The Energy Crash After the Sprint
The Christmas and New Year’s holidays just wrapped up, and for many of us, it’s okay to feel emotionally tired. It’s okay to need to put yourself first.
For me, the previous three weeks were incredibly energized and productive. I accomplished so many things I’d been wanting to tackle, in addition to laying the foundation for my new role. I felt on fire—clear, focused, momentum building.
Then I woke up one day and just felt disconnected.
Not sad. Not burned out. Just… off.
And here’s what I want you to know: It’s normal to have days that are not 100%.
When Rest Becomes Your Job
When these days happen, it’s important to treat recovery like your job. Self-care is a non-negotiable if you want to keep going after your goals.
On this “off” day, I still had to go to work. But my focus shifted. I wasn’t trying to be over the top (and I’m talking to my fellow overachievers here, where 100% can feel like bare minimum). I accomplished my tasks—cleanly, competently—and then I stopped pushing.
Here’s what I prioritized instead:
- Nutrition and hydration. I made sure I was fueling my body properly, not just grabbing whatever was convenient.
- A calm walk. Fresh air. Movement without pressure.
- Reading a book in the evening. Something that let my brain settle instead of scroll.
- A few cuddles with the dog. (This might have helped the most.)
And you know what? That was enough.
It’s Temporary—And That’s the Point
Maybe you need to do this for a day. Maybe two. Maybe a week.
Just know: It’s only temporary, and you’ll be back to yourself in no time.
The key is recognizing when you need the pause and giving yourself permission to take it without guilt, shame, or the story that you’re “falling behind.”
You’re not falling behind. You’re recharging.
And recharging is what allows you to keep showing up with intention, consistency, and energy over the long haul.
Rest Is Part of the Foundation
If you’ve been following the Foundations of Success series, you know that Awareness is the first building block. And one of the most important things awareness does? It tells you when to push—and when to pause.
Willingness means being willing to rest, even when it feels uncomfortable.
Intention means choosing rest on purpose, not collapsing into it out of depletion.
Accountability is owning that you need the pause and not forcing yourself to perform when your body and mind are asking for something else.
Consistency includes consistently honoring your need for recovery.
Rest isn’t the opposite of productivity. It’s part of it.
What Rest and Recharge Look Like
Rest doesn’t always mean doing nothing. Sometimes it means doing things that replenish instead of depleting.
Here are some intentional moments you can prioritize to keep your energy sustained:
Physical Rest
- Sleep an extra hour (or go to bed early without guilt)
- Take a nap if your schedule allows
- Gentle movement: walking, stretching, yoga
Mental Rest
- Step away from screens
- Read fiction (not work-related content)
- Listen to music, a podcast, or an audiobook that brings you joy
- Journal without an agenda—just write what’s on your mind
Emotional Rest
- Say no to something you don’t have capacity for
- Spend time with people who energize you (not drain you)
- Cuddle with a pet, hold a warm drink, sit in stillness
Creative Rest
- Look at art, nature, or beauty without needing to produce anything
- Let your mind wander without solving problems
- Engage in a hobby with no performance pressure (cook, paint, play music, garden)
A Question for You
What are some of the activities you do to rest and recharge?
What intentional moments do you prioritize to keep your energy replenished?
Because here’s the truth: You can’t pour from an empty cup. And you can’t build a foundation on exhausted ground.
So if today—or this week—you need to pause, pause.
Give yourself permission. Treat it like your job. And trust that the rest you take now will fuel the consistency and intention you bring tomorrow.
Final Thought
High achievers often struggle with rest because it feels like stopping. But rest isn’t stopping—it’s strategic recovery.
And the most successful, resilient people I know? They’ve learned that rest is not a reward for working hard. It’s a requirement for continuing to work well.
So take the pause. Honor the disconnection. And know that you’ll be back to yourself—recharged, refocused, and ready—in no time.
Authentic Evolution Journey 