Everyone experiences low-energy days and it’s perfectly normal. Low energy days happen to the best of us and more often than we’d all like to admit. Throw in motherhood, a full time job, and a house to clean and you’ve got yourself low-energy right there. So how do we cope when there’s so much to do? When life is kicking your ass, sometimes all you need is someone who gets it and has been there. I’m not superwoman by any means; I fail, need rest, and go back to the drawing board when things get chaotic. The only difference is I’ve found what works for me. These tips and tricks might not solve all your problems—but for my ladies who feel frustrated, tired, and downright can’t get out of bed, this one’s for you.
Understanding Low-Energy Days
Low-energy days are the ones where it’s hard to roll out of bed, the coffee doesn’t work, you’re dragging your feet around, and feeling guilty for not having the energy to keep up with your commitments. These days happen so often, we just aren’t online chronically bitching about it to know. So how can you manage those days where you can’t snap yourself back to reality? Here’s what I do.
Anytime my low-energy light comes on, I start to become really impatient. This is exactly how I know it’s happening. You can tell immediately in the way I respond. And duh, it comes from juggling way too much on my plate constantly: a photography business, raising kids, being a present wife, and throwing my energy at building my personal brand. I absolutely have days where I feel like I can’t keep up, when time slips away from me and I feel like the day has been wasted. When those days occur, I just embrace them. I quit trying to force the energy to happen and chalk it up to reset day. Giving myself extra love on those days is crucial—some time outdoors, watching some tv, a nap, early bedtime.
Mental Health Strategies
Mindfulness and Meditation
There are a lot of benefits to having a still mind, but it takes a lot of patience and practice. I’m not just talking about breathing and hoping it makes you feel better. Practicing keeping your mind free of thought while you take a break is crucial. The best thing I have found that works for me, especially in an overstimulated household? Taking a silent moment in my room. No phone, opening the windows, and letting in all of the natural light. When it’s nice outside, I get out there as much as I can, honestly. Exposing your skin (safely, of course) can do wonders for your overall mental health. If you haven’t in a while—this is your reminder to get some PEACE and fresh AIR. This eventually helps motivate me again—the stillness and taking a second so I can exist without the weight.
Journaling and Reflective Writing
Writing can help process emotions and clear the mind. Getting your brain moving in even the smallest of ways.
My daily journal prompt: What are three small things I can achieve today that would make me feel productive but still respect my current energy levels? Little bite-sized tasks are better than NO tasks at all. This can be anything from small chores, low-energy work tasks, or making the kids a low-energy lunch/dinner. Not everyday has to be made up of mountainous tasks being completed. And the days when that huge, mountainous task does get completed- pour yourself a glass of wine afterwards and call it a day. When I’m journaling, I also make sure to create a list of all my blessings; this helps me regain positivity and kicks the negativity. I will also write out any challenges I am facing as well and find the silver lining in it. Turning the negative thoughts into positive thoughts will help you grow in ways you never could have imagined.
Physical Health Practices
Gentle Movement
Moving your emotions out of your body through movement is essential. I get it; when you’re in a low-energy mood, it can be hard to want to get out of bed—after all, that’s what we are talking about. But taking it back to the journal prompt above, keeping what you’re doing simple and small is key. When your body or your mental state just isn’t feeling it, start with getting out of bed and drinking some water, reminding yourself that it’s okay; nothing will burn to the ground if you take smaller steps. Not every day needs to be some main character energy. Being in the background is just fine for a day. Personally, I enjoy taking walks to get active—even going up and down the street once motivates me to keep pushing just a bit longer. Movement is scientifically proven to increase your mood, even if it’s baby steps.
Nutrition and Hydration
Eating well and staying hydrated can significantly improve energy and overall well-being. Keep something near you always! Snacks are your low-energy best friend and make sure to keep them on hand. When I can hardly roll out of bed, I reach immediately for some simple lemon, ice water. Lemon water adds the perfect dose of vitamin C, and personally, it’s curbed some of my cravings for sugar. Sometimes I’ll also reach for a packet of LMNT (get some HERE) and kick my ass into gear. The point here is to keep something comforting and familiar, yet quick and easy to grab and go. Keep it simple.
Creating a Personalized Low-Energy Day Plan
Having a go-to plan for low-energy days that addresses both mental and physical health needs can be incredibly helpful. Make a list of things your house and you personally cannot function without and give yourself permission to DO THE BARE MINIMUM.
Ultimately, those low-energy days are the days I take slow. I give myself grace and lean into tasks that feel less overwhelming for me. House cleaning, spending time with the kids, etc. Those are items always on my “to-do” list, so I tackle the lower-energy tasks these days and forget about the rest.
Respect your body and listen to your brain’s check engine light. Have a plan for yourself on those days you just aren’t feeling it. Pick a task, take baby steps, and tread water. It’s all a start, and you won’t be stuck forever, I promise. Take and celebrate the wins where you get them.
How do you handle low energy days or whats a piece of advice you’d give to someone to help them out? I love hearing from you! Be sure to comment and check out my stories on Instagram to join the conversations!
