Instant fix for low energy (not coffee) 🪫
Free, science-backed, and I use it daily
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Read time: 4min
“Music gives color to the air of the moment..” - Karl Lagerfeld
Hi,
How was last week?
We just wrapped the final live session of The Good Busy Reset pilot program with 9 incredible leaders from companies like JPMorgan Chase, Tetra Pak, and more.
One participant said: "It's not a boring productivity program. It's new, exciting, and practical." And...I'll be delivering it to their full team next month.
So yes, I did my happy dance last Friday.
Speaking of dancing... 💃
You're showing up to work, but you're drained.
You're procrastinating. Starring at that Excel sheet. Clicking through slides you can't even remember creating.
You're trying to be present after work, but there's nothing left in the tank.
You're not lazy. You're not disorganized. You're just running on empty. 🪫
Because productivity starts with energy.
Low energy → Low focus.
Low focus → More time to finish tasks.
More time → Less capacity for what (and who) you love after work.
And you’re not alone - every one of us runs out of energy. But not everyone knows how to recover it (fast.)
Let me share a story.
I don't work on Saturdays. It's my recovery day. But in April, I signed up for a conference... on a Saturday. 🙄
That morning? Zero energy. I didn't want to go. At all.
I dragged myself there asking, "Why did I sign up?"
Then came the first keynote by Cleo Papadopoulou, partner at PwC. Not only was her storytelling brilliant - she's also a Zumba instructor (which got me extra excited, because I used to be one too 💃).
At the end of her talk, she got the whole room dancing. Dozens of us laughing, smiling, and moving to the beat.
(I was too busy dancing to take a photo.)
Why share this?
Because that moment changed my day. My energy shifted. My mood lifted.
I stayed for the rest of the event, engaged and inspired - and even had energy to play with my niece and nephew for three hours afterward.
🎶 Music and movement are productivity tools.
Simple. Free. Impactful.
You don't need to be a pro dancer. But it helps to understand why music instantly lifts your mental state and energy.
the why
In 1994, Dr Masaru Emoto conducted an experiment with water. He played different types of music to water samples.
Some formed beautiful, crystalline patterns.
Others turned into chaotic, distorted shapes.
His theory? Water responds to sound, words, and energy.
Since your body is roughly 60% water - and your brain up to 73% - you see where this is going.
Music → Mood → Energy → Focus → Intentional use of time
Need more proof?
Studies from Brunel University, Applied Ergonomics, and TotalJobs found that music reduces perceived effort, boosts mental stamina, and enhances flow.
Think about basketball or tennis players right before the game - headphones on, music loud. They're tuning their brains to perform.
So how can you do the same?
the how
You've only got 2-4 hours of peak energy each day.
Yet we work 8+ hours, run errands, and still want energy for hobbies, family, or simply not collapsing by 9pm. Music can help.
Best music for productivity?
Whatever you love. It releases dopamine, your brain's "feel good" chemical.
Worst music for productivity?
The kind you dislike - like your neighbor's playlist on loop. 😡
Lyrics or no lyrics?
It depends. Here's my mix:
No lyrics: For deep focus (I love lo-fi soundtracks)
Lyrics: For repetitive, low-effort tasks
High energy: For energy boosts (e.g., Before workshops, I blast dance music - and yes, I dance. 💃)
Now, I'm curious: What's your go-to song for energy boost?
your play of the week
Lift your energy with music 🎶
Try this:
Create a 10-minute playlist that lifts you up
Listen and/or move to it during a “low energy” time in your day
I'm teaching practical productivity tactics in The Good Busy Reset - a small-group program helping leaders reset their calendars, energy, and priorities.
A few weeks ago, one participant said:
"This is the first time since December - when I started this new job - that I actually feel in control of my schedule."
(I may or may not have done another happy dance on camera. 💃💻)
I'm opening the waitlist for the first official cohort soon.
Want a sneak peek inside the program? Join my free 60-min goal-setting workshop.
result
When your energy is low, even basic tasks feel impossible. You procrastinate, multitask, and waste on average 40% more time. That's how you end sacrificing your evenings.
But when you know how to lift your energy, you get work done faster, and still have fuel left for the life you actually want to live.
Helping 50,000+ leaders on LinkedIn free up time from unnecessary work.
If you find The Good Busy Newsletter useful, let's grow our community on Substack: subscribe now, forward it to a friend or colleague.
I know productivity - not illustrations. Stickman figures by Zdenek Sasek.
Enjoy getting good busy!
See you next Monday,
Kate
PS: No energy for what (and who) you love? You don't need another app or AI tool to move faster. You need a clear goal that helps you build energy, not just spend it.
Join my free 60-min workshop, and walk away with one goal that brings your work-life balance back.
(Rated 9.6/10 by leaders from HP, Vodafone, and more)
PPS: The Good Busy Reset waitlist is opening soon… Curious to know the details now? Hit reply!