In the teaching world, sometimes stress feels like a badge of honor—like you know you’re a good teacher if you’re stressing about meeting all your students’ needs, dealing with disruptive behavior, wondering how you’ll cover all the material in time, and having a mound of grading to tend to.

But that mindset shifted dramatically after witnessing the transformations of clients who dared to approach stress differently. They, too, believed stress was an inevitable side effect of success, until we introduced methods rooted in mindfulness, nervous system regulation, nutrition, and joyful movement — strategies far removed from the usual “manage your time better” advice. Their energy levels flourished without the crippling side effects of chronic stress because it wasn’t about finding more hours in the day but enhancing the quality of each hour. Their success stories prove that redefining our relationship with stress is possible and essential for sustaining our healthiest lives.

THE HOLISTIC APPROACH TO IMPROVED ENERGY

It’s common to hear that diet and exercise are the cornerstones of health. While these elements are undoubtedly crucial, the story of our energy is far more complex and nuanced.

1. The Fuel We Choose: What we eat significantly impacts our energy. Nutrient-rich whole foods provide the raw materials our bodies need to produce energy, support cellular repair, and manage stress. However, it’s not just about what we eat (which is different for every body type) but also how we eat. Mindful eating practices help us tune into our body’s needs, promoting better digestion and absorption of nutrients.

2. The Rest We Embrace: Quality sleep is the foundation of our body’s ability to regenerate. During those precious hours of rest, our bodies repair, our hormones balance, and our energy reserves replenish. Prioritizing sleep hygiene—maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, creating a restful environment, and allowing for 7-9 hours of sleep—can significantly boost your daily energy levels. Plus, crafting a simple ritual that brings you joy is fun!

3. The Emotions We Process: Our emotional landscape is deeply tied to our energy. Chronic stress, unresolved emotions, and mental fatigue can drain our resources. Learning to process emotions healthily—through practices like nervous system regulation, journaling, and mindfulness—helps us process emotional burdens and rejuvenate our energy.

4. The Relationships We Cultivate: The energy of the people around us influences our own. Nurturing supportive, positive relationships feeds our soul and energizes us, while toxic connections can leave us drained. Fostering community and connection is vital for our emotional and energetic well-being.

5. The Life We Lead: Our career, financial health, and overall satisfaction with life play significant roles in our energy levels. Aligning our daily work with our values, managing financial stress, and finding joy and purpose in our activities contribute to a sense of fulfillment and vitality.

To live a life we feel good about, we must look begin with the physical and go on to address the emotional, relational, and spiritual aspects of our well-being too.

Remember, energy is not just about the absence of fatigue; it’s about the presence of vitality, joy, and a zest for life. How will you take steps to support your energy this week?