Youthful Energy vs. Grown-Folk Fatigue: Naps are non-negotiable

We’re going to keep it light today. Let’s talk about energy management, because let’s be transparent. You may think you’re the same person, but your battery life tells a different story. Trust me, the flesh will launch a melt down on you!


Your 20s: Unlimited Energy, Bad Decisions

This is the stage where your energy is boundless but your wisdom is questionable. You stay up till 3 AM, survive on ramen and vibes, and still make it to work looking like you got a full eight hours of sleep (even though you got three).

  • Sleep? Optional.
  • Naps? Only for children and grandmas.
  • Coffee? Just for aesthetics.

At this point, you believe energy is infinite, and “burnout” is just something old people complain about. You say YES to every plan, every event, every trip—because you think your body will always bounce back. Spoiler alert: It won’t.


Your 30s: The Awakening (a.k.a. The Slow Decline)

This is when you start feeling things—like back pain, knee pops, and a sudden love for home decor and early bedtimes. You still have energy, but it comes at a cost.

  • One late night = Two days of recovery.
  • Caffeine is no longer an accessory, it’s a necessity.
  • Brunch is more exciting than the club.

At 30, you start saying “I can’t do back-to-back events” because you now understand what real exhaustion feels like. The thought of going out on a Friday AND a Saturday? Absolutely not. Oh my goodness, the processes that have to happen in your mind before you can decide to go anywhere is ridiculous. Thinking about going outside is draining.


Your 40s: The Energy Reclamation Era

By 40, you’re done playing games with your energy. You’re reclaiming your time like a whole congresswoman, and you are intentional about where you place your focus. Some days you are warming up like an old Buick!

  • Random numb rest zones are a thing. One minute you’re scrolling, the next your body hits a full system shutdown—face up, mouth open, phone on your chest.
  • No drama, no nonsense. If it drains your energy, you don’t even entertain it. You’ve mastered the art of the slow fade from negativity.
  • Control + Alt + Delete moments. Your body just shuts off, and the TV is left watching YOU. Ever wake up and the TV is asking, “Are you still watching?” No, Netflix. I am not. You’re watching me now.
  • Also, don’t ask me to watch any children. I’m barely watching myself at this point, haha!

At 40+, you don’t just schedule rest—you respect it. You decline invites guilt-free, choose peace on purpose, and protect your energy like it’s a direct deposit.


Your 50s & Beyond: Peak Wisdom, Minimal Movement

At this point, you’ve mastered the art of energy management. You don’t waste time or energy on nonsense. You schedule your rest, decline anything that sounds remotely exhausting, and only engage in things that bring joy, peace, or good food.

  • No unnecessary conversations.
  • No unnecessary trips.
  • No unnecessary people.

You finally understand that peace is priceless, and nothing is worth feeling tired for days.


Moral of the Story?

No matter what age you’re at, protect your energy. Learn to say no, take your naps, and invest in good bonnets, good pillows, and good coffee. Because trust me—you’re gonna need it. 😂

Joy Junkie!

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I’m Kenisha

Welcome to Joy Wasted with KB Dickey, my cozy corner of the internet dedicated to joy as a lifestyle. Here, I invite you to join me on a journey of life hacks, wisdom, and all things related to turning lemons into joy!

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