Dr. Nick's Reflection: Sometimes We Run on "E"

It’s that time of year again—when the weather gets cold, the days feel shorter, and it seems like everything is moving a little bit slower. For some of us, it’s also the time when we feel like we’re running on empty. We’ve all been there, right? The days when our energy feels like it’s running on “E,” and it’s hard to muster the motivation to push through.

I’ve been reflecting on this recently, especially as I’ve been juggling a million things between my work, classes, writing, and all of the other projects that come with wearing so many different hats. It’s easy to feel like I’m never quite “caught up” or that I’m always running on fumes. And I think a lot of us—whether we’re in a demanding job, school, or just life in general—know what that feels like.

Sometimes we’re so focused on ticking off the tasks on our to-do lists that we forget to stop and check in with ourselves. We push through the fatigue, thinking it’s just something we have to power through. But the truth is, running on empty takes a toll. It shows up in little ways—less patience, an inability to concentrate, feeling a bit more irritable, or struggling to find joy in the things that usually make us happy.

In those moments, I try to remind myself that it’s okay to pause. It’s okay to hit the reset button when you’re running on “E.” After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup. It’s not a sign of weakness to need rest; it’s actually a sign of wisdom. Recognizing when you need to slow down is a strength, not a weakness.

For me, sometimes that means stepping away from my computer for a few minutes to breathe, taking a walk with my dogs, or just sitting with a cup of coffee and letting my mind wander. It’s about carving out time to recharge, even if it’s just for a few moments.

I also think it’s important to remember that running on empty isn’t always about physical energy—it’s emotional and mental energy, too. If we’re constantly giving out to others or pouring ourselves into projects and commitments without refueling, eventually, we’re going to feel drained.

One of the things I’ve been focusing on more lately is finding balance. Sometimes that means saying “no” to something, even if it’s something I care about, in order to preserve my energy for the things that matter most. Other times, it’s about recognizing when I’ve done enough and giving myself grace for not being able to do it all.

This week, I encourage you to check in with yourself. Are you running on “E”? It’s okay if you are—just don’t forget to take a break, recalibrate, and give yourself permission to rest. You deserve it.

Thanks for reading my reflections. As always, take care of yourself out there, and remember: sometimes the best thing you can do is just take a moment to breathe.

— Dr. Nick