Reclaiming Your Energy: Solutions for Women Struggling with Low Energy and Exercise Motivation

Why Am I So Tired? The Hidden Causes of Low Energy in Women

If you’ve ever found yourself wondering,
“Why am I so exhausted when I’ve barely done anything?” — you’re not alone.
Many women come to me feeling frustrated by their low energy, their body is speaking in whispers, asking for attention, nourishment, and deeper care.

Low energy doesn’t come out of nowhere. It’s often a quiet storm that's been brewing beneath the surface — a blend of hormones, stress, lifestyle patterns, and sometimes deeply-rooted emotional imprints. Our bodies are wise, and when energy is low, it’s not a failure — it’s feedback.

Nourishment, Not Just Food

You know I’m all about plant-based, whole-body nourishment — and here’s why: if your body isn’t getting the nutrients it needs (like iron, B12, magnesium), your cells simply can’t produce energy. You may be eating enough calories, but not enough information-rich foods. The right nutrition can literally turn the lights back on inside your body. Women experiencing low energy levels often find it challenging to maintain motivation for exercise.
However, by implementing a few simple lifestyle changes, it's possible to enhance energy levels significantly.
One essential aspect is adopting a balanced diet. I personally started incorporating more plant based, less or no dairy and avoid gluten, especially bread. We only started recently incorporating authentic sourdough occasionally.
If you suspect something is causing inflammation, go off it for a week or more then reintroduce it.
Inflammation causing foods are pretty well anything packaged on the shelves. Avoid seed oils at all costs.

Hydration is another critical factor in sustaining energy. Staying adequately hydrated allows the body to function optimally. Inadequate water intake can lead to feelings of lethargy and hinder overall performance, both mentally and physically. Aim for half your body weight in ounces a day with most of your water intake at the beginning of your day. Especially when you first rise.

Sleep also plays a pivotal role in energy management. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, creating a comfortable sleep environment, and avoiding screens before bed can promote restorative sleep. Set a goal for seven to nine hours of quality sleep per night, this is essential for replenishing energy levels and improving overall well-being. Many stand firm that they're night owls but that really only benefits owls. If you're true to your circadian rhythm you will rise with the sun and sleep when it sets. Eat only during daylight hours too.
These strategies for health infuse your body with new found energy I promise. New habits take a while to become a solid pattern, you'll be glad you did.
My skin looks amazing, my brain fog has almost completely gone away and my memory has made a striking come back.

Stress is a Thief
Stress isn’t just a mental experience — it lives in the body. It can show up as muscle tension, gut disruption, low libido, or chronic fatigue. When your nervous system is constantly on high alert, your energy reserve gets siphoned off just trying to cope. Over time, that becomes exhaustion masquerading as laziness — but it’s not laziness, it’s depletion.Lastly, incorporating physical activity into daily routines. Simple strategies such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, walking during breaks, or engaging in short bouts of exercise throughout the day can make a significant impact. These small changes gradually ease individuals into a more active lifestyle, ultimately leading to increased energy and motivation for further engagement in fitness activities. Do the park and walk instead of the drive through.
Sometimes fatigue is your body waving a red flag. Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism), iron-deficiency anemia, blood sugar imbalances — these can all silently siphon your vitality. If you’re gaining weight without explanation, feeling cold all the time, or dragging yourself through the day, it might be time to look deeper, not just push harder.

Making Exercise Enjoyable: Finding Your Motivation

To foster a positive relationship with exercise, it's essential to explore personalized workout strategies that elevate motivation. One fundamental approach is to identify activities that genuinely resonate with individual interests. Whether it is dancing, swimming, or hiking, discovering enjoyable forms of movement can significantly enhance enthusiasm for physical activity.

Setting achievable fitness goals also plays a crucial role in maintaining motivation. Instead of focusing on broad objectives such as "getting fit," individuals should aim for specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals. I teach yoga and yamuna body rolling in order to keep regular and accountable to myself.
I also have a couple different types of daily exercise I do that for me are non negotiable. When you do it long enough you'll arrive at a day when not doing is not an option.
My day just doesn't go the same way if I don't do my routine. I have ones that are a few minutes to twenty minutes. And especially the days I'm teaching, I do it before students arrive.
Time constraints often deter from fitting physical activity into their busy schedules. Overcome this by integrating short bursts of movement throughout the day, such as taking the stairs or engaging in brief workouts. Creating a supportive environment plays a pivotal role as well; surrounding oneself with encouraging friends or joining group classes can provide the necessary encouragement and accountability.

Ultimately, finding joy in movement is about experimenting and allowing oneself to explore various avenues of fitness. Breaking the monotony is essential—trying new classes, revisiting old hobbies, and keeping an open mind towards different forms of exercise can rekindle motivation significantly. By adopting these strategies, women can transform their exercise experience into a source of joy and energy, ultimately reclaiming their vitality.

The Role of Community and Support Systems

Engaging with others who share similar health and fitness goals can significantly enhance an individual’s commitment to maintaining an active lifestyle. Group workouts foster a sense of camaraderie among participants, making the experience not only enjoyable also more invigorating. The collective energy of a group can serve as a powerful motivator, driving individuals to push through barriers they might struggle with alone.

Having an exercise buddy can provide essential accountability. This bond encourages sharing challenges, celebrating successes, and providing mutual support, which can be incredibly rewarding. Moreover, the social aspect of exercising with a buddy can reduce feelings of isolation, thereby enhancing overall well-being.

I love all the online support networks that have popped up. I spend more time there than in person social settings.
They're valuable resources for women facing challenges with energy and motivation. Virtual communities, often formed around specific fitness goals or lifestyle changes, enable individuals to connect with like-minded women from various backgrounds. You can share your journey, exchange tips, receive encouragement.

Low energy is not a character flaw. It’s a clue
Often it's an invitation to tune into your body with more curiosity and compassion.
When we learn to decode these signals, we begin to reclaim our vitality — not by doing more,
but by honoring what our body has been trying to say all along..

🌸 Your Gentle Energy Reset Checklist

✅ Wake with Intention
Before reaching for your phone, place one hand on your heart, one on your belly. Breathe in: “I am allowed to rest. I am allowed to rise.”

✅ Hydrate Like a Goddess
Begin your day with warm water, fresh lemon, and a pinch of sea salt or a splash of apple cider vinegar — awaken digestion and replenish minerals.

✅ Move Consciously
10–15 minutes of yoga, stretching, or body rolling — connect with how your body feels today. Let movement be a conversation, not a punishment.

✅ Eat from the Earth
Choose plant-powered meals that are rich in color, fiber, and whole ingredients. Think: greens, seeds, legumes, sweet potatoes, berries. Nourish your cells, not just your cravings.

✅ Evening Unplug Ritual
An hour before bed, dim the lights. Sip herbal tea. Journal. Stretch. Unwind without screens. Invite stillness to do her work.