The Energy Equation: What Powers My Work and My World

Energy isn’t just about what you eat or how much sleep you get—though both matter. It’s a complex, personal equation. And for me, it’s not just about having more of it—it’s about protecting, directing, and restoring it with intention.

I make a daily effort to align my practices and principles to fuel the way I live, work, and create—so I can show up with clarity, capacity, and consistency. They fall into four key areas: relationships, diet, mental state, and movement.

Relationships: Boundaries Are My Energy Shield

One of the most transformative shifts I’ve made is understanding that boundaries aren’t walls—they’re filters. Saying no isn’t about shutting people out; it’s about keeping what matters in. I protect my energy by:

• Being mindful of what I consume. Thrillers, gore, or stressful dramas affect my mood. Our minds don’t distinguish between a real threat and a perceived one on TV in terms of physiological response. That fear you feel during a horror movie? Your body thinks it’s real. Give your nervous system a break—don’t keep it on high alert unnecessarily.

• Being intentional about who I spend time with. The 5 people you spend the most time with have a direct impact on your energy and mindset. Surround yourself with those who uplift and inspire you—people who energise simply by being themselves, support you without strings, and listen without trying to fix. That doesn’t mean abandoning friends or family who are going through hard times, but it does mean ensuring your closest circle isn’t made up entirely of people who rely on you. Relationships should include mutual support. I’ve learned to be intentional about who gets consistent access to my time and energy. It’s not about cutting people out—it’s about honouring your capacity and choosing connections that nourish, not drain.

• Being confident with my “no’s.” Saying no is not rude, unkind, or selfish—it’s self-preservation. You can’t do everything that’s required or requested of you without compromising your own needs. So practice saying no. The more I say no to what drains me, the more energy I have for what lights me up.

• Practising asking for help. It’s become too common—especially for women—to believe asking for help is weak or that it means you’re not enough. But asking for help doesn’t mean you’re incapable. It means you're wise enough to know that support will help you be more capable. It’s an incredibly powerful and productive act.

Movement: The Power of Walking

I can tell the difference on days when I haven’t gotten outside and simply walked. Even with kids in tow (not exactly peaceful), just putting one foot in front of the other creates a sense of momentum. Walking helps move through feelings of being stuck, relieves the stagnation of sitting, and—unsurprisingly—improves your physical health. Even a simple walk is effective if the gym or a home workout isn’t realistic that day.

To elevate your walk, try bringing mindfulness into it. Focus on each step, feel which muscles are working, and activate them to add power to your stride. Want to take it up a notch? Walk backwards, sideways, or lunge-walk for a few seconds—these variations fire up new muscles and give your body a mini challenge.