Wellbeing Battery Communication
Barefoot lifestyle column
VIEW OTHER BAREFOOT PHYSIOTHERAPY BLOGS
Why Being Able to Communicate Your Energy Levels Changes Everything
Blog 3 of 4 in introductory series written by Sal:
One of the most powerful things we can do for our wellbeing is learn how to communicate where we’re really at—and do it simply.
That’s one of the main reasons I created the Wellbeing Battery. Yes, it’s a personal check-in tool. But more than that, it’s a language. A shared way of expressing what’s often hard to put into words: how much energy we have on any given day.
We’re so used to being asked, “How are you?” and automatically replying, “Good, thanks.” But what if “good” isn’t true? What if you’re actually running on 20%, or you’re completely flat, or even feeling energised and ready to go—but no one around you knows that?
That gap between how we feel and what we say can have a huge impact on our relationships, work, recovery, and mental health.
At Barefoot we have Seen the Difference
When clients at Barefoot start using the Wellbeing Battery to describe their energy levels we find it makes things clearer—not just for them, but for the people supporting them.
A parent can say, “I’m orange today” and their partner understands that dinner needs to be a team effort.
A client recovering from an injury can tell us, “I’m in the green zone” and we’ll safely progress their rehab that day.
A team member can say, “I’m feeling orange—can I shift this training to tomorrow?” and it’s met with empathy, not judgement.
Being able to communicate where we’re at helps us get what we need—without over-explaining, justifying, or apologising. It fosters mutual understanding. And it helps the people around us show up in ways that actually help.
Why This Matters in Everyday Life:
This isn’t just about your physio sessions (although it makes a huge difference there too). This is about how you move through life—with your family, your colleagues, your friends, and your support network.
When you have a simple, shared language for energy, you can:
- Set boundaries with kindness
- Ask for support without guilt
- Plan your week based on capacity, not pressure
- Navigate tough days with more grace (for yourself and others)
And just as importantly—you can support others better, too.
Because when we all start checking in with our energy and respecting where people are at, everything becomes a little more human and a lot more compassionate.
Let’s Normalise This
The more we talk openly about our battery levels, the more we normalise self-awareness, rest, and pacing.
You don’t have to push through every day at 100%. Some of your best decisions will come from acknowledging that you’re in the orange or red zone—and adjusting your expectations accordingly.
At Barefoot Physiotherapy, we’re passionate about supporting the whole person—not just the injury. And we’ve found that when people start using the Wellbeing Battery, they recover better, relate better, and live more sustainably.
If you’re curious about what your own energy levels are—and how to start communicating them—ask us at your next appointment. We’d love to walk you through it.
If you can’t wait for then you could try the quiz on the Wellbeing Battery website.
Want to know more?
- Read the final of series Blog 4 here
- Speak with your Barefoot Physio
- Reach out to me on sal@barefootphysiotherapy.com.au