EP 161: Peak Performance - The Neuroscience of Doing Nothing

What if the smartest thing you could do for your energy and your performance was… nothing?

Neuroscience shows that unstructured time isn’t wasted—it’s when your brain’s default mode network activates.

That’s where problem-solving, creativity, and insight spark to life.

High performers know: stillness is a strategy.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why “doing nothing” boosts creativity and decision-making

• How strategic disengagement lowers stress and resets focus

• Seven simple ways to design mental spaciousness into your busy week

Ready to reframe rest as your competitive advantage?

Press play now and discover why doing nothing may be the most productive move you’ll make all week.

Got questions? Reach out to sheri@thevireolife.com

EP 160: How Elite Performers Recharge Energy - The Science of Rest

Think the secret to high performance is pushing through tired? Science says otherwise.

Your brain and body are wired for cycles of work and recovery. Ignoring rest drains your energy, focus, and creativity.

Honoring it? That’s where your real edge begins.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• Why Deep Rest lowers stress and protects long-term health

• How ultradian rhythm breaks supercharge focus and productivity

• The surprising performance benefits of meditation and intentional downtime

Ready to design rest into your week and take back your energy?

Hit play now—and start building Energy by Design.

EP 159: Peak Energy Scheduling - Win Back Hours Every Week

Ever notice how one task flies by in the morning but drags endlessly at night? It’s not your workload—it’s your energy cycles.

In this episode, we explore the science of Ultradian rhythms and how they shape your productivity. You’ll hear:

• A story of a businessman who wasted hours working at the wrong (for him) time of day

• The difference between larks and owls—and how to know which you are

• How to map your personal peak energy zones so you stop fighting your natural rhythms

Imagine scheduling your deep work, creative projects, and even your meetings at the exact time your brain is primed to shine.

No more late-night struggles or sluggish afternoons. Just focus, flow, and freedom.

Here’s “The Shift That Took Me From Burnout to Peak Performance” I mentioned.

Want to put this into practice? Get your free Peak Energy Scheduler—email me at sheri@thevireolife.com and I’ll send it right to you.

EP 158: The Weekly Blueprint High Performers Use

Ever feel like your calendar is running you—draining your focus, your energy, and even your health?

High performers know that energy isn’t an accident—it’s a design.

In this episode, you'll learn a simple, repeatable blueprint to create a week that fuels you instead of burning you out. You’ll learn how to align your schedule with what your body and brain need most—without adding more to your plate.

Imagine a week where your meals are already set up for success, your movement fits into your ever-changing calendar, and you’ve built in margin that makes you sharper, calmer, and more productive. That’s not wishful thinking—it’s practical design.

(And yes, even teams benefit when leaders plan this way—something author Tom DeMarco highlights in Slack.)

Listen in to discover:

• How to spot what meal prep really needs your attention vs when it can go on auto-pilot

• The smartest way to fit movement into a shifting schedule

• Why margin isn’t wasted time—it’s your productivity secret

• How this blueprint gives both you and your team more capacity

Tune in now and start designing the week that fuels you—because high energy is no accident.

Got questions on how to have more energy?

Reach out to me at sheri@thevireolife.com

EP 157: The One Thing Missing in Your Energy Plan

High performers don’t lose energy because they lack discipline. They burnout because energy is leaking out in places they can’t see.

Here’s the insider truth: even the finest nutrition, training, and recovery strategies can’t overcome the silent energy drain of living out of sync with your values.

When your calendar reflects obligations instead of what truly matters, you’re running at half power—no matter how healthy you eat or how much you sleep.

In this episode, you’ll learn the high-level values alignment practice I use with executives and leaders to:

• Align daily decisions with their deepest priorities

• Eliminate the hidden drains stealing focus and stamina

• Access the kind of calm, confident energy money can’t buy—but clarity can unlock

Discover what the most energized leaders do differently—and how you can too.

EP 156: Clear Mind, Cool Herbs - Unlock Your Mental Edge

Feeling foggy or distracted lately? Before you reach for another cup of coffee for false-energy, there’s a refreshing solution growing right in your herb garden. Well, or your grocery shelves.

Meet your new focus allies: basil and mint.

These vibrant herbs do more than flavor your meals or scent your tea—they’re packed with science-backed brain benefits. From reducing mental fatigue to boosting clarity and focus, basil and mint might just be your brain’s favorite upgrade.

In this quick, energizing episode, you’ll learn:

• Why mint can help with memory, clarity, and even alertness

• The unique compound in basil that supports executive brain function

• How to enjoy these herbs daily (without becoming a full-time gardener)

Ready to think sharper and feel fresher—naturally?

Tune in now and discover how two simple herbs can unlock your mental edge.

The essential oil spelling I promised - Eugenol and Linalool

Also, here are the resources I mentioned:
Holy Basil vs Sweet Basil Video

Decision Making Mastery: Dopamine, Serotonin, and the Last-Samurai

Got questions? Reach out to me at sheri@thevireolife.com

EP 151: Let ChatGPT Plan Your Perfect Summer

Too tired to plan? Too hot to think?

Juggling plans for the summer travel, camps, hot days, work deadlines when your staff is out on vacation, plus your wellness? Summer can quickly turn into overload.

In this episode, I’ll show you how to use ChatGPT like a personal assistant to create refreshing, low-stress summer routines tailored to your energy, family schedule, and even the weather.

Whether it’s a rainy weekend, a heatwave, or just a jam-packed workday, you’ll get ready-to-use prompts to help you stay energized, grounded, and well—without overthinking it.

Listen now.

And head to the transcript on your listening platform to grab the prompts to copy and paste.

EP 148: Work-Life Balance is a Myth. Try This Instead.

Are you trying to find the elusive work-life balance? In your workplace, are you trying to "wellness programs" but not getting higher energy and productivity for you team?

In this episode, my guest and I dig into how many wellness initiatives leave people feeling like they’ve failed—when really, the system’s flawed.

We unpack why gym reimbursements and step challenges often fall flat… and what actually moves the needle instead.

You’ll learn what real wellness looks like: flexible, inclusive, and designed for actual humans with actual lives.

From culture shifts to quick wins, we share what helps people thrive at work and beyond.

Hit play to rethink your wellness — and wellness for your workplace.

Click here for Steven's TedX talk that's just released.

EP 145: Upgrade Your Sleep - Here's What Actually Works

Struggling to sleep well? Or want to wake up with the maximum energy for your day?

In this episode, I’m joined by a top sleep expert - who has been central to my own sleep journey.

She and I break down what truly works for better sleep. We share our personal journeys with insomnia and the powerful, science-backed tools that finally helped.

You’ll discover how every cell in your body knows what time it is—and how to reset that internal clock.

From the gold-standard CBT-i method to surprising sleep saboteurs, you’ll walk away ready to reclaim your rest.

Hit play now to learn:

• Why mindset might be the key to falling asleep faster

• What to do instead of relying on sleep supplements

• How to set your body up for deep, natural sleep—even when life is stressful or hormones are shifting.

Upgrade your sleep and everything else changes.

Listen now and start upgrading your sleep tonight!

To get in touch with Mollie Eastman for her weekly insights or to schedule your personal sleep audit, reach out to Mollie@sleepisaskill.com

EP 144: What High Achievers Know About Energy That Most Don't

Feeling overwhelmed and tired trying to do all the right things for your health?

Elite achievers don’t waste time on endless wellness routines. They focus on the few things that actually work—and that’s exactly what you’ll learn how to do in this episode.

Discover the secret, based on Greg McKeown's book Essentialism, to lasting energy, mental clarity, and wellness that fits into a high-performing lifestyle (without burnout).

Listen now and learn how to stop doing more—and start doing what matters most.

EP 142: High-Performance Calm: 15 Fast Stress Solutions

Feeling wired, tired, and stretched too thin?

This laser-focused episode wraps up our stress series with 15 powerful ways to reduce stress. And you don't have to stop your life for a month to get calm. From smart daily habits to in-the-moment relief, these tools are fast, flexible, and totally doable.

Discover simple techniques like “being your own butler,” walking for serotonin boosts, escaping without guilt, and using your senses to reset—all designed for high performers who want calm without losing momentum.

Tune in now and create your own go-to list of fast stress fixes.

Because peak performance starts with inner peace.

Here’s the bonus video resource I mentioned, on “Being Your Own Butler”

EP 141: Feed Your Focus - How to Eat to Heal Your Brain

If your brain feels slow - or just not like it used to—your food may be the key to getting your clarity and energy back.

Long-term stress doesn’t just wear you down—it physically damages areas of the brain.

The good news? You can reverse some of that damage.

And one of the most powerful ways to start is right on your plate.

In this episode, we’re breaking down the top 3 categories of anti-inflammatory foods that science shows can help heal your brain.

No extreme diets. No biohacking fads.

Just real, evidence-based nutrition that supports your focus, mood, and mental stamina.

You’ll learn:

• What to eat to reduce brain inflammation

• How certain foods support neurogenesis and brain repair

• The truth about powerful nutrients like astaxanthin (and what to eat to get it)

• The simplest way to start healing your brain through everyday meals

Feel more capable and focused again.

This episode is for you.

sheri@thevireolife.com

Email me for the free bonus guide to brain-boosting foods.

EP 133: More Energy, Less Effort - The Smart Way to Recharge

Feel drained but don’t have energy for yet another wellness program?

You’re not alone.

What if boosting your energy didn’t require extreme workouts, rigid diets, or major lifestyle changes?

In this episode, find out the effortless shifts that help you recharge, stay sharp, and feel amazing.

Discover the power of micro commitments, simple habit triggers, and strategic energy upgrades that fit seamlessly into your busy life.

Plus, learn why doing less can actually help you accomplish more.

Ready to stop running on empty?

Tune in now and take the first step toward sustained, effortless energy. 

Here are a few of the resources I mention -

Why You Need More Sunshine Episode 32

Get Stronger, Starting Now Episode 48

Episode 122 - 132 - Start with this one
Systemize Your Wellness to Maximize Your Day - My Proven System

Grab your own free copy of my Feel Great - Be Great: The Ultimate Guide to Beating Burnout. Email me at sheri@thevireolife.com

EP 132: The Lazy Genius Hack to Beat Burnout

What if 80% of your energy gains come from just 20% of your efforts?

You don’t have to do everything to feel your best—just the right things.

Over a century ago, an Italian engineer and gardener noticed something strange: 20% of his pea plants produced 80% of the harvest. That same principle—now known as the Pareto Principle—applies to your health, energy, and even your workouts. The key to feeling amazing isn’t doing more—it’s doing what matters most.

Imagine getting stronger, more focused, and recharged without spending hours on routines that don’t actually move the needle.

Whether it’s your morning ritual, workouts, or stress management, the right 20% of effort can deliver the majority of your results.

Learn how to identify those high-impact habits and cut the excess that drains you.

Ready to work with your body instead of against it?

Tune in now to discover how the 80/20 rule can transform your energy and wellness.

For my Feel Great - Be Great: The Ultimate Guide to Beating Burnout simply email me at sheri@thevireolife.com

EP 131: The Mental Energy Mistake You Don't Know You're Making

Why is it some days you have energy and are super productive - and some days you aren't? Even when you've slept well?

The secret isn’t better time management.

It’s a hidden mental energy mistake most people make daily—without realizing it.

I came across this concept when studying the Enneagram with Suzanne Stabile.

The answer is about Mastering Your Three Mental Powers - Thinking, Feeling, and Doing.

When you learn to separate Thinking, Feeling, and Doing, your energy skyrockets.

You’ll get more done without burning out, stay sharp under pressure, and actually feel good while working.

Hit play now to uncover the mistake—and the simple fix that changes everything.

EP 130: Instantly Unlock More Focus & Energy - All Day Long

Do you start the day strong, but crash by afternoon? Despite good sleep, food, and movement? The problem isn’t your routine; it’s how you handle transitions.

Ancient cultures honored these "in-between" moments, but today, we rush through them, leaving our brains overstimulated and drained.

The fix? A simple 3-step transition habit that keeps your energy steady.

Bonus insight - this habit takes zero time.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How transitions reset your energy (and why not transitioning well drains you)

• The science behind mental pauses and focus

• Fast ways to refresh your mind between tasks

Stop ending your day exhausted. Try this easy habit and feel the difference now.

For the Feel Great - Be Great: The Ultimate Guide to Beating Burnout, email me at sheri@thevireolife.com

EP 129: The Shift That Took Me from Burnout to Peak Performance

You’ve been making all the “right” choices—eating better, taking walks, leaving work on time. So why does your energy still feel like it’s slipping?

If you’re frustrated that healthy habits aren’t giving you the energy you expected, you’re not alone.

I’ve been there. I was doing everything by the book—hydrating, exercising, even managing my schedule—but I was still exhausted. Then I discovered one powerful shift that changed everything. And today, I’m sharing it with you.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• The common mistake that keeps high achievers stuck in low energy

• How to spot hidden energy drains you don’t even realize are there

• A simple way to test what actually fuels your energy

Imagine finishing your workday still feeling sharp and focused. That’s what’s possible with this shift.

EP 128: The 8% Mindset - Crush Your Goals Like a Pro

92% of people fail to achieve their goals. Shocking, right?

Stop setting big plans for wellness and life - only to see them fizzle out.

Learn the secrets of the top 8% who consistently achieve their dreams—and how you can join them starting today.

Today’s guest, Sterling Stokes, a Division 1 athlete turned business execution specialist, shares his game-changing insights. (Yes. Pun intended.)

From creating a bulletproof morning routine for energy to cultivating unshakable discipline, Sterling breaks down the habits, mindset, and actions that separate the achievers from the rest.

You’ll discover:

• The 4 traits all high performers share.

• Why most people quit—and how to get past that point.

• How your morning habits can make or break your energy and your day.

• Real-life stories of transformation that prove these principles work.

Imagine finally crushing your biggest health and wellness goals—feeling confident, focused, and unstoppable. This episode will give you the clarity and tools to take that next step.

Ready to break into the 8%? Tune in now and start building your path to success today!

EP 127: BONUS Guided Visualization to Boost Energy and Focus

This guided visualization will ignite your energy for what matters most in your life. In only 5 minutes, you will find calm, focus on your highest goals and values, and prime your brain to see opportunities to bring those goals into reality.

Every part of this guided visualization is science-backed. It will train your brain, release serotonin and dopamine for motivation, and relax your nervous system.

Take 5 minutes each morning to practice this meditation.

If you have a vision-board, have it handy to look either before the visualization -- or when prompted during the recording.

If you don't have a vision-board handy, no worries. When prompted, simply see in your minds eye the goals you have for your life.

Enjoy this journey - daily.

You will have more energy and reach your goals faster.

EP 126: Boost Your Energy and Focus with This 5-Minute Practice

What if just five minutes each morning could unlock a productive, energized day?

This episode reveals the simple practice that primes your brain for energy.

Discover the power of visualization to align your actions with your values, boost your focus, and spot opportunities like never before.

Learn how your brain can’t tell the difference between imagination and reality—and how to use this to your advantage.

With insights into the science of serotonin, dopamine, and your brain’s reticular activating system, you’ll understand how this practice helps you break free from overwhelm and create a positive energy flow that lasts all day.

Tune in now to learn the 5-minute morning visualization practice that changes everything.

And grab the bonus meditation in the next episode to make this a daily habit.