Stressed woman in her 40s wearing a floral dress, sitting at a desk with her hand on her forehead, eyes closed in frustration or fatigue. A computer, notebook, and coffee mug are on the desk, suggesting she is overwhelmed or exhausted at work—possibly experiencing brain fog, stress, or fatigue related to menopause.

Why You're Still Tired After the Long Weekend

April 10, 20253 min read

As oestrogen and progesterone levels fluctuate, they impact dopamine and serotonin—two key chemicals that influence mood and motivation. This hormonal imbalance can leave you feeling mentally foggy, emotionally drained and physically sluggish.

The result?

Your once-reliable 'get-up-and-go' may feel stuck in neutral.

The first week after Easter often feels like wading through treacle.

The combination of disrupted routines, overindulgent meals, easter eggs and mental exhaustion can leave you feeling sluggish and unmotivated.

Add menopause to that… and that post-holiday slump can feel even more frustrating.

But don’t worry—just like chocolate eggs aren’t here forever, this energy dip is only temporary.

With a few smart strategies, you can begin to shake off the slump and find your motivation again.

Here are 5 Strategies to Boost Motivation and Energy Post-Easter

1. Start Small and Build Momentum

When you’re feeling flat, starting big can feel impossible. Instead:

  • Break tasks into micro-goals—tiny, manageable steps that give you a quick win.

  • Try the "5-Minute Rule": Commit to 5 minutes of a task. Often, momentum naturally follows.

  • Celebrate small achievements—this triggers dopamine, the ‘reward’ chemical that drives motivation.

Example: Instead of saying "I need to clean the whole house," start by tidying just one drawer. One win leads to the next!

 

2. Power Up with Protein and Smart Carbs

Over Easter, it's easy to indulge in sugary treats and rich foods. But post-holiday, those quick energy spikes often result in fatigue and mood crashes. Instead:

  • Start your morning with protein-packed foods like eggs, Greek yogurt, or nut butter to stabilize energy.

  • Add slow-releasing carbs such as oats, quinoa or whole grains to keep blood sugar steady.

  • Reduce caffeine reliance—while coffee gives a quick boost, too much can worsen menopause fatigue.

Example: Swap toast and jam for Greek yogurt with chia seeds and berries to fuel your morning energy.

 

3. Use Movement to Break the Slump

Exercise doesn’t need to be intense to lift your mood and restore motivation. In fact, gentle movement can be the best starting point when you’re feeling sluggish.

  • Try stretching or yoga to loosen tight muscles and calm your mind.

  • Walking outside can refresh your focus and provide a natural dopamine boost.

  • Dancing to upbeat music can energize you in minutes (and make you smile!)

Example: Feeling lethargic after Easter? Pop on your favorite song and dance around the kitchen—it’s a powerful mood-lifter!

 

4. Prioritize Sleep to Reset Your Energy Levels

Poor sleep is a common menopause challenge and holiday disruptions can make it worse. To improve your rest:

  • Stick to a consistent bedtime, even after the Easter break.

  • Avoid screens 1 hour before bed—blue light disrupts your body’s melatonin production.

  • Consider magnesium-rich snacks like almonds or pumpkin seeds before bed to promote deeper sleep.

 Example: Try a warm bath with Epsom salts to soothe your body and calm your mind before bed.

 

5. Get Clear on Your "Why"

Motivation often dips when goals feel vague or overwhelming. Reconnecting with your ‘why’ can reignite your inner drive. Ask yourself:

  • What positive change do I want to see in my life right now?

  • How will feeling energized help me thrive in menopause and beyond?

 Example: Instead of saying "I need to exercise," try "I want to feel stronger and more confident in my body."

Your post-Easter sluggishness doesn’t have to linger.

By combining smart nutrition, gentle movement and meaningful goals, you can reignite your motivation and step into the next phase of your menopause journey feeling focused and energized.

Need extra support?

Book a Meno Chat HERE to explore personalized strategies that can help you stay motivated and feel your best!

Heather Nyoni is a Menopause coach and founder of Regain Your Vitality. With personal experience and professional speaking expertise provides personalized coaching, workshops and educational resources to support every step of the menopause journey.

Heather Nyoni

Heather Nyoni is a Menopause coach and founder of Regain Your Vitality. With personal experience and professional speaking expertise provides personalized coaching, workshops and educational resources to support every step of the menopause journey.

LinkedIn logo icon
Youtube logo icon
Back to Blog