|
Arete Warriors – spirit, mind, body strong
|
|
|
The Woman You Want To Be Has Energy
We’ve been talking about resolutions and the importance of making them identity-based.
Today, we have the “yeah, but” part. Deciding who you want to become is important, but it takes more than a decision.
Self-discovery, determination, and self-discipline matter. But there’s something else we haven’t discussed yet: the capacity to behave in alignment with that identity.
Not just knowing what to do, but actually being able to do it.
You have to know what to do, how to do it and maybe most importantly, have the energy and desire to follow through.
Let me give you an example.
Nadia is a diver. She wants to be a “better” diver. Perhaps a really good diver some day. So we are investing our time, money and energy into diving lessons.
We drive an hour, each way, four times a week (when we’re able to make all the practices). But lately, she has lacked the energy required to even make it through a practice.
Last night, she wanted to leave after the warm up.
She’s been fighting illness after illness and excessive fatigue.
Part of me wants to tell her to just toughen up. “Power through!” That’s what WE do as moms right?
But luckily, I also believe in the importance of vitality. Especially when you’re 12.
We’ve “complained” of regular stomach aches and fatigue to our general doctor for years.
I’ve been called in for the proverbial “slap on the wrist” at her new school because this fall she missed 10 days. I felt silly telling them, “You think YOU’RE sick and tired!”
When you finally get disgusted enough with your situation, you do something different.
I brought her in to an integrative medicine place for a complete check up over Christmas break. Her blood work gave us some clues that we are pursuing and for the first time in years, I am hopeful that we may be able to find the root cause of her issues.
It doesn’t matter how good her coach is, how hard she tries, or how much money I spend on the lessons, if she doesn’t have the energy to carry out the instructions.
Feeling GOOD, having enough energy, is perhaps my biggest passion in all the topics we cover here. The truth is, none of my advice matters if you don’t FEEL GOOD enough to employ it.
Let’s Prepare – the warm up
Many beat themselves up for being “lazy”, lacking discipline, or their inability to motivate themselves to do what they’re “supposed” to do, but what if they just don’t have the energy?
There are many reasons why one’s fatigue might be stronger than their will to change.
Many of you know how I was sick for seven years. Nearly every video of Izak when he was young has the proof. I’m the videographer (of course) and so hoarse or hacking up a lung, it almost ruins how cute he was.
My coughing attacks were so bad I cracked 3 ribs.
I will spare you the details but I eventually learned I had Leaky Gut. Eggs and almonds were killing me.
Leaky Gut happens when your stomach lining becomes porous allowing toxins, undigested food and microbes to leak into your blood stream creating an immune response that can manifest in many different ways including digestive issues, trouble focusing, headaches, fatigue, joint pain, skin issues and in my case, continual sickness and trouble getting pregnant.
The overall lesson from this was, what you eat matters. And what’s “good” for one person, is not necessarily good for another.
If you are not feeling awesome, here are more common culprits to consider.
Blood sugar chaos (aka “Why you’re exhausted by 2pm”)
Common signs
- Afternoon crashes
- Irritability when meals are delayed
- “I eat healthy but I’m still tired”
What to look at
- Skipping protein at breakfast
- Living on coffee + adrenaline
- Constant grazing instead of real meals
Measures to suggest
- Protein-forward breakfast (30–40g)
- Fewer processed carbs, more balanced meals
- Fasting only if energy is stable (this is where moms get burned)
If your blood sugar is on a roller coaster, your motivation will be too.
Iron, B12, ferritin & oxygen delivery (Especially for moms.)
Low energy isn’t always “stress.” Sometimes it’s physics. No iron = less oxygen = fatigue.
Measures
- Full iron panel (not just hemoglobin)
- Ferritin (this is the one most doctors skip)
- B12, folate
You can’t out-mindset low oxygen.
Thyroid function (not just TSH!)
So many women are told, “Your thyroid is normal” when it’s barely functioning for their body.
Signs
- Fatigue + cold intolerance
- Brain fog
- Weight changes despite consistency
Measures
- Full thyroid panel (TSH, Free T3, Free T4, antibodies if warranted)
- Consider stress impact—thyroid and cortisol are roommates
Chronic inflammation & gut dysfunction
Signs
- Recurring illness
- Food sensitivities
- Bloating, reflux, chronic cough, skin issues
- Fatigue that sleep doesn’t fix
Measures
- Gut-focused evaluation (stool testing if appropriate)
- Temporary elimination diets (not forever—strategically)
- Reducing ultra-processed foods
If your gut is inflamed, your immune system is on overdrive and fatigue is the cost.
Sleep quality (not just hours)
Moms often technically sleep… but don’t recover.
Signs
- Waking tired
- Needing caffeine immediately
- Energy dips despite 7–8 hours
Measures
- Sleep timing consistency
- Evening light exposure
- Alcohol check (yes, even “just one”)
- Magnesium, glycine
- Bedtime routines
Sleep is where energy is manufactured. You can’t borrow it forever.
Chronic stress & cortisol mismanagement (The sneaky one)
This isn’t “you’re stressed, relax.” This is your nervous system stuck in survival mode.
Signs
- Wired but tired
- Trouble resting
- Crashing after pushing through
Measures
- Nervous system regulation (breath work, walking, sunlight)
- Less HIIT, more strength + zone 2
- Actual rest—not doom-scrolling
Willpower is a terrible long-term fuel source.
Let’s Work – the exercise
Before you decide you need more discipline, ask yourself a better question: “Is my body even capable of the energy I’m demanding from it?”
Energy isn’t a personality trait—it’s a biological resource.
This is a chicken or egg scenario. Many of us think our energy will come back WHEN we “get ourselves together”, but we NEED THE ENERGY TO “get ourselves together” in the first place.
You’re a smart mama. Get quiet and be honest. What do you need? What is your body begging for? If you don’t know, maybe it’s time for a complete blood panel or at least a visit with your doctor.
And if they tell you “This is just part of getting older” walk out and never go back. Find a better doctor.
