The Health Habits That Helped Me Feel Energised Again – And How You Can Start Today

For years, I was running on empty.
Busy, always moving, overdoing cardio and daily activity – but tired in a way I couldn’t quite explain.
And for a long time, I thought that was just how it had to be as a busy working mum.

But slowly, I started shifting things. And over time, those small changes created big transformations in my energy, confidence, and the way I show up every day.

This isn’t about perfection or waking up one day as a new woman.
It’s about rebuilding from the inside out – with healthy habits that stick.

Here’s what I changed at the beginning of my journey – and what I now share with women who are ready to feel better, think clearer, and live with more joy and energy.

1. I Prioritised Whole Foods – Especially at Breakfast

Breakfast used to be rushed or skipped completely.
Most mornings, I’d just grab my favourite oat cappuccino on the go and hope for the best.

But when I started giving my body what it actually needed – real food – I noticed a shift.
Simple meals with protein, fibre, and healthy fats: eggs with greens, porridge with berries, smoothies packed with goodness.

Almost immediately, my energy felt steadier, cravings reduced, and the mid-morning crash disappeared.
Fuel your body with purpose, and it will give back.

2. I Started Hydrating with Purpose

Water used to be an afterthought. But when I began making hydration a focus, things shifted.

I now start every morning with warm lemon water – a grounding ritual that sets the tone for my day.
I carry water everywhere and often add electrolytes, herbs, or citrus to keep it interesting and enjoyable.

Since making this change, my skin feels brighter, my digestion has improved, and that afternoon fog has lifted.

3. I Let Go of the Need to “Push” Every Time

As a keen runner, I loved chasing personal bests, training harder, going further.
But eventually, that mindset left me wired and exhausted.
Movement stopped feeling joyful, and the Strava stats became more annoying than helpful.

So I gave myself permission to move in different ways.
Yes, I still run – but I also walk, strength train, play tennis, stretch, and take yoga classes.
I let go of the guilt and stopped tying my worth to achievement.

And just like that, I started enjoying movement again. My body felt lighter, stronger, and more mine.

4. I Rebuilt My Connections

When you’re constantly tired, social plans can feel overwhelming.
But saying no too often left me feeling flat and disconnected.

So I flipped it. I started saying yes more – to a walk with a friend, a quick chat after school drop-off, a spontaneous coffee.
Nothing dramatic. Just small, nourishing moments of being seen and heard.

Those conversations lifted me. They reminded me who I was outside of the busyness.
Connection gave me emotional energy I didn’t even realise I was missing.

5. I Got Better at Saying NO (and YES)

This was a game-changer.

I started saying no to things that drained me – even if they looked good on paper.
No to commitments made out of guilt or habit.
No to the pressure to be “on” all the time.

And in doing that, I created space to say YES – to rest, joy, curiosity, and the things that genuinely lit me up.

Energy isn’t just physical. It’s emotional, too.
And learning to protect it changed everything.

6. I Shifted My Mindset – From All-or-Nothing to Progress Over Perfection

This was the invisible thread running through it all.

I stopped waiting for the “perfect time.”
I let go of the belief that I had to get everything right before I started.

Instead, I began asking, How do I want to feel?
Then I took small, imperfect steps towards that feeling – one day at a time.

I wanted to feel proud. Strong. Calm. Clear.
And that mindset didn’t just change my habits – it changed my identity.

I stopped being someone who was “trying to be healthy.”
I became someone who chooses health daily – because it makes life better.

You Can Start Today – Even If Life Feels Full-On

If you’re stuck in the cycle of tiredness, quick fixes, and wondering where your spark went… I promise, you’re not alone.

And you don’t need to overhaul everything. You just need to begin.

Start with water. Or breakfast. Or a boundary.
Start by walking instead of scrolling.
Start by asking what you need – and then doing one thing that honours that need.

This isn’t about changing who you are.
It’s about returning to the woman you were always meant to be – energised, connected, and thriving.

Your energy is closer than you think.
And once you feel it? You’ll never want to go back.

Reach out to me at nicola@nicolaeastwoodhealth.com if you wish to discuss how I can help you on your own journey to lasting energy. I would love to hear form you. x