling worry as a way to better enjoy the journey. But daily energy chargers are just as important. It’s not enough be at peace with where you’re at right now, it’s also crucial to do things that charge up your energy in the present moment and day.

Energy chargers are even more important when there are many priorities competing for your attention or when you’re working hard on a big project. If you’re like me, they’re one of the first things to go when I begin feeling overwhelmed.

Working too hard becomes unproductive.

When the pressure builds and wears me down is when I’m most susceptible to overworking and pushing too hard. Often it starts with too many events, priorities or tasks in the schedule. I spend the late hours of the evening still trying to be productive but with a dragging demeanor. I tell myself to keep on going even when I don’t want to sometimes.

Working too hard drains your enthusiasm and interest. Motivation dwindles. Optimism falters. Exhaustion and self-criticism ensue.

It’s about slotting out time for the little things.

Whether it’s enjoying some tea, playing a game, walking by a river, going on a bike ride, reading a book, hanging out with close friends or whatever it is that boosts your energy—including energy chargers each day brings you more rejuvenation and sanity. You’re making time for yourself so you have more reserves to draw from later on.

Take time for energy chargers each day, even if it’s for 15 minutes.

Even though we may want to push things along, life is too short to be miserable while building up our platform. The amounts of hard work and play will be different for everyone, but both need to be present in order to sustainably enjoy the journey. What’s your experience been like? What energy chargers each day are important to you?