Life in the UK moves fast — between long commutes, busy work schedules, and family responsibilities, it can often feel like 24 hours just isn’t enough.
Even when you manage your time well, you may still feel drained. That’s because productivity isn’t just about how you spend your time — it’s about how you use your energy.
If you want to excel at work, keep your mind sharp, and still have energy for your personal life, it’s time to focus on managing your energy, not just your hours.
Why Energy Management Matters
American performance experts Jim Loehr and Tony Schwartz introduced the idea in their book The Power of Full Engagement. Their point is simple:
“The ultimate measure of our lives is not how much time we spend, but how much energy we invest in the time we have.”
They highlight four principles:
- Engage all sources of energy — physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
- Balance effort with renewal — avoid both overwork and underuse.
- Push yourself like an athlete — but rest to recover.
- Build daily positive rituals — consistent habits to keep energy high.
Time vs. Energy in the UK Hustle
In the UK, especially for Nigerians working multiple shifts, studying, or running side businesses, time is tight. But time is fixed — you can’t add more hours to your day.
Energy, however, can be renewed. The key is to plan your work around your high-energy moments and protect that fuel.
5 Successful People Who Protect Their Energy
Here’s what some global achievers do — and what we can learn from them:
- Warren Buffett – Keeps entire days free with no meetings, just thinking.
- Kamala Harris – Starts each day with exercise, no matter how busy.
- Bill Gates – Prioritises deep thinking over packing his calendar.
- Jeff Bezos – No meetings before 10am, mornings are for family.
- Anine Bing – Meditates daily for mental clarity.
How Nigerians in the UK Can Manage Energy
1. Set Boundaries
Know your limits. If you’re juggling work, studies, and family, decide how much you can do without running yourself down.
2. Plan Recovery Time
Rest isn’t laziness. Schedule downtime the way you would a doctor’s appointment. Even a short walk or tea break can recharge you.
3. Schedule Deep Work
Tackle your most important tasks when you have peak energy — maybe early morning before the kids wake up or during a quiet afternoon slot.
4. Track Your Energy Levels
Keep a small diary. Note what activities give you energy and which drain you. Adjust your week accordingly.
5. Delegate When Possible
Whether at work or at home, share the load. Swap tasks with someone whose energy fits the job better.
Final Word
As Nigerians in the UK, many of us are hustling hard to build a life and support family both here and back home. But burning out helps no one.
When you manage your energy — not just your time — you work smarter, stress less, and still have fuel left for the things that truly matter.
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