How to Keep Your Energy Up When You’re Balancing A LOT

When I was competing as a track and cross-country athlete, I thought low energy was something you just pushed through, not something you had to nourish and rebuild.

I fueled using whatever snacks were provided by the nutritionists (fig bars, Cheerios, Gatorade chews) and never questioned it because I thought they knew best. But after breaking my hip, burnout, and eventually an osteopenia diagnosis, I realized that pushing myself to exhaustion didn’t make me stronger. It just drained my body.

Now, between getting my MBA, running Lope Bars, and working part-time, my schedule is just as intense, but I’ve learned how to keep my energy steady without losing balance.

If you’re juggling a million things and trying to stay healthy, here’s what actually works for me:

1. Build a Routine That Works for You (Not Against You)

Your routine should add energy, not steal it.

Here’s what mine looks like now:

• Monday: Lower body lift + walk + core

• Tuesday: Upper body + calisthenics + core

• Wednesday: Speed run

• Thursday: Lower body + walk +core

• Friday: Upper body + walk + core

• Saturday: Long run + recovery

• Sunday: Pilates

  The key is variety, I don’t do the same type of stress every day. When I balance intensity with recovery, my energy stays consistent all week.

  I also stopped using fitness trackers like a garmin watch or strava and instead look internally for how I am feeling.

2. Fuel Intentionally (and Don’t Overcomplicate It)

I used to eat what I thought was healthy but not specific amounts, which made me inconsistent with my energy. Now I plan my fuel the same way I plan my training. Tracking macros helped me understand what my body actually needs, enough protein, complex carbs, and fats to feel strong, not sluggish. (I use BitePal)!

I reach for Lope Bars as my pre-run or study snack because they’re savory and balanced. It’s real food that doesn’t leave me crashing two hours later.

If you’re constantly low on energy, start by tracking your food for a week. You’ll see patterns right away, too little protein, not enough water, or skipped meals. Fixing that makes a huge difference.

3. Prioritize Recovery Like It’s Part of the Plan

I learned this one the hard way. I used to skip recovery because I thought it made me “soft.” But the truth is, rest is what keeps you consistent.

Now I take recovery as seriously as workouts, walking instead of running on lifting days, going to Pilates instead of forcing miles, and letting myself rest without guilt. The result? I feel better, look healthier, and perform stronger…. in every part of my life.

4. Reframe “Energy” Altogether

Energy isn’t just what you eat or how you move. It’s how you manage stress, mindset, and purpose. Once I realized I wasn’t training for ego anymore, I was training for longevity and confidence……everything changed.

That same philosophy fuels Lope Bars. We’re not about chasing spikes of motivation instead we’re about building steady, sustainable energy that fits real life.

Takeaway

Balance isn’t something you find once, it’s something you build daily. (Rome wasn’t built in a day lol). Whether you’re training, studying, or starting something new, your energy depends on how well you take care of yourself in between.

What helps you keep your energy steady during busy weeks? Drop your favorite habit in the comments or share this post with a friend who’s balancing everything, too.