Whether you're powering through a slump, navigating a busy work week, or just trying to make it to the end of winter without hibernating, building healthy habits can help you feel more energised and productive.
But you don’t need to completely overhaul your life to feel better. We spoke with Distinguished alumna Laura Henshaw – co-founder and CEO of Kic, a wellness company helping people build simple, sustainable habits around movement, mindfulness, and nutrition. Laura shares some easy yet effective tips to boost your energy, lift your mood, and show up as your best self – no matter what life throws at you.
Move intuitively, rest when needed
Listening to your body is key. Winter can naturally bring a slower pace, and that’s okay. If you're feeling flat or anxious, try swapping a high-intensity workout session for something gentle, like a walk, pilates, yoga, or stretching. And if your body is asking for rest, give yourself permission to take it.
If you’re struggling to fit in movement, try five-minute workouts throughout the week. Even micro-doses of movement can deliver a noticeable boost in how you feel!
Digital detox if your feed is making you flat
What we consume online can influence how we feel offline. If your social feed isn’t uplifting you, it’s okay to hit unfollow or mute. Curate your online space to reflect what inspires and supports you.
Spend time outdoors
The mid-year slump is real; the weather is colder, we’re seeing less sunlight, and the days are shorter. Try to get outside each day, even if it’s just for 10 minutes. Enjoy your morning coffee in the sun or step out for a walk during your lunch break. Prioritising natural light and fresh air can seriously lift your energy levels.
Connect with friends
When energy is low, reaching out to others can feel like the last thing on our mind, but it's an incredibly powerful way to boost our mood. A quick call, walk with a friend, or even a text can make all the difference.
Inject joy into your day
Joy is fuel. Prioritise making time for doing what you love – whether it’s baking, reading, cooking a nourishing meal, drawing, a short meditation, or a long run to clear your mind – schedule it in your calendar so you can prioritise the things that bring you joy and make you feel good!
As a La Trobe graduate, you can join thousands of others prioritising their wellbeing with Kic! Alumni who sign up for a quarterly or yearly subscription before 30 July 2025 can access up to 40% off — or kick things off with a free 7-day trial. Explore over 1,000 workouts, 900+ nourishing recipes and 100+ mindful classes, all designed to help you feel your best.
About our expert:
Laura Henshaw is the CEO and co-founder of Kic, a leading health and wellness app that is redefining how people connect with wellness and themselves.
A La Trobe University Law / Business graduate, Laura’s trajectory took a turn for entrepreneurship nearly a decade ago when a collaborative e-book project with her best friend – and co-founder – grew into a global wellness platform that now boasts over 850K app downloads and a growing community of over 2.5M.
Kic – which is home to over 1000 workouts, 900 recipes & 100+ mindful classes – challenges the conventional norms of the wellness industry by moving away from appearance-focused metrics like before-and-after photos, weigh-ins, and calorie counting.
As a passionate advocate for sustainable wellbeing Laura is an author, and co-host of the popular podcast KICPOD, and keynote speaker — using her platform to champion a more inclusive and holistic approach to wellness.
