What things give you energy?

Tired of the grind? Discover what truly fuels your spirit and powers your purpose, beyond the caffeine crash and social media scroll. It’s time to intentionally invest in your fierce self.

We live in a world that constantly demands our energy. From the incessant pings of our phones to the ever-present pressure to do more, be more, achieve more, it’s easy to feel like you’re running on fumes before your Monday morning coffee has even kicked in. We, the Xennial generation, are particularly adept at this high-wire act. We straddle the analog grit of Gen X with the digital native hustle of Millennials. We remember dial-up, but we also live and breathe the algorithm. This unique position means our energy reservoirs are tapped from all angles, sometimes without us even realizing it.

So, what truly gives us energy? And I’m not talking about that fleeting jolt from an espresso shot or the temporary dopamine hit of a new notification. I’m talking about the deep, sustainable, soul-affirming kind of energy that allows you to show up, authentically and powerfully, in every facet of your life. It’s the kind of energy that fuels your passions, sustains your resilience, and allows you to build the life you truly desire.

This isn’t about some magical formula or a one-size-fits-all solution. This is about introspection, honest evaluation, and a bold commitment to yourself. Let’s peel back the layers and uncover what truly energizes the fierce woman within.

The Myth of Constant Output: Why We’re So Drained

Before we dive into solutions, let’s address the elephant in the room: why are we so perpetually tired? Part of it is systemic. We exist in a culture that glorifies busyness. Resting is often perceived as laziness, and self-care, while increasingly popular as a hashtag, is still often treated as a luxury rather than a necessity. We’re told to hustle, to grind, to be on, all the time. This relentless pursuit of productivity is a direct drain on our physical, mental, and emotional resources.

Then there’s the unique burden many of us carry as Black women. The weight of societal expectations, the emotional labor of navigating various spaces, the need to often be the strong one, the trailblazer, the advocate – all of this compounds the energy drain. We are constantly pouring into others, often leaving our own cups bone dry. It’s time to challenge this narrative. Your worth is not tied to your output. Your energy is finite, and it deserves to be protected and replenished.

Unearthing Your Energy Pillars: More Than Just Sleep

Okay, deep breaths. Let’s get strategic. What actually fills your tank? Here are some non-negotiables and surprising sources of sustainable energy that might just revolutionize your approach to daily life.

1. The Underrated Power of Authentic Connection

We are social creatures. While solitude is crucial (more on that later), genuine, unfiltered connection with people who see you and celebrate you is pure energetic gold. I’m talking about your ride-or-dies, your chosen family, the friends who will listen without judgment and uplift you without condition.

• Actionable Tip: Schedule intentional hangouts that aren’t centered around work or obligations. A long walk, a low-key brunch, a virtual catch-up where you genuinely ask “How are you doing?” and truly listen. Limit interactions with energy vampires – you know the ones. Your peace is paramount.

2. Movement That Feels Good (Forget the ‘Shoulds’)

For years, fitness was preached as a punishment for what we ate or a means to achieve an unrealistic body ideal. Forget that noise. Movement is a powerful energy generator when approached with joy and intention. It boosts endorphins, improves circulation, and helps clear mental fog.

• Actionable Tip: Find what genuinely makes your body feel alive. Is it dancing in your living room to your favorite throwback jams? A vigorous hike in nature? Yoga that stretches and strengthens? Or even just a brisk walk around your neighborhood while listening to a compelling podcast? Ditch the guilt, embrace the joy.

3. The Sweet Silence of Solitude & Reflection

In a world screaming for your attention, carving out moments of genuine solitude is an act of rebellion and a profound energy booster. This isn’t about isolation; it’s about intentional disconnection to reconnect with yourself. It’s where you can process thoughts, recharge your emotional battery, and hear your own inner wisdom.

• Actionable Tip: Block out 15-30 minutes daily for uninterrupted solo time. This could be journaling, meditating, reading a physical book, or simply sitting in silence with a cup of tea. Turn off all notifications. This is sacred time for you.

4. Fueling Your Body with Intention

We all know the basics: whole foods, hydration, limited processed junk. But beyond the generic advice, paying attention to how different foods make your body feel is key. That post-lunch slump isn’t always inevitable; sometimes it’s a sign you need to adjust what you’re consuming.

• Actionable Tip: Experiment. Try incorporating more nutrient-dense foods and notice the difference in your sustained energy levels. Hydration is critical – keep a water bottle handy. And don’t underestimate the power of a well-balanced meal that you genuinely enjoy. It’s not just about fuel; it’s about pleasure and nourishment.

5. Engaging Your Curiosity: Learning & Creating

When was the last time you learned something new purely for the joy of it? Or created something without the pressure of it being perfect or profitable? Engaging your mind in novel ways and allowing your creative spirit to flourish can be incredibly energizing. It pulls you out of routine and sparks a different part of your brain.

• Actionable Tip: Take an online course in something completely unrelated to your career. Pick up that instrument you always wanted to learn. Start a small creative project – sketching, writing poetry, trying a new recipe. The process, not the outcome, is the energy source here.

6. Boundaries: Your Energy’s Best Friend

This one is perhaps the most critical and often the most challenging. Saying “no” is not selfish; it is self-preservation. Boundaries protect your time, your emotional bandwidth, and ultimately, your energy. Without them, you become a sponge, absorbing everyone else’s demands until you’re wrung dry.

• Actionable Tip: Practice saying “no” to things that don’t align with your priorities or values. Start small: “I can’t commit to that right now,” or “Let me check my calendar and get back to you.” Set clear expectations with friends, family, and colleagues about your availability. Your peace is more important than someone else’s temporary convenience.

7. Decluttering Your Life (Physical & Digital)

A cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind, and a cluttered mind is an exhausted mind. This applies to both your physical environment and your digital landscape. The constant visual noise, the endless notifications, the thousands of unread emails – it all creates a subtle but persistent drain.

Actionable Tip: Dedicate 15 minutes a day to decluttering one small area, physical or digital. Unsubscribe from newsletters you don’t read. Delete apps you don’t use. Organize your desktop files. Clear off your nightstand. Each small act of decluttering creates a sense of order and lightness, freeing up mental energy.

The Fierce Imperative: Protecting Your Power

Ultimately, understanding what gives you energy is an ongoing journey of self-discovery. It requires paying attention, being honest with yourself, and making intentional choices. In a world that constantly asks you to expend your energy, choosing to replenish it is a fierce act of self-love and empowerment.

You are not designed to run on empty. You are designed to thrive, to innovate, to inspire, and to live a life rich with purpose and joy. But none of that is truly possible if your well is dry. So, take inventory. What genuinely lights you up? What leaves you feeling depleted? Be bold enough to lean into the former and gracefully release the latter. Your fierce energy is your power. Protect it. Nurture it. Unleash it.

References & Further Reading:

• Book: Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less by Alex Soojung-Kim Pang. (Explores the science behind rest and productivity)
• Article: “The Pillars of Social Connection” – Psychology Today
• Podcast: The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra Adachi (Offers practical, grace-filled approaches to managing life, often touching on energy and priorities. Listen on your preferred podcast platform).