#96. Time Management vs Energy Management
Feeling drained before you even finish your day? You might be focusing on the wrong thing. In this post, I’m breaking down why traditional "time management" isn't cutting it anymore — and why "energy management" could be the missing link you’ve been looking for. If you're an SLP trying to juggle it all without burning out, this one's for you. Let's simplify it.
Let's just cut to the chase: you don't need more time. You need more energy for the time you've already got.
Seriously, think about it. Ever hit 2 PM with a full client list ahead of you, but your body has officially "left the chat"? Yeah. You don't have a time problem. You have an energy problem.
If you're an SLP (or PT, OT, mom, spouse, human with a pulse), you've been trained to pack every hour because you can. But here's the thing — just because you can doesn't mean you should.
Let's break it down.
Time Management vs. Energy ManagementTime Management is about hours, schedules, and to-do lists. It's the old "I have one hour, so here's my plan" routine.
Energy Management is about mental, emotional, and physical capacity. It's asking, "How am I actually doing right now?" and "What can I realistically handle with the energy I've got?"
Big difference.
The Hidden ProblemYour energy isn't endless. (Shocking, I know.)
Especially if you're neurodivergent, like a lot of us in the SLP world, you're battling time blindness and chronic overcommitment. Energy dips happen. Bodies crash. Brains short-circuit.
And yet... we treat it like a personal failure instead of the biological reality it is. Spoiler: You're not broken. You're just overscheduled.
Signs You're Ignoring Your EnergyBack-to-back evaluations — because "the calendar was open," and now you're dead inside.
Saying yes to late meetings you resent before they even happen.
Forcing yourself to write notes at 9 PM with a brain made of mashed potatoes.
Skipping lunch because you're "in the zone" and then crashing harder than your kid after a birthday party.
Relatable?
So What Do We Do About It?Glad you asked. Here's your three-step rescue plan:
1. Energy Audit ✨Track your energy for 3 days (workdays + one weekend).
Notice patterns: When do you naturally have more or less energy?
Bonus points: Pay attention to which tasks drain you and which ones fuel you.
2. Stack Your Tasks Smartly 📅Do high-energy tasks (evals, complex reports) when you're naturally at your best.
Save low-energy stuff (email replies, material prep) for your lower-energy windows.
Can't control your schedule 100%? Focus on the parts you can.
3. Build In Buffers 🌊Leave white space between heavy tasks.
Schedule mini recharges (even 5 minutes of deep breathing counts).
Stop treating "busy" as a badge of honor. It's not.
Permission Slip: You Are Allowed to RestRest isn't a reward you "earn." It's a biological requirement. You cannot "out-hustle" the fact that your brain and body need downtime.
Redefine productivity:
A productive day is one where you spend your energy intentionally, honor your capacity, and allow yourself to rest — not just check off 57 boxes.
Ready for More?If this hit home (and I'm guessing it did), you need to be in my free Facebook group, Time Management for the Busy SLP.
This week, I'm going live with 5 quick energy boosters you can do anywhere — no fancy calendars or 5 AM wake-up calls required.
📌 Join me live or catch the replay!
P.S. If you want customized help building a sustainable schedule for real (and not just in theory), I'm taking on a few more 1:1 coaching clients. Book a free consult here and let's simplify this.
You’ve got this. 🙌