'I'm a full-time pilates instructor. Here are 5 things that actually help on low-energy days.'

I’m a busy lady. I’m the founder of two businesses (Nala and Go Chlo Pilates) as well as a Pilates instructor, physio and full time Netflix watcher (that last one is unpaid).  

And before you yell at the screen with “you call yourself busy!? I have 83 children and 14 pets to care for”, let me stop you right there and assure you that you most likely too, are a busy lady. 

Now as we know, busy lady-dom comes with a certain amount of days where energy is simply lacking. 

We all have them. Those “I just got my period and want to crawl into a ball” days.

Or the “I really shouldn’t have had that third wine with dinner last night” days.

Even those “I don’t know why, but I simply just have no energy today” days. 

As a Pilates instructor with over 10 years in the industry, plus the founder of an online Pilates business, I know a lot about energy. I have spent years helping people tune into what their bodies are telling them, and work with it, not against it. Through Pilates, stretching, movement and routines (like my daily 7-step skincaries! More on that to come), you too might find they can help. 

So this list is not about pushing through the sleepy eyes, strapping on your running shoes and getting your running PB while I yell at you to “run faster!” Instead, allow me to take you through the 5 things to do that’ll completely nourish and re-energise your body on those would-rather-stay-in-bed-all-day days. 

Nourish your skin first (and last).

Twice a day, everyday, I enjoy a few minutes of pure self-care and TLC. It’s this physical ritual that welcomes a sense of calm to my body and leaves me feeling refreshed and energised. In the mornings I use the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream SPF30, which gives UVA/UVB protection to help protect the skin from sun-induced damage. 

But what actually is Q10 you may ask? It’s an important coenzyme that naturally fights the ageing process in the skin through energising and protective qualities. It’s a pretty powerful ingredient, helping to boost the skin’s anti-aging defence systems. 

In the evenings, I lather my face with the Day Cream's sister, the NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Night Cream, which I can thank for my skin feeling smooth, supple and firm. The product's formula is rich in skin-identical Q10, which can provide superior anti-wrinkle support, with properties that help smooth and soften the skin. 

It's the practice of protecting and nourishing my skin that my body asks for, both to begin the day, and also to round out those low-energy days. Plus, I’m a sensitive girlie (I cry… a lot), but turns out my skin is too, so I need gentle formulations on my face. These Q10-rich creams are incredibly gentle on my skin, and they help keep it soft and supple skin for up to 24 hours.

Image: Supplied.

Pilates, of course.

Although it feels counterintuitive, finding gentle ways to move your body on low-energy days is key. 

The hardest part is getting going, but you will feel a million times better afterwards (not to scale). My online Pilates classes are my go-to for giving me energy when I have approximately zero in the tank. Instead of opting for sweat-inducing-burn-y sessions, I’ll go for gentle classes that encourage full body movements and stretches, get the blood flowing and allow me to practise mindful movement on the mat. 

My phone always gets set to ‘do not disturb’ and I can connect to my breath without interruption. Trust me, it does wonders. 

Image: Supplied.

Get outside and get walking.

Called the ~mental health walks~ of TikTok, a daily outdoor walk when low on energy is pure witchcraft on the body. Like all physical rituals, the hardest part is getting out the door but once you get moving, the movement pattern will take over and you’ll feel better instantly. I’ll usually go for my walk in the morning, after my morning skincare (SPF a natural must. Hello again, NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream SPF30). 

Headphones and a podcast are also standard (devout Out Louder over here), and a stop en route at a local coffee shop for an almond latte is never a bad idea. 

Okay, breathe with me now.

Breathwork is a powerful tool for re-energising the body. And before you ask, no, you don’t need to be a breathwork pro to master this one. By focusing in on your breath, you are able to disconnect with the mind, focus in on the body, remove stress and add calmness. A simple 4-4-8 technique is a perfect way to begin. Try it with me now:

• Close your eyes and find a comfortable seated position.

• Inhale slowly through the nose, for the count of 4.

• Hold the breath in at the top, for the count of 4. 

• Slowly exhale through the mouth fully emptying the lungs, for the count of 8. 

• Repeat this cycle 5 times and then return to your usual breath.

Image: Supplied.

Self-massage.

Look, if you’ve got the time and cash to book into a local spa for a full 90 minute massage experience, then please do that. But if not, practising self-massage techniques at home are almost as good, trust me! You’ll need a massage ball, spikey ball or tennis ball and some space on a rug to lay down. 

From there, place the ball under your glutes (your butt), shoulders and upper back. You can roll around to work out any spots that are holding tension in the body, and with that release, you’ll feel your body release and relax.

Our bodies hold so much tension, and with consistent practices like this, you’ll be set for the rest of the day.

So there you have it busy ones – my go-to list to energise your wonderful selves. Above all else, lean into the way you’re feeling and work with it, not against it. The feelings will pass and you’ll be back to your (Netflix) marathon-running selves soon. 

Fight the signs of ageing, with the new and improved NIVEA Q10 Anti-Wrinkle Day Cream SPF30 and Night Cream. Join the NIVEA Q10 7 day challenge to give your skin energy and boost your skin's own anti-age defence.

Visible results in 7 days based on NIVEA's self-assessment study (1 week).

Always read the label. Follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged high-risk sun exposure. Wear a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses when exposed to the sun. Re-apply frequently.

Feature Image: Supplied/Instagram/@gochlo_pilates.