This blog post has been written based on the transcript from a recent podcast episode (which you can listen to using the links at the bottom of the blog).
I’m doing something different today – stepping a little out of my comfort zone – because I feel compelled to share something important with you. As I record this, I’m out walking in the woods, a place where I often find clarity and inspiration. Today, I want to talk about something crucial: the power of stepping away from your desk to reclaim your energy, focus, and creativity.
The Wake-Up Call: When Inspiration Fails to Flow
Yesterday was a tough day. I attended the funeral of a school friend who passed away unexpectedly. I couldn’t be there in person, but I tuned into the livestream, which was a beautiful way to say goodbye. Between the emotions of the day and the fact that I was tied to my desk for hours, I felt stuck. My energy was low, my creativity nonexistent, and I couldn’t focus on the tasks at hand.
I had every intention of making progress on my work, but instead, I felt drained. I kept trying to force productivity, hoping that something would shift if I just pushed harder. But it didn’t. By the end of the day, I realised the real reason behind my lack of inspiration: I had spent too much time in one place, disconnected from movement, nature, and real-life interactions.
The Power of Movement and Nature
If you’ve been following me for any length of time, you know I get outside every single day. My dog ensures that I take daily walks, but lately, I’ve been sticking to the same predictable routes. What I hadn’t been doing was getting out into new environments—places that truly ignite my energy.
This morning, while journaling, I was reminded of something simple yet powerful: movement is key. Not just any movement, but movement that shifts your environment, your mindset, and your energy. So, I listened to that nudge and took myself to the woods, and as soon as I got here, I felt the shift.
For me, being outside is one of the essential tools that keeps me in flow. It supports my energy levels, my mood, my clarity, and my ability to create. And I know that movement isn’t just beneficial for me – it’s something I see in my clients, too. When they move their bodies more, they feel their energy levels rise. It’s not just about physical energy; it’s about mental clarity, motivation, and reconnecting with a deeper sense of self.
Finding Your Energy Source
We often convince ourselves that productivity is about sitting at our desks and grinding through tasks. But the truth is, forcing yourself to stay put when your energy is low only leads to frustration and burnout. The real magic happens when you step away and give yourself permission to recharge.
That doesn’t necessarily mean hiking in the woods. It could be:
- Taking a short walk after lunch, even if it’s just around your garden
- Meeting a friend for coffee and an inspiring conversation
- Changing up your workspace – working from a coffee shop or a different room in your house
- Engaging in a creative activity that has nothing to do with work, like painting, reading, or playing an instrument
Whatever it is, the key is movement and variety. Your body, mind, and spirit thrive on shifts in energy and perspective.
The Science of Energy Shifts
There’s a reason why stepping outside, moving your body, and connecting with new environments works. Studies have shown that:
- Exposure to nature reduces stress and improves cognitive function
- Physical movement increases blood flow to the brain, boosting focus and creativity
- Social interactions with like-minded people enhance motivation and energy levels
When you combine these factors, you create a powerful reset for your mind and body. Instead of forcing productivity, you allow inspiration to flow naturally.
The Myth of ‘More Hours = More Success’
One of the biggest mindset shifts I had to make in my journey was letting go of the guilt associated with stepping away from my desk. I used to believe that if I wasn’t actively working, I wasn’t making progress. But what I’ve learned – and what I see in my clients – is that the more you take care of your energy, the more productive and effective you become.
Sitting at your desk from 9 to 5 without breaks does not guarantee success. In fact, it often leads to procrastination, distraction, and low-quality work. The most impactful actions – the big, bold, courageous moves – come when you allow yourself to step away, reset, and return with fresh energy.
A Challenge for You
So here’s my challenge: step away. Today. Right now.
Find a way to shift your energy, whether it’s a walk, a conversation, or simply moving to a different space. Notice how it affects your mood, your clarity, and your ability to focus when you return to your work. And then, do it consistently. Make it a non-negotiable part of your day.
Your Energy Creates Your Business
Everything you do to take care of yourself feeds directly into your business and life. Your energy is what people connect with. They aren’t just buying your services – they’re buying YOU. Your passion, your clarity, your enthusiasm. And that means that prioritising your energy isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
So, tell me – what’s one small shift you’re going to make today to reclaim your energy? I’d love to hear from you. Let’s keep this conversation going and support each other in making these shifts a part of our daily lives.
As always, this is shared with love, compassion, and zero judgment. If you haven’t been doing this, don’t beat yourself up. Just start. Start small, but start today. And if this resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it.
Your energy matters. Your creativity matters. Your well-being matters. And when you take care of those things, everything else falls into place.
If this blog has resonated with you, you might also what to read these ones:
- Why I Have Ditched the Word Resolution (And Why You Should Too)
- Rewrite Your Narrative: The Power of Choosing a New Story
- The One Question That Will Change Everything
- Your Health Matters More Than Your Business (Yes, Really!)
And if you prefer to listen to this in audio form, you can find my podcast on this exact topic on Spotify here and on Apple Podcasts here.