Hacking Your Energy for the Sake of Your Home’s Energy
Our atmosphere tends to be influenced by our personal energy. These are the 4 daily routines that have supported me in sustaining my energy throughout the day (without costing me a cent).
Table of Contents:
“Energy and persistence conquer all things.”
To Note: A shortcut to getting started is my “Set the Tone” Morning Routine designer! You can get that for free here.
Being the creator of your home requires you to show up all day long. It’s not uncommon to feel drained after even half a day with the many roles and responsibilities we carry. I spent so many days where by one in the afternoon I’m sinking into the couch, pulling my hair out, realizing I’ve got hours to go before bedtime. I’ve also been a working mom at the computer, bobbing my head, & fighting to stay awake. Anyone relate? While there is no perfect answer & rest is sometimes the best answer — I was sick of the struggle & wanted to discover a few ways that I could simply maintain energy without a high barrier of entry for the sake of my home.
So let’s get started. Here’s how you can maintain your daily energy using routines for intentional women.
Morning Light
Physical Light
For years, I have used a “happy light” when winter rolls around. As someone who is typically affected by S.A.D. (Seasonal Affective Disorder), I have learned to supplement the sunlight with artificial light. While that tool has been helpful (and I recommend it to anyone who needs the extra boost), it’s really just taught me the principle of filling my body with light every morning. I do this both physically, & spiritually.
Many studies have proven the benefits of seeking sunshine/bright light when waking up. They help regulate circadian rhythms (improving sleep quality), stabilize sleep & mood, and support for depression & mental health.
An optimal method of consumption is to get between 15-30 minutes of light before 10:00 am. This can be done via morning walk (a great 2-for-1), sitting by a window, or utilizing high LED lights (like the “happy light”—while not free is a helpful alternative for times you can’t get what’s right outside your window most days).
The benefits to your daily energy on top of the additional benefits of improved sleep, compound to be a great energy booster.
Spiritual Light
The truest part of us is the eternal part of us. Our spirit requires revitalization just as much as our physical bodies do. Because our energy is generated as a culmination of our body & spirit’s conditioning, we must consider the question of “how do we invite spiritual light into our lives?”.
Spiritual light is the “solar power” we receive from the Son. We can receive this as we read the words of God. We also see this show up in our lives through prayer & meditation. Each of these things invites the Son to be present in our life, giving us the “living water” & “daily bread” we need for our spirit’s energy.
Breakfast
To be oh so blunt, I can’t stand when anyone tells me they intentionally skip breakfast! Haha. It makes me so sad. I’ve found breakfast to be one of the best sources of energy when done right. Mind you, I’m no nutritionist, but I will speak from personal experience & share what research conveys.
As I’ve tried to fill my morning meal with a decent amount of calories & protein, I have found myself satiated for the day. I try to focus on getting complex carbs, healthy fats & protein in good amounts. Research indicates that a high-calorie, high-protein (between 20-40 grams) breakfast offers:
Appetite control
Muscle preservation
Stable energy & mood
Better focus
Improved long-term metabolic health
I’ve recognized all of these benefits as I’ve implemented this strategy daily. Mind you, I don’t personally take the time to measure everything (I just estimate), but I’ve felt that I’ve been able to eat more intuitively when utilizing these methods. When I treat my body like a vehicle that can’t run without fuel (& premium fuel at that), I fill my tank first thing in the morning to carry me the lengths I need to “drive” for that day.
To meet my goals, I will often include a protein shake (post-workout for muscle recovery), with the addition of a carb (sourdough toast or sourdough french toast, protein waffles, protein muffins, high protein german pancakes etc.), and more often than not, I’ll include eggs with whatever veggies I have to add in. These are just a few ideas—but take what you love, throw it into ChatGPT and ask it to help you increase your recipe for certain macro nutrients you are currently missing. It’s a fun way to get thrifty and keep all the things you love as options!
Bonus: Start hydrating first thing in the morning! If you can fill up a water bottle first thing and begin sipping away, hydration will help to carry you through that dreaded mid-day slump!
Move
As often as possible, I do what I can to move every day. Especially in the morning when my schedule permits. This can look like so many things. Some mornings I turn on music & dance with the kids, others are more formal with my favorite workout program. I also love spending mornings taking the kids out on a walk.
One of the major reasons I love my current workout program is that the trainer — Meg Miles — is so good at reminding you of what I would call whole health. Exercising because you love your body & you’re grateful for all it does for you — not because you’re desperate to “fix it”. This mindset through movement builds true strength that energizes your body & mind for the day. It’s moving intentionally with optimism, and not desperately.
Cold Shower
Before you panic, I’ve never turned the water to cold and jumped right into the shower. Every day I take what I call my “contrast” shower. I take a nice hot shower, and end with about 20-30 seconds of cold. Why in the world endure such torture? ;) I’ve been doing this for well over a year now and have recognized a boost of energy, and one of the simplest ways to test my discipline daily.
What does research say? 20-30 seconds of cold water exposure daily can give you:
Alertness boost (immediate benefit)
Nervous system activation (gradually improving your stress response)
Habit of mental resilience (rolls over into discipline for the rest of your day, “I can do hard things”)
A few tips and tricks for making this happen.
Start with a short burst. Do 5 seconds one day, and gradually add time until you reach the 20-30 second mark.
Use the Mel Robbins countdown from five method. You’re never really ready — count down from five and turn the dial cold without a second thought!
Prepare your body for the shock. I typically do a deep belly breath and then a breath out right before the switch, tensing my abdominals and muscles in the process so the water can’t force the tension on me.
It Takes Energy to Make a House a Home
My husband was deployed for thirteen months. There were days that felt so long during that period. The big key for me was hacking my own energy so I could maintain the demands of everyday with two kids under three. It’s why I put so much time into making a program for you to build your home from the inside out — starting with your personal stewardship.
Our bodies are such an amazing gift! The more we care for them, the more we can care for those we love & the result is a house becoming a home. It doesn’t take just a few well-placed pictures and mindfully curated pieces of furniture to make a home — it takes a culture inside the four walls to be built. This culture begins with us! The women whose opportunity it is to make it all happen. These principles for energy have aided me in creating a true home for my family, as I show up with a little more intention every time I give from “my bucket” to those I love.
Where to Start:
One of the best ways to start building momentum is to re-evaluate your personal morning routine. I have a simple 6-step formula that I follow to fuel my body & spirit for the day. You can get that for free here!
Looking for more? If you’re looking for even more support in building better foundations for your homemaking, you may be interested in my Foundation First course. Here I’ll guide you through everything I’ve found that makes me a more capable manager & true creator of my home. It’s a fun self-discovery process that gives you everything you need to begin building a dream home from the inside out.
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Four free ways I’ve discovered carry my energy through the day so I can keep showing up as my best.