Wired? Tired? Find Your Balance

When we hear the phrase energy balance, the technical definition usually comes to mind: the balance between energy intake (what we eat) and energy expenditure (what we burn).

It’s a scale — and tipping too far in either direction can impact everything from metabolism to mood.

After years of navigating work, motherhood, and life in general, I’ve learned that energy balance, simply being and feeling balanced, is about so much more than the technical scientific equation cited above.

It’s about how we show up in life. How we protect and replenish our energy — physically, emotionally, socially, and spiritually — so we can thrive instead of just push through.

Here are a few ways I think about balance in real life:

Life Balance
When I became a mother, I restructured my career around a three-day work week. It wasn’t easy, but it gave me the space to be fully present with my kids while continuing to contribute professionally. It required intention, boundaries, and a strong sense of what mattered most to me at that time.  That, too, is energy balance.

Social Balance
We are balanced when we enjoy the company of others and honor our need for solitude. Both connection and quiet time are forms of nourishment - knowing when we need each is part of staying grounded.

Physical & Nutritional Balance
On a physical level, energy balance means supporting your body with enough protein, eating the rainbow of whole foods to get vital micronutrients, and minimizing toxic exposures that can deplete energy at a cellular level. 

It’s not about perfection — it’s about being aware and intentional.

Movement Balance
Exercise should energize us, not exhaust us. 

That means building a weekly mix: steady-state like walking or biking, some strength training, a bit of heart-pumping cardio, some stretching and balance work.  

You define what works best for you - and designing a routine of movement that feels like play is a great strategy - whether that’s pickleball, dancing, swimming, gardening, nature hikes …  (this list can be long - variety is good!). 

When movement is joyful and varied, it supports longevity and lifts your mood. 

Gone are the days that having a “good workout” meant that you felt totally depleted. Remember “no pain, no gain?” 

Push that thought aside. 

Rather than depleted - your work-outs should leave you ready for the rest of your day.  Feeling balanced and energized.

Mental & Emotional Balance
When we start the day grounded — with a calming morning routine, a few deep breaths, a walk, or time to simply be — we’re not just caring for our mental health, we’re setting ourselves up for better focus and resilience. 

Balance means not rushing headlong into the chaos, but pausing to root ourselves first.

I believe a solid morning routine is one of the most important things we can do for our wellness and and to achieve good balanced energy for the rest of the day.

Rest vs. Productivity
In a world that glorifies hustle, true energy balance requires us to restwithout guilt. Not every moment needs to be filled. Rest is not a reward — it’s a requirement.

I certainly need to remind myself of this … and remember that being idle doesn't mean not being productive. 

Digital Balance
We can’t talk about energy without talking about our screens. They steal our attention, fragment our thoughts, and often leave us overstimulated. 

Creating balance might mean setting screen-time limits, turning off notifications, or giving yourself tech-free windows each day.

Purpose and Play
Don’t forget play. 

Balance isn’t just about managing responsibilities — it’s about delight. Letting yourself laugh, explore, dance, or do something purely because it brings you joy -  is one of the most replenishing things you can do for your energy. 

A Thought to Carry With You This Week:
Being in energy balance is about living in a way that sustains you. It’s not about perfect harmony in every area, but about small, consistent course corrections that bring you back to your center.

Reflection Prompt:

Where in your life do you feel in balance right now — and where do things feel just a little bit off?

Choose one small area to realign this week. 

Maybe it’s slowing down your morning.
Or creating/locking in a sustainable morning routine.
Or adding a walk after dinner. 
Or calling a friend you miss. 
Or turning off your phone an hour earlier.
Or try a new recipe that looks both delicious and nutritious.

Balance isn’t a destination — it’s a practice.