Episode: 4
Energy hacks that give you your life back
With Layne Beachley & Tess Brouwer
Listen on:
What does well-being actually look like...
when you’re exhausted, parenting, flying, speaking, working… and still trying to be a decent human? This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at how Layne and Tess really weave habits, supplements, sleep, and rituals into messy, modern life – without pretending it’s perfect.
From Layne sprinting on the sand, flying to a keynote half-asleep, smashing it on stage and then nearly hurling through turbulence… to Tess parenting through a hangover after Kirk’s birthday, they unpack the routines that hold them – and the ones that fell apart and had to be rebuilt. You’ll hear the story of Layne’s “first pancake” keynote that ended in a formal complaint, and how that wake-up call turned her into the speaker she is today.
They dive into morning rituals (from cuddles and magnesium water to “show me how good it can get today, universe”), the power of a 10-minute lunchtime reset with bare feet in the grass, and why nighttime routines quietly run the whole show. There’s honest chat about alcohol, falling off the wagon, bone broth, matcha, and the truth that sometimes the bravest move is just leaving your desk to eat lunch outside.
This episode isn’t medical advice – it’s two best friends sharing what’s actually working, what isn’t, and how to keep coming back to habits that honour your nervous system, your energy, and your real life.
You’ll learn:
- How Layne and Tess actually start and end their days (on good days and chaos days)
- Why your night routine often matters more than your morning one
- Simple nervous-system resets you can do in 90 seconds or less
- How to recover from “falling off the wagon” without drowning in guilt
- A kinder way to prepare for big days so you don’t burn out before you arrive
5 Key takeaways
- Your First Pancake Will Be Messy – Do It Anyway
Layne’s first keynote was such a disaster she got a formal written complaint – and it became the wake-up call that turned her into a world-class speaker. Everything she’s great at now started as an “epic fail.” Let your first attempts be ugly and edible, not perfect. - Night Routines Quietly Run Your Life
For both Tess and Layne, sleep is the real power move. Swapping “I’ll sleep when I’m dead” for dark rooms, less blue light, magnesium blends, yoga nidra, reading, and gratitude changed how they wake, work, and parent. When they sleep well, they are well. - Regulate First, Then Respond
Whether it’s turbulence, toddlers, or triggers, they come back to breath. Box breathing, double inhales with long exhales, or three intentional breaths can reset your system in under 90 seconds – then you decide what to do next. - You Can Fall Off the Wagon Without Falling Out of Self-Respect
Alcohol, late nights, carrot cake, burgers – they happen. Instead of piling on shame, they choose ownership and recovery: coconut water, broth, rest, early nights, and honest reflection. Enjoy it when you choose it, then listen to how your body wants to repair. - Protect Your Energy Like It’s Your Job
Energy isn’t just the day-of – it’s the day before, the day of, and the day after. That’s why Tess says no to pre-event breakfasts and writes letters to her future self, and Layne “sheds the skin” of expectation before comps and keynotes.
One simple ask: do one thing you love every day – and fall in love with doing it.
Ready to awaken?
Monthly Live Coaching with Layne & Tess
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Connect with us
Get Awake’s transformative book: Know yourself grow yourself to live a happier more purposeful life
Follow Layne on Instagram @Laynebeachley
Follow Tess on Instagram @tesscbrouwer
Follow Awake Academy on Instagram @awake_academy
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Disclaimer
The A Wake Up Call podcast is created for general informational, educational, and inspirational purposes only. The stories, tools, and insights shared are designed to support your wellbeing journey - not to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic advice. In fact, we believe therapy is non-negotiable in life.
If you’re experiencing a medical or mental health condition, please seek guidance from a qualified healthcare professional. Never ignore or delay seeking professional advice because of something you’ve heard on this podcast.
Your wellbeing matters. Take care of yourself, stay curious, and remember the real wake-up call is listening to what your body and mind are trying to tell you.
