Why you’re "dragging yourself through the week" (and 7 ways to start feeling like yourself again).
We’ve all been there.
You’re sitting at your desk, or maybe standing in the kitchen, and you realize you’re just... stuck.
You are successful. But lately, it feels less like a life and more like a long list of chores.
When you are the "Strong One" everyone relies on, your own well-being usually ends up at the bottom of the to-do list.
But you can't keep giving from an empty cup, can you?
The Hidden Cost of "Being Fine"
High-achieving women are masters of pushing through pressure even when we're exhausted.
But when you stay in that mode for too long, the "happy chills" and the zest for life will eventually go missing.
This often happens because we've been conditioned to look for joy in the "next big win."
We think, "I'll be happy when I get that promotion" or "I'll relax after this project."
7 Practical Shifts to Reset Your Energy
These are small, concrete shifts you can start practicing today to interrupt the fog and clear the mental clutter from your day:
Reclaim Your Power of Choice: Pay attention to how often you say “I have to.” Every time you say it, you steal your own power. Try swapping it with: “I am choosing to do this because I prefer the outcome.” It’s a subtle shift that puts you back in the driver’s seat.
The Heart-Center Reset: When you feel that tightening in your chest, stop. Place a hand over your heart. Take three deep breaths, expanding your belly, and exhale with a sigh (or a grunt, whatever feels good!). This is the fastest way to signal to your body that the "crisis" is over.
Check Your Internal Battery: Before saying "yes" to another social obligation or work task, ask your heart: “Do I actually have the energy for this?” If you feel a physical constriction or a "stomach gurgle," that’s a signal that your system needs a break. Honoring that signal is how you protect your long-term well-being
Defragment Your Brain: We often feel overwhelmed because we have "50 open tabs" in our minds. Take two minutes to write down every tiny task, worry, or "to-do" onto a physical piece of paper. Getting it out of your head stops the mental spinning and lets your brain breathe.
Identify the "Jester-man": We all have an inner critic (I call mine the Jester-man). He’s the one whispering that you’re boring people or that you’re "too old" to start something new. When you hear that negative chatter, recognize it for what it is: a ridiculous bully that doesn't deserve your attention.
Hydrate Your Focus: It’s simple science. Brain fog is often worsened by physical dehydration and the hormones triggered by chronic stress. Drink a full glass of water and take a 2-minute "quiet break" before you reach for more caffeine.
The Morning/Evening Gratitude Audit: Every morning and evening, write down three different things you are grateful for. Not just "my dog," but specifics, the color of the sunrise, a kind word from a colleague, or the fact that you paid your bills. This increases the "feel-good" hormones (like dopamine and serotonin) that allow your body to heal.
The Reality Check
You weren't put on this earth just to be "productive."
Taking care of your mental well-being isn't a luxury you earn after the work is finished; it is the very thing that allows you to show up as the person you actually want to be.
Real strength is having the wisdom to put the bags down for a moment so you can catch your breath and remember who you are.
Take the Emergency Brake: Your Personalized Reset Plan
I know that even a list of seven things can feel like "one more thing to do" when you’re already depleted. You might be thinking, "Lori, this sounds nice, but I don't have time to add more to my plate."
That’s exactly why the "Burnout Bus" Call exists.
This isn't an abstract chat about "finding your flow." It is a 20-minute strategy session where we get down to brass tacks.
During our call, we will pinpoint the single biggest drain on your energy right now and I will give you the exact tool to stop it.
You’ll leave the call with a clear answer and a concrete next step so you can stop dragging yourself through the week and start actually living it.