The Search for More Energy... and a Little More Life

Have you ever felt like you'd lost your spark—but couldn't quite explain why?After months of illness, fatigue, and feeling like I'd lost a little of myself, I found myself asking a simple question: how do I get my energy back?In this episode, I share my journey through recovery, trying to look after a family, getting a new business (Nancy The Label) up and running, and why I decided to try a 30-day cold-water challenge as an experiment in my search for more energy... and a little more life.Because energy isn't really about getting more done.It's about having the capacity to engage with the people, experiences, and moments that make life feel bigger. Here's to finding a little more energy... and a little more life.Alex xx Main Topics Covered• How energy is about more than productivity—it's about engaging with life • Why low energy doesn't always mean depression • The impact of illness, menopause, stress, and caregiving on vitality • Building Nancy The Label while navigating fatigue and recovery • My experience with a 30-day cold-water challenge • The behavioural shift from conserving energy to saying yes again • The power of keeping a promise to yourself • Reclaiming spontaneity, connection, and joy in midlife Timestamps00:00 - Welcome back and episode overview 00:40 - How illness made my world feel smaller 01:26 - The importance of energy beyond motivation and ideas 02:39 - Common midlife energy concerns among women 03:20 - Managing energy and small life changes 03:59 - Differentiating depression from energy depletion 04:33 - The impact of illness on plans and identity 05:09 - How energy influences social life and spontaneity 05:53 - Re-conceptualizing energy as time with loved ones 06:17 - When protecting energy feels like disappearing 06:29 - The emotional toll and identity shifts 07:27 - Building Nancy The Label amidst low energy 08:01 - The disconnect between mind and body 08:13 - Frustration and desire to recover spark 08:54 - Women’s common energy narratives 09:07 - Causes of energy drain: menopause, stress, caregiving 10:12 - The core desire for more life, connection, and enthusiasm 11:19 - Proactive steps for managing recovery 12:11 - My cold plunge therapy experiment 13:14 - How cold water therapy sparked hope and focus 14:24 - The tangible benefits observed so far 15:25 - The value of keeping promises and building momentum 16:11 - Physical and behavioural improvements from the challenge 17:22 - An ongoing journey, not final results 17:56 - Recognising progress and resilience 19:02 - A behavioural shift: saying yes to life again 21:15 - Celebrating small wins in social and personal life 22:38 - The power of commitment and experimentation 23:19 - The real goal: more connection, spontaneity, and joy 24:18 - Invitation to reflect and share your energy solutions Resources & Links:Nancy the Label - Fashion BrandMy 30-Day Cold-Water Challenge Cold Water Therapy BenefitsChill: The Cold-Water Swim Cure Connect With The Grown-Up Girls ReportInstagram Facebook Key Takeaways• Consider one small experiment that might support your energy • Reflect on what activities give or drain your energy • Make a promise to yourself to try one small change today • Focus on reclaiming more of your life, not just productivity Want more from The Grown-Up Girls Report? Follow along and join the conversation:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegrownupgirlsreport/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thegrownupgirlsreport🎧 Subscribe so you never miss an episode.