PRESERVING ENERGY

And just like that, it’s 2025. 

As I’m entering into a new season (more so because of some changes in my day-to-day life), I have been thinking about wanting to progress and be productive in all the ways I want to, but not burn out or neglect my own self and self-care. 

I thought about our popular phrase “protecting my energy” and realized that many times when I feel like I need to protect my energy, it stems from a trauma response or being defensive or closed off. 

As I’m entering into some PACKED commitments and goals and so many lanes of life are moving, I’ve been looking at ways to preserve my energy. As a means to get what I want done and save space for myself and not over do it. More focus on preserving energy allows me to be in control of my own pool of energy and less focused on guarding it or being worried about my reactions from the external (although I understand both are necessary at times). 

Ways that can help preserve energy: 

• Planning! Whether it’s meal prep, laying out clothes or doing a quick to do list for the day or week, it’s so helpful to use days when there are less things to do to get ahead of things for days it will be busy. 

• Actually resting physically and mentally when there’s time to rest. Limiting distractions that suck up more energy. 

• Not overcommitting, whether it’s a commitment to someone else or yourself.

• Honoring and enforcing BOUNDARIES.

• Taking social media breaks, like logging out for portions of the day or full days. 

• Honestly, just slowing down and not rushing. Knowing all of this ish is a marathon and not a sprint, in the realest way. 

• Welcoming help in any way people are offering. 

• Not being the glue or sole initiator in relationships (which I have done forever. In this season, baby I don’t got it).

• Layering in self-care with a timeline. Committing to things that bring ease like a bath, massage, pedicure or any other activity and how often will they get done?

• Making time to check in with self and emotions to ensure you’re processing things. Speak up when something is bothering you rather than suppressing and allowing yourself to overthink it. 

• Replace complaints and regret with gratitude. Write it down, voice journal it. 

Tools I am LOVING to help:

• This GROCERY LIST TEMPLATE that I got from a new dietician I’m seeing 

• This 

• This BOUNDARIES CHECKLIST to reference literally when you need to make any decision or response 

• This ONLINE TUTORING platform for my kid to get help with math homework a few times a week. Sessions are virtual and start as low as $20 a session. Easy to pick a few dates or make it ongoing for every type of subject you can think of including hobbies. 

• This STRETCH ROUTINE I’m trying to do morning and night. 

I had cancelled today’s First Sunday Practice because I’ve been focusing on rest and prep for the week. We’ll be back February 2 @ 7PM ET. HERE for the Zoom link and to add to your calendar. 

Also a reminder that I released some beautiful NEW recorded practices and prayers you can listen to anytime! WEBSITE, INSIGHT TIMER, SOUNDCLOUD, YOUTUBE. 

Have a beautiful week. Go as slow as you need to. 

SHANI