What or who is draining your energy?

And what and who boosts it?

Photo by Joe Caione on Unsplash

“Energy is the currency of the universe.” – Oprah Winfrey

This November, we are taking a gentle look at our "life tanks" in the Heart Leap universe. As writers, our life tanks —love, energy, money, time—are a vital source of fuel for our creativity and our lives.

So over the month of November, we are exploring what “not enough,” “enough,” and “more than enough” feel like in each area, discovering what balance might looks like when each tank is full, low, or even overfilled.

This week, let’s dive into our energy “life tank.” Just as with time, love, and money, energy is a resource that keeps us moving from A to B. But how often do we actually pause to consider what "enough" energy really looks like for us?

What is “Not Enough” Energy?

We probably all know the feeling of running on empty. Maybe it’s those afternoons when even coffee isn’t cutting it, or the mornings that require sheer willpower just to get out of bed. Not enough energy feels like we’re trudging through each task, struggling to stay present, and constantly pushing through fatigue. It can be a signal from our bodies telling us to slow down, but if you’re anything like me, you might ignore it and instead of taking breaks, push yourself harder.

"Not enough" energy shows up in different ways: maybe it’s the exhaustion after spending time with people who deplete us, or the burnout that comes from piling on commitments without boundaries. When our energy tank is low, everything feels harder, and even the smallest tasks become mountains to climb.

What is “Enough” Energy?

Enough energy isn’t about feeling supercharged all the time. Instead, it’s the steady, sustainable flow that lets us move through our day with ease. With enough energy, we can get from A to B without collapsing at the end of the day. This "just right" zone allows us to feel alert and engaged without the jittery push of caffeine or the constant need to recharge.

When we have enough energy, we feel capable. There’s space to give our full attention to what matters and enough left over to support ourselves through challenges. We’re balanced, prepared, and able to navigate unexpected moments without feeling drained.

What is “More Than Enough” Energy?

More than enough energy feels fantastic—think of those days when you feel fully alive, inspired, and capable of taking on the world. Maybe it’s after a good night’s sleep, a nourishing meal, or a conversation with someone who lights you up. It’s when your tank is so full that you’re not only meeting your needs but have a little extra to give. This surplus is what lets us pursue passions, start new projects, or spontaneously connect with others.

Boosting, Sustaining, and Preserving Energy

So as creatives, how do we keep our energy tank balanced? I think many of us in the Heart Leap Community are creative and it’s essential to understand what drains, boosts, and sustains us and our creative processes.

Take a look at your day-to-day activities. What people, foods, or routines give you energy, and which ones leave you feeling zapped and trapped? Energy drainers might include obligations we resent, stressful environments, or even certain foods that leave us sluggish. Energy boosters, on the other hand, could be things like nutritious meals, regular dog walks or time with uplifting people.

It’s good to identify if you’re a extrovert or introvert - I love the Myers Briggs system which helps you figure out where you get your energy from - time alone or other people. (I’m a raving extrovert and too much time alone drains my energy and makes me feel like a sad slug)

And there’s the obvious things that I’ve been writing about for 30 years that I know are good for my energy but still struggle to put in place most of the time. Ha!

But you know the drill. Sustaining our energy often requires simple, consistent habits: staying hydrated, setting boundaries, prioritising rest, and saying no when we need to protect our reserves. When we learn to recognise these sources, we gain the ability to manage our energy more effectively, filling up when necessary and avoiding unnecessary drains. If you are neurodiverse - there may be some anomalies (ie. drinking lots of coffee can make you feel calm versus jangling….) so not all one size fits all. But it’s definitely worth exploring a set of tools and strategies which helps you sustain energy. For me, drinking enough water, journalling first thing and not eating gluten are non negotiable.

Journal Prompt

This week, consider your own energy tank. What are your biggest energy drainers and boosters? Where do you feel you have “enough,” and where do you feel “not enough”? Write down three actions you could take to maintain a steady, sustainable flow of energy this week.