Things I No Longer Use: How Small Swaps Boost Energy and Hormones
Sometimes, the most powerful health changes come not from what we add to our lives, but what we quietly remove. Over the years, I’ve discovered a list of things I no longer use — everyday habits, products, and foods that once seemed normal but were silently draining my energy and hormones.
If you’ve ever felt constantly tired, foggy, or frustrated by conflicting health advice, this guide is for you. These are practical, science-backed swaps that don’t require extreme changes, just thoughtful choices that protect your body, your energy, and your hormones.
Why It Matters to Let Go of Certain Things
Modern life exposes us to subtle stressors: processed foods, chemical-laden products, light pollution, and constant connectivity. Even when we eat well and exercise, these hidden drains can affect sleep, digestion, mood, and hormone regulation — including cortisol, insulin, thyroid hormones, and sex hormones.
I discovered this firsthand. Despite eating nutrient-dense meals and moving daily, I often felt exhausted, scattered, had skin rashes, and low in motivation. It wasn’t until I examined my environment and habits that I realised some “normal” things were quietly sabotaging my wellbeing.
Things I No Longer Use in My Home
Many common household items seem harmless but can subtly affect energy and hormonal balance. Here’s what I no longer use and why:
LED Lights at Night
LEDs have a high proportion of blue light, which tricks the brain into thinking it’s daytime, suppressing melatonin and disrupting circadian rhythms. I now use warm, blue-blocking bulbs after sunset to support restorative sleep and hormone health. These are my favourite (this link will give you 10% off – please note this is an affiliate link and you don’t have to use this link – or this brand). If you want to find out more about how blue light at night affects your health, read my blog post: Blue Light Before Bed is Like Drinking 2 Cups of Coffee
Sunglasses (unless the sun is blinding me when I’m driving)
Wearing sunglasses constantly reduces natural light exposure. Morning sunlight cues help regulate cortisol and melatonin, and helps signal our brains to produce melanin so we don’t burn as easily later in the day, so I try to let my eyes soak up natural light each day.
Perfume, Scented Candles, and Air Fresheners
These may smell pleasant, but they release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that can stress the liver and nervous system. Fresh air and natural scents feel far more calming and safe.
Toxic Household Products
Many cleaning sprays and detergents contain chemicals that may subtly disrupt hormones. I now rely on gentle alternatives like vinegar, bicarbonate of soda, and castile soap.
Things I No Longer Use in My Diet
Food can be both fuel and subtle sabotage. These are the items I’ve stopped consuming to protect energy and hormones:
Seed and Vegetable Oils
Highly processed oils like sunflower, soybean, and corn are rich in omega-6 fatty acids, which can promote inflammation when consumed in excess. I swap these for olive oil, butter, or ghee.
Energy Drinks and ‘Skinny’ Lattes
These used to be my go-to back when I was a student the first time round: caffeine spikes followed by crashes disrupt blood sugar and cortisol rhythms. Hydration and nutrient-rich meals now provide steadier energy throughout the day.
Constant Snacking
Frequent grazing keeps insulin elevated and can interfere with natural hunger cues. Structured, balanced meals have stabilised my energy and cravings.
Out-of-Season Produce from Far Away
Imported fruits and vegetables often lose nutrients during long transport, and they are grown in the wrong light environment for the latitude we live in – this causes confusion to our biology. Eating seasonally and locally supports digestion, nutrient intake, and flavour.
Things I No Longer Use in Daily Habits
Small lifestyle habits can have a big impact on energy and hormones:
Non-Stick Pans
Non-stick coatings often contain PFAS, “forever chemicals” that accumulate in the body. I now use stainless steel, cast iron, or ceramic-coated pans.
Birth Control Pills (Where Applicable)
While helpful for some, hormonal contraceptives can mask underlying imbalances rather than resolving them, and can negatively affect your gut microbiome. If you experience low energy, mood swings, or irregular cycles, it’s worth exploring natural strategies with professional guidance.
AirPods and Constant EMF Exposure
Keeping devices close to your head exposes the brain to electromagnetic fields. Limiting prolonged use and avoiding sleeping with devices nearby supports restorative sleep.
Leaving the Wi-Fi Turned On At Night
Same with Wi-Fi. My family has noticed a huge difference in sleep quality since we started turning off the Wi-Fi at night.
Spending All Day Indoors
Our bodies thrive on sunlight for vitamin D and circadian rhythm cues. Even brief outdoor time each day improves mood, energy, and hormonal signalling, but the more time we spend outdoors, the better!
Sleeping with the Phone Charging on the Bedside Table
EMFs disrupt sleep cycles. Charging devices away from the bed (preferably in a different room) helps me wake feeling refreshed.
How Letting Go Creates Real Change
Removing these “normal” drains from my life didn’t just improve energy and hormones — it changed how I feel day-to-day. Small adjustments compound over time: better sleep, steadier energy, clearer thinking, and improved digestion.
The key is intention, not perfection. Start with one area, notice how your body responds, and gradually incorporate more swaps. Each choice is a chance to support your body instead of quietly depleting it.
Simple Swaps to Try Today
- Switch LED bulbs for warm, blue-blocking alternatives.
- Take morning sunlight without sunglasses.
- Replace chemical cleaners with vinegar, baking soda, or castile soap.
- Cook with olive oil, butter, or ghee.
- Keep phones and devices out of the bedroom.
- Eat seasonal, local produce when possible.
- Prioritise hydration and balanced meals over caffeinated drinks.
Even just 2–3 of these swaps can make a noticeable difference in a few weeks.
Why This Matters for Busy People
If you’re juggling work, family, and life’s demands — especially if you’ve felt “stuck” with fatigue, brain fog, or hormonal imbalances — these small, intentional shifts can create outsized effects. You don’t need to follow every trend or spend hours on complicated routines. Often, it’s about removing the hidden drains on your body and mind.
Your Next Step
Take a look at your habits and environment. What feels normal but might be quietly sapping your energy? Pick one thing from this list to remove or replace this week and notice how your body responds.
These small swaps are simple but profound. Your energy, sleep, and hormones will thank you.
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