As a cancer survivor currently negotiating the return to a 9 to 5 job after a year and a half of treatment, this really hit home. My go-to answer when colleagues ask the well-intentioned question "how are you feeling?" has been "I feel well physically and mentally, but I need to watch my energy levels". This is my way of quietly signalling to them (and reminding myself!) that I'm no longer the person who will give 120% at work.
Thank you so much for sharing this Alicia, I can only imagine how much strength it’s taken to navigate your recovery and now return to work. Your self-awareness and honesty are incredibly powerful. That quiet boundary you’re setting is such a beautiful act of self-respect, and a powerful reminder to others, too. Wishing you so much continued healing and ease as you find a new rhythm that honours your energy ❤️
This post and your comment, Alicia, really resonated with me. I am also a cancer survivor trying to reorient back to work while also a mother of three teens/tweens. My energy levels are so different now and I’m not willing to grind it out like I used to before my cancer diagnosis. I ‘look’ healthy even though my energy needs have really changed. I am on a long-term hormone suppression post-cancer protocol and I need so much more downtime during my day. It’s challenging to protect it. There is also a financial need for me to work. I also love my work. I also love my body and health in a new way. A lot to juggle and finesse. Thanks for helping me feel less alone in this complexity 🩷
Thank you so much for sharing this Erika. The layers you’re navigating - recovery, motherhood, meaningful work, and honoring your changed energy - speak to such profound strength and self-awareness. It’s so powerful that you’re choosing to care for your body and energy in a new way, even while juggling real financial and emotional demands. You’re not alone in this complexity and I’m so grateful this post could offer even a moment of recognition and support 🩷 Wishing you continued healing, clarity, and gentleness as you move forward 🌿
Love this! I’ve been teaching on why we need a new model of productivity and this works so well with it. I’m an HSP and have ADD. You had me at the part where you said the model or the way we do things wasn’t made for me/us. Yes!
Ahh I love this Francesca, sounds like we’re totally on the same page! That old model just doesn’t fit how so many of us are wired, especially as HSPs and neurodivergent folks. So glad it resonated; your work sounds incredible btw ❤️
Yes! This is such a beautiful and empowering practice. Honouring your energy and rebalancing when needed is truly one of the greatest forms of self-respect. Love this reminder Dawn, thank you for sharing ❤️
This article is so helpful and resonates deeply with me. I’m in a place where I’m realigning my energy to fit my needs and it feels good. I’m excited to try additional techniques from this article. But, as I’m taking these necessary steps, I’m struggling with pushback to do “more, more, more!” in my traditional 9-5 workplace. I’d love advice about how to navigate that pushback while I work towards self employment. Anyone else dealing with this?
Thank you so much for sharing Amanda; I’m really glad the article resonated 🙏🏼 It’s so empowering to start realigning your energy, but I totally hear you on the pushback. That “more, more, more” culture is so deeply ingrained, especially in traditional workplaces. You’re not alone - so many of us (myself included) are walking that tightrope while building something more sustainable on the side. Trust the pace you're setting and keep honouring what you know works for you. Wishing you so much strength and clarity as you move toward self-employment, you've got this ✨
Loved this! I find my late mornings are best for deep dive work, afternoons best for client facing work (emails/coaching) and it’s been so helpful to design my schedule around this realization 💕
I love this Risdon! It’s amazing what opens up when we start honouring our natural energy patterns. Sounds like you’ve created such a beautifully aligned rhythm; I'm so glad it’s been supportive 💕
I agree with energy-management as opposed to time-management. This one of the things I will focus on during the orientation part of rehab. What work can I do for how on how many days? I know that I can't work full-time. It was always too much for me. So I need solutions for financial security with less draining effort and room for regular breaks as needed. - HSP with C-PTSD
Thank you so much for sharing this Lisa, your self-awareness is incredibly powerful 🙏🏼 Energy management is such an essential shift, especially when living with C-PTSD as an HSP. It’s so important that your work supports your healing, not drains it. You absolutely can build a path that allows for rest, flexibility, and financial security - even if it looks different from the norm. Wishing you so much strength, clarity, and compassion as you navigate this next chapter ❤️
Thank you for this article. I never made the correlation between being sensitive and overextending my energy. This shift from time to energy is a lesson I'll take with me.
When you said, "energy is not linear" boy did I feel that! I'm an HSP with ADHD. I couldn't be anymore of a night owl. It's tough living in a society that is structured around early birds and people who believe in the 9-5 and the endless loop of productivity nonsense. It's hard to find a job with flexible hours and doesn't inclue constant human interaction. Hence, why I'm moving forward with having my own business where I get to be the boss and work how I want, when I want. Thank you for the affirming read!
Yes! I felt every word of this Mari. It’s so tough trying to fit into systems that were never designed with our wiring in mind, and it takes real courage to step outside of that and create something that actually supports your energy. I love that you’re building your own business on your terms. Wishing you so much success and ease on your journey ❤️
As a highly sensitive person and an introvert, this article really resonated with me! 💜💕 I seem to intuitively make decisions based on my energy level at any given time which definitely helps as opposed to time management
I’m so glad it resonated Claire! 💜 It’s such a game-changer when we start honouring our energy instead of forcing ourselves into rigid time blocks. Sounds like you’re already deeply tuned in to your needs and I love that you’re leaning into it 💕
This resonates deeply with me and is something I've been leaning into without having a name for it. Shifting away from the productivity mindset is so tricky and easy to slide back into.
I’m so glad it resonated 🙏🏼 It really is tricky to unlearn the productivity mindset - it’s so deeply ingrained. But the fact that you’ve been leaning into this intuitively is beautiful. Naming it just gives you something to hold onto as you keep gently shifting. You’re not alone in this ✨
Rachel, this post not only resonates with me, it IS me. You described my life before becoming a mother. The 5-9 job was draining for someone so sensitive as me and I was only trying to get a space for breathing. Having a child and becoming SAHM is not exactly the ideal time for starting to manage my energy but here I am. Not only it is work in progress for me but as I am buidling my job as well, I approach it exactly from the energy point of view, expecting to incorporate many ideas you describe in this post. Thank you writing out loud my life as HSP. 🙂
This means so much, thank you for your beautiful words Selene ❤️ It’s incredible how clearly you’ve articulated that shift - from the exhaustion of the 9–5 to the equally intense (but different) energy of motherhood. Managing your energy as a sensitive soul while navigating both caregiving and building something new is such powerful, intentional work. I’m so honoured this resonated and that we’re walking a similar path. Wishing you so much gentleness and alignment as you build your work in a way that truly supports you ✨
Thank you for this timely advice. I am a retired educator so I have paid my HSP dues in spades. I have now structured my days with everything I love, but still not accomplishing anything. I think I found the answer in your words. Rebalancing! I have been trying to do things according to time instead of energy and I am so excited to approach my days with this new way of thinking. Looking forward to actually getting things done and 'quietly thriving'. Thanks, Rachel❣️
Thank you so much for sharing this, it means so much to hear ❤️ You've given so much as an educator, and I love that you’re now creating space for what you love. Shifting from time to energy really is such a powerful reframe and I’m so glad it clicked! Wishing you so much ease, joy, and quiet thriving in your next chapter 🌿
Thanks! I've noticed since the big life change 3 months ago, I've been doing some of this instictively. But I look forward to digging deeper to understand more ques and recovery tips to better Align & Thrive.
* An energy log
* More intentional time for walks or meditation
* Acknowledge its okay to need a break between meetings to be stronger and more effective
I love that you’ve been tuning into this instinctively Vicki! It’s amazing how our body starts to guide us when we slow down and listen. An energy log and those gentle pauses sound like such supportive steps. I’m so glad the post resonated, and I hope it continues to support you as you settle into this new chapter ❤️
As a cancer survivor currently negotiating the return to a 9 to 5 job after a year and a half of treatment, this really hit home. My go-to answer when colleagues ask the well-intentioned question "how are you feeling?" has been "I feel well physically and mentally, but I need to watch my energy levels". This is my way of quietly signalling to them (and reminding myself!) that I'm no longer the person who will give 120% at work.
Thank you so much for sharing this Alicia, I can only imagine how much strength it’s taken to navigate your recovery and now return to work. Your self-awareness and honesty are incredibly powerful. That quiet boundary you’re setting is such a beautiful act of self-respect, and a powerful reminder to others, too. Wishing you so much continued healing and ease as you find a new rhythm that honours your energy ❤️
This post and your comment, Alicia, really resonated with me. I am also a cancer survivor trying to reorient back to work while also a mother of three teens/tweens. My energy levels are so different now and I’m not willing to grind it out like I used to before my cancer diagnosis. I ‘look’ healthy even though my energy needs have really changed. I am on a long-term hormone suppression post-cancer protocol and I need so much more downtime during my day. It’s challenging to protect it. There is also a financial need for me to work. I also love my work. I also love my body and health in a new way. A lot to juggle and finesse. Thanks for helping me feel less alone in this complexity 🩷
Thank you so much for sharing this Erika. The layers you’re navigating - recovery, motherhood, meaningful work, and honoring your changed energy - speak to such profound strength and self-awareness. It’s so powerful that you’re choosing to care for your body and energy in a new way, even while juggling real financial and emotional demands. You’re not alone in this complexity and I’m so grateful this post could offer even a moment of recognition and support 🩷 Wishing you continued healing, clarity, and gentleness as you move forward 🌿
Love this! I’ve been teaching on why we need a new model of productivity and this works so well with it. I’m an HSP and have ADD. You had me at the part where you said the model or the way we do things wasn’t made for me/us. Yes!
Ahh I love this Francesca, sounds like we’re totally on the same page! That old model just doesn’t fit how so many of us are wired, especially as HSPs and neurodivergent folks. So glad it resonated; your work sounds incredible btw ❤️
Totally on the same page! Your work sounds incredible too. Would you be down to do a collab together? I can DM you with more thoughts!
Yes, I'd definitely love that! ✨
The biggest gift I give myself is protecting and valuing MY energy in any given day. And rebalancing if I gave too much.
Yes! This is such a beautiful and empowering practice. Honouring your energy and rebalancing when needed is truly one of the greatest forms of self-respect. Love this reminder Dawn, thank you for sharing ❤️
This article is so helpful and resonates deeply with me. I’m in a place where I’m realigning my energy to fit my needs and it feels good. I’m excited to try additional techniques from this article. But, as I’m taking these necessary steps, I’m struggling with pushback to do “more, more, more!” in my traditional 9-5 workplace. I’d love advice about how to navigate that pushback while I work towards self employment. Anyone else dealing with this?
Thank you so much for sharing Amanda; I’m really glad the article resonated 🙏🏼 It’s so empowering to start realigning your energy, but I totally hear you on the pushback. That “more, more, more” culture is so deeply ingrained, especially in traditional workplaces. You’re not alone - so many of us (myself included) are walking that tightrope while building something more sustainable on the side. Trust the pace you're setting and keep honouring what you know works for you. Wishing you so much strength and clarity as you move toward self-employment, you've got this ✨
Thanks for this article. I feel so seen!
So glad it landed with you Mary, that means the world to hear 🙏🏼 You are seen! Thank you for being here ✨
Loved this! I find my late mornings are best for deep dive work, afternoons best for client facing work (emails/coaching) and it’s been so helpful to design my schedule around this realization 💕
I love this Risdon! It’s amazing what opens up when we start honouring our natural energy patterns. Sounds like you’ve created such a beautifully aligned rhythm; I'm so glad it’s been supportive 💕
I agree with energy-management as opposed to time-management. This one of the things I will focus on during the orientation part of rehab. What work can I do for how on how many days? I know that I can't work full-time. It was always too much for me. So I need solutions for financial security with less draining effort and room for regular breaks as needed. - HSP with C-PTSD
Thank you so much for sharing this Lisa, your self-awareness is incredibly powerful 🙏🏼 Energy management is such an essential shift, especially when living with C-PTSD as an HSP. It’s so important that your work supports your healing, not drains it. You absolutely can build a path that allows for rest, flexibility, and financial security - even if it looks different from the norm. Wishing you so much strength, clarity, and compassion as you navigate this next chapter ❤️
Thank you for this article. I never made the correlation between being sensitive and overextending my energy. This shift from time to energy is a lesson I'll take with me.
I’m so glad it resonated 👏🏼 Shifting from time to energy truly changes everything for HSPs - so glad this perspective landed with you!
When you said, "energy is not linear" boy did I feel that! I'm an HSP with ADHD. I couldn't be anymore of a night owl. It's tough living in a society that is structured around early birds and people who believe in the 9-5 and the endless loop of productivity nonsense. It's hard to find a job with flexible hours and doesn't inclue constant human interaction. Hence, why I'm moving forward with having my own business where I get to be the boss and work how I want, when I want. Thank you for the affirming read!
Yes! I felt every word of this Mari. It’s so tough trying to fit into systems that were never designed with our wiring in mind, and it takes real courage to step outside of that and create something that actually supports your energy. I love that you’re building your own business on your terms. Wishing you so much success and ease on your journey ❤️
As a highly sensitive person and an introvert, this article really resonated with me! 💜💕 I seem to intuitively make decisions based on my energy level at any given time which definitely helps as opposed to time management
I’m so glad it resonated Claire! 💜 It’s such a game-changer when we start honouring our energy instead of forcing ourselves into rigid time blocks. Sounds like you’re already deeply tuned in to your needs and I love that you’re leaning into it 💕
This resonates deeply with me and is something I've been leaning into without having a name for it. Shifting away from the productivity mindset is so tricky and easy to slide back into.
I’m so glad it resonated 🙏🏼 It really is tricky to unlearn the productivity mindset - it’s so deeply ingrained. But the fact that you’ve been leaning into this intuitively is beautiful. Naming it just gives you something to hold onto as you keep gently shifting. You’re not alone in this ✨
Rachel, this post not only resonates with me, it IS me. You described my life before becoming a mother. The 5-9 job was draining for someone so sensitive as me and I was only trying to get a space for breathing. Having a child and becoming SAHM is not exactly the ideal time for starting to manage my energy but here I am. Not only it is work in progress for me but as I am buidling my job as well, I approach it exactly from the energy point of view, expecting to incorporate many ideas you describe in this post. Thank you writing out loud my life as HSP. 🙂
This means so much, thank you for your beautiful words Selene ❤️ It’s incredible how clearly you’ve articulated that shift - from the exhaustion of the 9–5 to the equally intense (but different) energy of motherhood. Managing your energy as a sensitive soul while navigating both caregiving and building something new is such powerful, intentional work. I’m so honoured this resonated and that we’re walking a similar path. Wishing you so much gentleness and alignment as you build your work in a way that truly supports you ✨
Thank you for this timely advice. I am a retired educator so I have paid my HSP dues in spades. I have now structured my days with everything I love, but still not accomplishing anything. I think I found the answer in your words. Rebalancing! I have been trying to do things according to time instead of energy and I am so excited to approach my days with this new way of thinking. Looking forward to actually getting things done and 'quietly thriving'. Thanks, Rachel❣️
Thank you so much for sharing this, it means so much to hear ❤️ You've given so much as an educator, and I love that you’re now creating space for what you love. Shifting from time to energy really is such a powerful reframe and I’m so glad it clicked! Wishing you so much ease, joy, and quiet thriving in your next chapter 🌿
Such spot-on vital advice!! Thank you so much for sharing!! So valuable!
That means a lot, thank you! I'm so happy you found it valuable 👏🏼
I love this, thank you for sharing it!
So glad you loved it, thank you for being here! 🙏🏼
Thanks! I've noticed since the big life change 3 months ago, I've been doing some of this instictively. But I look forward to digging deeper to understand more ques and recovery tips to better Align & Thrive.
* An energy log
* More intentional time for walks or meditation
* Acknowledge its okay to need a break between meetings to be stronger and more effective
I love that you’ve been tuning into this instinctively Vicki! It’s amazing how our body starts to guide us when we slow down and listen. An energy log and those gentle pauses sound like such supportive steps. I’m so glad the post resonated, and I hope it continues to support you as you settle into this new chapter ❤️