"I'm too busy to rest" is just not the vibe anymore.

2024 taught me that: “I’ll rest later” is just code for “I’ll regret it soon.” Last December I needed holidays so badly, for the very first time in my life I was that exhausted, making silly mistakes left and right, not as productive as I remembered that I was (had that been an illusion from my mind?), and not even looking as good as I like to (indeed, my inner diva was crying).

I started looking for something to blame during my much-needed vacation.

• Was it my gym workouts? Girl, no. I’ve done way more intense routines in the past without feeling this drained.
• Was it my social life that was not plenty enough? Definitely not. I laugh way too much with them for this to be the issue.
• Was it my new job? Should I move to another city? Maybe it’s just… ageing? Nope, nope, nope.

So, who was the criminal mastermind that was making me this tired and in such a need of holidays? For my surprise: It was only me.

I made my biggest planning mistake: I stopped making time for rest and to feed my curious-creative side; two main things that refill my energy. Let me tell you that realizing is hard, and even harder to admit.

So, if you’re still reading and vibing with this, (look at you, taking care of your well-being ??), here are the 14 steps to fuel yourself like a pro that I will use?to avoid this happening again. This started as a note on my phone, but I thought it could be worth sharing if I gave it a bit of shape:

1. Sit with it. Sit with the silence. Yes, it’ll be uncomfortable, but face the fact that you’re the only one responsible for your well-being. And that yes, you can change being tired, or unmotivated.
2. Ask yourself tough questions. What’s making me irritable? Why was I thriving before? Why don’t I enjoy this anymore? Be brutally honest ?or, if you dare, let also someone else be honest for you.
3. Feeling like you need naps constantly? That’s a red flag your body is waving at you.
4. Make list of those different things that you don’t feel identified with anymore and need change.
5. Get those 8+ hours of sleep. Track it, prioritize it, and treat it like a ritual. Sounds cliché, but it’s so true. I used to sleep 6.5h and affirmed to feel “right”, and that couldn’t sleep more. Spoiler: I could.
6. Drink enough water. Fatigue loves dehydration, not drinking enough, makes? tissues have less of the fluids they need to function.
7. Stop scrolling on Instagram before bed. It only overstimulates your brain with the huge amount of light, colors and sounds, which will activate you (It is trendy now to buy blue-light blocking glasses).
8. Try studying something new related to what you are already good at. This will give you momentum to keep creating at work or outside of it. You will eventually feel more connected.
9. Rediscover your flow. Make a list of activities that give you that "time flies" feeling, the stuff that is just for you; try to separate it from your time with friends or family.
10. Time block. You will always find other priorities, but keep in mind that our body runs out of battery a bit more long term and it is a silent process. Creativity and inspiration don’t just happen, so schedule time for the things that energize you.
11. Stick to fitness and nutrition. Lifting weights, cardio, and eating well aren’t optional. Treat your body like the queen/king it is.
12. Take real work breaks. No emails or Slack/Teams messages while resting or having lunch.
13. Find an accountability buddy. Find that person who will give you a nudge when you’re entering the “I’ll rest later” mode.
14. Self-review regularly. Like a performance review at work, but for your life. Touchpoint with yourself every 6 months (for example) where you have the overview of the past months. Ask yourself: How am I feeling? How do I want to feel? What’s working? What can I improve?

It has been a process of quite some time overthinking every little thing. And then it clicked: stop complaining and start taking responsibility.

The key to my success has always been having fun in everything I do, and fun doesn’t hit the same being tired and uninspired!?

I’d love to hear any other tips I can add to my list!

Here’s to a year where you’re rested, inspired, and rocking life on your terms ??.

Disclaimer: I'm not a health professional, and this is based on my personal experience. Always consult with a qualified expert if you're facing health or well-being challenges.