What do you think?
Rate this book
Protect Your Energy
Make vital shifts in how you use your energy―and how you rest―by understanding your nervous system through gentle guidance and practices.
“This book is a balm to my nervous system.”—Alex Elle, author of After the Rain
We live in a world of more―work more, earn more, do more―but as Zabie Yamasaki writes, “The truth is sometimes what our nervous systems need is less.” In Protect Your Energy, Zabie helps us connect to our inner wisdom to make the powerful changes we need to reclaim control of the thousands of ways our energy is depleted each day.
Protect Your Energy helps us compassionately learn to listen to the messages our bodies are sending us through our nervous system. With evidence-based practices drawn from Polyvagal Theory, as well as yogic philosophy and personal experience, Zabie shares practical wisdom to help us turn inward to effect small but vital changes that make living in our fast-paced culture more sustainable. Protect Your Energy offers:
• Reflections to help us understand both where we are and where we want to go
• Restorative and accessible practices to help us understand our energy drains and honor our capacity
• Support to set and hold supportive boundaries, unwind burnout, and much more.
Zabie shares, “You hold the wisdom, beauty, and power you need to find relief. And amid all of the noise, your connection to your body and nervous system is your most important teacher.”
“This book is a balm to my nervous system.”—Alex Elle, author of After the Rain
We live in a world of more―work more, earn more, do more―but as Zabie Yamasaki writes, “The truth is sometimes what our nervous systems need is less.” In Protect Your Energy, Zabie helps us connect to our inner wisdom to make the powerful changes we need to reclaim control of the thousands of ways our energy is depleted each day.
Protect Your Energy helps us compassionately learn to listen to the messages our bodies are sending us through our nervous system. With evidence-based practices drawn from Polyvagal Theory, as well as yogic philosophy and personal experience, Zabie shares practical wisdom to help us turn inward to effect small but vital changes that make living in our fast-paced culture more sustainable. Protect Your Energy offers:
• Reflections to help us understand both where we are and where we want to go
• Restorative and accessible practices to help us understand our energy drains and honor our capacity
• Support to set and hold supportive boundaries, unwind burnout, and much more.
Zabie shares, “You hold the wisdom, beauty, and power you need to find relief. And amid all of the noise, your connection to your body and nervous system is your most important teacher.”
238 pages, Paperback
Published April 21, 2026
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 2, 2025
Protect Your Energy by Zabie Yamasaki came to me at the right time. I’ve been looking for a book like this, one that not only touches on preventing burnout, but also helps you understand steps you can take to recover. It took me so long to understand that the bone deep exhaustion and complete crashes were signals from my body that I was running on survival for so long and that it was now safe enough to rest. This isn’t just a book of mindfulness. This is a book that includes evidence-based practices for soothing the nervous system.
I’m someone who reads self-help and mindful books quite often, and so I was happy to see references of Madeleine Dore, Pooja Lakshmin, and Emily and Amelia Nagoski, authors whose works I greatly loved. I appreciate the compassion with which the book is written and I can imagine how soothing the book would be as an audiobook.
I look forward to having a physical copy of the book so I can reference the many forms of rest (it’s not just sleep!).
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sounds True Publishing, and Zabie Yamasaki for the ARC.
I’m someone who reads self-help and mindful books quite often, and so I was happy to see references of Madeleine Dore, Pooja Lakshmin, and Emily and Amelia Nagoski, authors whose works I greatly loved. I appreciate the compassion with which the book is written and I can imagine how soothing the book would be as an audiobook.
I look forward to having a physical copy of the book so I can reference the many forms of rest (it’s not just sleep!).
Many thanks to NetGalley, Sounds True Publishing, and Zabie Yamasaki for the ARC.
April 1, 2026
I listened to this book because I was specifically wanting to know how to protect my energy from those around me with negative vibes. This was briefly touched on, but the majority of the information covered more basic ideas like how to give yourself permission to rest, create more time for yourself, share home responsibilities with your partner, what to do to avoid burnout and fatigue, grounding exercises, etc. It was all very useful information, but most of it wasn’t new to me and probably won’t be to anyone who reads self-help books regularly.
The parts that did stand out to me were more unique. Each chapter quotes various professionals such as doctors, motivational speakers, and sacred texts. The author weaves in personal anecdotes about her life that connect to the lesson. Along with the meat of the chapter, the author includes affirmations, journal prompts, meditations, and yoga sequences to support each particular topic. I feel like this was a nice touch and will give me a reason to go back to the book as I try to put her suggestions into practice in my daily life.
The author narrates the book herself and does a fine job. Her voice is pleasant and I would prefer to listen to the meditations over reading them anyway, but I think a physical copy might be better for the other features.
The parts that did stand out to me were more unique. Each chapter quotes various professionals such as doctors, motivational speakers, and sacred texts. The author weaves in personal anecdotes about her life that connect to the lesson. Along with the meat of the chapter, the author includes affirmations, journal prompts, meditations, and yoga sequences to support each particular topic. I feel like this was a nice touch and will give me a reason to go back to the book as I try to put her suggestions into practice in my daily life.
The author narrates the book herself and does a fine job. Her voice is pleasant and I would prefer to listen to the meditations over reading them anyway, but I think a physical copy might be better for the other features.
February 23, 2026
The premise of Protect Your Energy appealed to me from the very start. In this fast-paced, fast-moving society where we are constantly connected, who doesn’t need to nurture their nervous system and cultivate rest? I know I do and recognizing that is the first step. In addition to the entire host of gentle reminders Yamasaki provides, I wholeheartedly agree that doing less is medicine for your nervous system; slowing down is medicine for your nervous system and managing your energy is medicine for your nervous system. And honestly, for me and many others, that’s a challenge at this time when our nervous systems are constantly on high alert— when massive, alarming, repugnant and divisive social shifts are sweeping the nation. We wake up to overwhelming headlines and face economic changes that impact both our daily lives and our futures, and it’s HARD. Luckily, Yamasaki has written this book to remind and inform us of the “soothing practices that can bring us back to our center,” that consider the whole body. Yes, I’m familiar with a lot of the language — I work with energy, earth medicine and practice yoga and meditation — and yet, I need these reminders, new approaches and perspectives as much as anyone else. I… we, need this now more than ever, and Yamasaki delivers in a brilliant and approachable way. I’m so grateful for this book.✨ Highly recommend you pick up a copy and another to gift. It’s a gateway back to yourself.
April 29, 2026
⭐️ 4.25/5. Thank you Macmillan Audio for the chance to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Protect Your Energy: A Gentle Guide to Nurture Your Nervous System, Cultivate Rest, and Honor Your Needs” was exactly what I’ve been needing to listen to recently. For the past few years, I’ve felt myself falling into burnout; and it really came to a head this past winter. Ever since, I’ve been trying to do things to calm my nervous system and retrain myself to not be in a constant state of urgency. I read about the Danish concept of Hygge and I tried to slow down, but the advice in this book was able to take it to a whole new level for me.
Zahabiyah A. Yamasaki, MEd, RYT, was able to make me feel valid for needing this nervous system nurturing, talk about practical ways to apply it, and also remove the guilt and stigma around resting. I will list my favorite quotes from the book below, because I feel that most everyone can benefit from the wisdom in this book. Also, the author narrates it herself and has a very calming voice. She helped me relax as I was listening and I actively felt myself becoming more calm.
The author is also trained in yoga and yoga for releasing trauma, so there is some of that mixed in, as well. I myself have thankfully not experienced trauma, and also don’t do yoga, so I just listened to those brief parts.
I would highly recommend that if you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just like you need to find some peace, you listen to this audiobook.
"Doing less is medicine for your nervous system. Slowing down is medicine for your nervous system. Pacing yourself is medicine for your nervous system. Integration is...Being gentle with yourself is...Honoring your changing capacity...Tending to your needs is...Managing your energy instead of your time is... Self-compassion is...Rest is medicine for your nervous system.” (1% in)
“Exercises to calm your nervous system: supportive social engagement and social connection, trauma-sensitive breath work, walking, slowness and releasing urgency, time in nature, track experiences of awe and wonder, journaling, soothing self-compassion holds, meditation, stretching, yoga, nourishing meals, sleeping, emotional safety ritual, movements that brings you joy, creativity, and grounding practices.” (25% in)
“Increase the margins in our days.” (30% in)
“It takes time to de-program from urgency culture.” (33% in)
“Take a moment to check in with yourself in the morning before you check in with the world…Practice moving slower. Slowing down is one of the key pathways to healing your nervous system…Do your daily tasks a little more slowly and notice what happens…Gently release yourself from the shame of not being able to do it all…Be mindful of how often "trauma consumption" from media real or fiction.” (40% in)
"Remember to remember yourself. Our society expects persistent business... when we finally slow down, emotions unsurprisingly make their way to the surface.” (41% in)
"If you keep giving, people will just keep taking." (45% in)
“The systems we currently live under were never set up for us to thrive. Which is why reclaiming our care is the strongest path to liberating minds, bodies, and spirits. In a world that makes it challenging to switch off the constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system, saying no, releasing urgency, choosing yourself, prioritizing your needs, and honoring your right to rest, are contagious acts of resilience.” (68% in)
"I deserve a slower and softer pace of life. Prioritizing rest is integral to my healing. I deserve so much more than constant cycles of depletion and burnout. I offer myself grace when overwhelm, stress, pressure, and burnout start to sink in. I am worthy even when I don't overextend myself...I freely let myself unravel and feel...I deserve the compassion I so freely give to others." (69% in)
“Remember, what the nervous systems often needs is less.” (99% in)
“Our productivity doesn't determine our worth.” (99% in)
“Protect Your Energy: A Gentle Guide to Nurture Your Nervous System, Cultivate Rest, and Honor Your Needs” was exactly what I’ve been needing to listen to recently. For the past few years, I’ve felt myself falling into burnout; and it really came to a head this past winter. Ever since, I’ve been trying to do things to calm my nervous system and retrain myself to not be in a constant state of urgency. I read about the Danish concept of Hygge and I tried to slow down, but the advice in this book was able to take it to a whole new level for me.
Zahabiyah A. Yamasaki, MEd, RYT, was able to make me feel valid for needing this nervous system nurturing, talk about practical ways to apply it, and also remove the guilt and stigma around resting. I will list my favorite quotes from the book below, because I feel that most everyone can benefit from the wisdom in this book. Also, the author narrates it herself and has a very calming voice. She helped me relax as I was listening and I actively felt myself becoming more calm.
The author is also trained in yoga and yoga for releasing trauma, so there is some of that mixed in, as well. I myself have thankfully not experienced trauma, and also don’t do yoga, so I just listened to those brief parts.
I would highly recommend that if you’re feeling tired, overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just like you need to find some peace, you listen to this audiobook.
"Doing less is medicine for your nervous system. Slowing down is medicine for your nervous system. Pacing yourself is medicine for your nervous system. Integration is...Being gentle with yourself is...Honoring your changing capacity...Tending to your needs is...Managing your energy instead of your time is... Self-compassion is...Rest is medicine for your nervous system.” (1% in)
“Exercises to calm your nervous system: supportive social engagement and social connection, trauma-sensitive breath work, walking, slowness and releasing urgency, time in nature, track experiences of awe and wonder, journaling, soothing self-compassion holds, meditation, stretching, yoga, nourishing meals, sleeping, emotional safety ritual, movements that brings you joy, creativity, and grounding practices.” (25% in)
“Increase the margins in our days.” (30% in)
“It takes time to de-program from urgency culture.” (33% in)
“Take a moment to check in with yourself in the morning before you check in with the world…Practice moving slower. Slowing down is one of the key pathways to healing your nervous system…Do your daily tasks a little more slowly and notice what happens…Gently release yourself from the shame of not being able to do it all…Be mindful of how often "trauma consumption" from media real or fiction.” (40% in)
"Remember to remember yourself. Our society expects persistent business... when we finally slow down, emotions unsurprisingly make their way to the surface.” (41% in)
"If you keep giving, people will just keep taking." (45% in)
“The systems we currently live under were never set up for us to thrive. Which is why reclaiming our care is the strongest path to liberating minds, bodies, and spirits. In a world that makes it challenging to switch off the constant activation of the sympathetic nervous system, saying no, releasing urgency, choosing yourself, prioritizing your needs, and honoring your right to rest, are contagious acts of resilience.” (68% in)
"I deserve a slower and softer pace of life. Prioritizing rest is integral to my healing. I deserve so much more than constant cycles of depletion and burnout. I offer myself grace when overwhelm, stress, pressure, and burnout start to sink in. I am worthy even when I don't overextend myself...I freely let myself unravel and feel...I deserve the compassion I so freely give to others." (69% in)
“Remember, what the nervous systems often needs is less.” (99% in)
“Our productivity doesn't determine our worth.” (99% in)
May 11, 2026
This your reminder to give yourself a break. 💕
A Gentle Guide to Nurture Your Nervous System, Cultivate Rest, and Honor Your Needs
This one felt so damn good. She drills down on how energy impacts our nervous systems and encourages us to listen to the messages our bodies are sending and show ourselves some compassion. We can’t be everything and do all the things without draining ourselves.
Hustle culture has ruined our ability to just be. Someone told me once not to let perfection be the enemy of good enough, and that’s the vibe. I loved her references to Tricia Hersey’s Rest Is Resistance which had a big impact on me a couple of years ago.
I liked how she drew on evidence-based practices, Polyvagal Theory, and yogic philosophy to make it make sense. Her wisdom and experience in trauma-informed practice shines and lends credence to her writing.
It contains meditations (with links to guided audio on the MacMillan site- well done!), reflective worksheets (also linked for downloads), and illustrations of low-impact yoga poses with suggestions for accommodations to target your specific needs.
Her concept of “glimmers” resonated with me. They’re the small, everyday things that fill your cup or put a smile on your face. I call them warm fuzzies. They’re important to notice and celebrate. It reminded me of working in a group home when we would sit the youth down for dinner and ask them to give us their “good of the day”. They would tell us one thing that was positive as a reminder that even when life sucks, it’s not all sh*t.
The message is that you deserve be your best self, and you get to decide what that is. You deserve to show up for yourself, whatever that looks like. I’ll be coming back to this one a lot.
Thank you to St. Martin's Essentials for the free book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½ rounded up to 5!
→ Connect with me on Instagram!
A Gentle Guide to Nurture Your Nervous System, Cultivate Rest, and Honor Your Needs
This one felt so damn good. She drills down on how energy impacts our nervous systems and encourages us to listen to the messages our bodies are sending and show ourselves some compassion. We can’t be everything and do all the things without draining ourselves.
Hustle culture has ruined our ability to just be. Someone told me once not to let perfection be the enemy of good enough, and that’s the vibe. I loved her references to Tricia Hersey’s Rest Is Resistance which had a big impact on me a couple of years ago.
I liked how she drew on evidence-based practices, Polyvagal Theory, and yogic philosophy to make it make sense. Her wisdom and experience in trauma-informed practice shines and lends credence to her writing.
It contains meditations (with links to guided audio on the MacMillan site- well done!), reflective worksheets (also linked for downloads), and illustrations of low-impact yoga poses with suggestions for accommodations to target your specific needs.
Her concept of “glimmers” resonated with me. They’re the small, everyday things that fill your cup or put a smile on your face. I call them warm fuzzies. They’re important to notice and celebrate. It reminded me of working in a group home when we would sit the youth down for dinner and ask them to give us their “good of the day”. They would tell us one thing that was positive as a reminder that even when life sucks, it’s not all sh*t.
The message is that you deserve be your best self, and you get to decide what that is. You deserve to show up for yourself, whatever that looks like. I’ll be coming back to this one a lot.
Thank you to St. Martin's Essentials for the free book!
⭐⭐⭐⭐ ½ rounded up to 5!
→ Connect with me on Instagram!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I requested an ARC of "Protect Your Energy: A Gentle Guide to Nurture Your Nervous System, Cultivate Rest, and Honor Your Needs" by Zahabiyah A. Yamasaki because the description immediately resonated with me and because it is published by Sounds True Publishing, a longtime favorite of mine.
This is a short book, but it is packed with insight. Yamasaki draws from her background in trauma-informed yoga and nervous system education to explain why so many of us feel depleted and how we can begin to rebuild a sense of safety and steadiness in our bodies. She explores the connection between stress, boundaries, rest, and self-awareness in a way that is both accessible and grounded. The emphasis on tending to energy feels especially relevant in a culture that constantly asks us to do more.
As a part-time yoga teacher, I found myself noting passages to revisit for future lesson plans. The practices and reflections offered here translate beautifully into the classroom, especially for students who are navigating burnout or chronic stress.
As a full-time worker bee, I also appreciated the practical guidance for managing day-to-day challenges, which for me, include work stress, commuting, and the ongoing reality of feeling underpaid and overextended. The tools are realistic and compassionate rather than idealistic.
Life is hard. Books like this remind us that tending to our nervous systems and honoring our limits is not indulgent but necessary. This is a resource I plan to return to and one I will be purchasing for my own shelf.
I am grateful to NetGalley, Sounds True Publishing, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC to read and review.
This is a short book, but it is packed with insight. Yamasaki draws from her background in trauma-informed yoga and nervous system education to explain why so many of us feel depleted and how we can begin to rebuild a sense of safety and steadiness in our bodies. She explores the connection between stress, boundaries, rest, and self-awareness in a way that is both accessible and grounded. The emphasis on tending to energy feels especially relevant in a culture that constantly asks us to do more.
As a part-time yoga teacher, I found myself noting passages to revisit for future lesson plans. The practices and reflections offered here translate beautifully into the classroom, especially for students who are navigating burnout or chronic stress.
As a full-time worker bee, I also appreciated the practical guidance for managing day-to-day challenges, which for me, include work stress, commuting, and the ongoing reality of feeling underpaid and overextended. The tools are realistic and compassionate rather than idealistic.
Life is hard. Books like this remind us that tending to our nervous systems and honoring our limits is not indulgent but necessary. This is a resource I plan to return to and one I will be purchasing for my own shelf.
I am grateful to NetGalley, Sounds True Publishing, and the author for providing me with a digital ARC to read and review.
April 10, 2026
Thank you to Macmillan Audio for the Advanced Listener's Copy! This review is voluntary and my honest opinion ♡
Let me start by saying I highly recommend this read. This book talks about burnout and self-care in very healing ways. It teaches you to value yourself and give yourself grace. I think it is very valuable and I think a lot of people could benefit from this one. We also have guided meditation/yoga poses which I think was really good in audiobook form.
That being said, I'm learning that I am not an auditory learner. While the meditations were healing, I found myself struggling to recall and implement other lessons of this book. I wished for a physical copy I could highlight and take from it what I need. I think optimally this book would be best read as a joint physical/audio experience. If I had that experience, I am sure this book would be much higher rated from me but I am reflecting on my experience with the audiobook so the rating reflects that.
I do think a good chunk of the messages of this book were familiar to me but it is always nice to have a reminder and also a reframing of it to help my brain accept it. I thought this book was very approachable and important to take your time with.
I might have to grab a physical copy when this book comes out and give it a reread to see how much more beneficial that will be to me. Will update my review if/when I do! Thank you again for the ARC and again, I would highly recommend this one! It's an important book and I believe it can help a lot of people in today's world where productivity feels most important.
Let me start by saying I highly recommend this read. This book talks about burnout and self-care in very healing ways. It teaches you to value yourself and give yourself grace. I think it is very valuable and I think a lot of people could benefit from this one. We also have guided meditation/yoga poses which I think was really good in audiobook form.
That being said, I'm learning that I am not an auditory learner. While the meditations were healing, I found myself struggling to recall and implement other lessons of this book. I wished for a physical copy I could highlight and take from it what I need. I think optimally this book would be best read as a joint physical/audio experience. If I had that experience, I am sure this book would be much higher rated from me but I am reflecting on my experience with the audiobook so the rating reflects that.
I do think a good chunk of the messages of this book were familiar to me but it is always nice to have a reminder and also a reframing of it to help my brain accept it. I thought this book was very approachable and important to take your time with.
I might have to grab a physical copy when this book comes out and give it a reread to see how much more beneficial that will be to me. Will update my review if/when I do! Thank you again for the ARC and again, I would highly recommend this one! It's an important book and I believe it can help a lot of people in today's world where productivity feels most important.
May 18, 2026
PROTECT YOUR ENERGY
BY: ZAHABIYA A. YAMASAKI
I had a year with some health issues along with a good friend that is a reciprocal connection confide in me of a lot of hard times experienced which I empathized but due to the amount of my trying to give more than I was expected made me feel drained at times. I love Sounds True Publishing and this title spoke to me. I had the Kindle version, but I also bought the Audible edition, plus the paperback. I do want to reiterate that I need to not put more effort than expected since I went beyond but the empathy I felt had not been prepared to hear so much unexpected difficult things and I wanted to do looking back I wasn't expected and I have been first introduced to Stephen Porges book called "Safe and Sound," which his comprehensive Polyvagal Theory of the Nervous System I have seen in multiple books since then.
This is still Scientific based on a combination of turning into your nervous system but is also based in Yoga with which is also reminding us to do less in a world where I have taken breaks sometimes, but it's hard in a culture that expects deadlines but I'm grateful for this and I want to reread Stephen Porges again. This is exceptional in the content for my favorite Publisher of cutting edge concepts made easy to grasp.
Publication Date: April 21, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Zahabiyah A. Yamasaki, and the Fantastic Sounds True Publishing--St Martin's Essentials for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
#ProtectYourEnergy #Zahabiya A. Yamasaki #SoundsTruePubishing #StMartinsEssentials #NetGalley
BY: ZAHABIYA A. YAMASAKI
I had a year with some health issues along with a good friend that is a reciprocal connection confide in me of a lot of hard times experienced which I empathized but due to the amount of my trying to give more than I was expected made me feel drained at times. I love Sounds True Publishing and this title spoke to me. I had the Kindle version, but I also bought the Audible edition, plus the paperback. I do want to reiterate that I need to not put more effort than expected since I went beyond but the empathy I felt had not been prepared to hear so much unexpected difficult things and I wanted to do looking back I wasn't expected and I have been first introduced to Stephen Porges book called "Safe and Sound," which his comprehensive Polyvagal Theory of the Nervous System I have seen in multiple books since then.
This is still Scientific based on a combination of turning into your nervous system but is also based in Yoga with which is also reminding us to do less in a world where I have taken breaks sometimes, but it's hard in a culture that expects deadlines but I'm grateful for this and I want to reread Stephen Porges again. This is exceptional in the content for my favorite Publisher of cutting edge concepts made easy to grasp.
Publication Date: April 21, 2026
Thank you to Net Galley, Zahabiyah A. Yamasaki, and the Fantastic Sounds True Publishing--St Martin's Essentials for generously providing me with my ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
#ProtectYourEnergy #Zahabiya A. Yamasaki #SoundsTruePubishing #StMartinsEssentials #NetGalley
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thank you, @macmillan.audio, for the gifted ALC.
Thoughts 💭
I won't go as far as to say this book is a game changer, only because I've realized a lot of these principles already from my own burn outs but I will say that everyone can benefit from reading this. I've never felt so seen listening to a book.
In today's fast-paced world, we've learned to ignore the signs our body is giving us. Our nervous systems are stretched thin in order to feel productive and valuable. We need to start training our bodies to slow down and to listen to signs of burnout. There's insightful knowledge, data, quotes, and practices to help you achieve the calm and peace you're craving. Just because something is normalized doesn't mean it should be the norm.
I bookmarked so many things in this audio in order to go back and listen to it over again. I can't recommend this enough. The audio was powerful, and the author narrating it made it feel that much more meaningful. You can tell this is something she is passionate about. I think we could all benefit from protecting our energy.
Thoughts 💭
I won't go as far as to say this book is a game changer, only because I've realized a lot of these principles already from my own burn outs but I will say that everyone can benefit from reading this. I've never felt so seen listening to a book.
In today's fast-paced world, we've learned to ignore the signs our body is giving us. Our nervous systems are stretched thin in order to feel productive and valuable. We need to start training our bodies to slow down and to listen to signs of burnout. There's insightful knowledge, data, quotes, and practices to help you achieve the calm and peace you're craving. Just because something is normalized doesn't mean it should be the norm.
I bookmarked so many things in this audio in order to go back and listen to it over again. I can't recommend this enough. The audio was powerful, and the author narrating it made it feel that much more meaningful. You can tell this is something she is passionate about. I think we could all benefit from protecting our energy.
December 20, 2025
While the world wants more from us, Zahabiyah Yamasaki reminds us, that “sometimes what our nervous systems need is less.” Protect Your Energy is her invitation back to ourselves, a gentle guide toward reclaiming the countless pieces of energy we lose each day.
Drawing from Polyvagal Theory, yogic philosophy, and her lived experience, Yamasaki offers a grounded, compassionate framework for listening to the messages our nervous systems are constantly sending us. The book weaves reflections, restorative practices, and accessible tools.
There is so much important, timely wisdom in this book and I think it will resonate deeply with anyone craving nervous system care or gentle guidance. This book is a compassionate read for this fast-paced age, and it's an invaluable reminder to slow down, turn inward, and protect what matters most: namely our energy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Sounds True Publishing and the author for the ARC.
Drawing from Polyvagal Theory, yogic philosophy, and her lived experience, Yamasaki offers a grounded, compassionate framework for listening to the messages our nervous systems are constantly sending us. The book weaves reflections, restorative practices, and accessible tools.
There is so much important, timely wisdom in this book and I think it will resonate deeply with anyone craving nervous system care or gentle guidance. This book is a compassionate read for this fast-paced age, and it's an invaluable reminder to slow down, turn inward, and protect what matters most: namely our energy.
Thanks to NetGalley, Sounds True Publishing and the author for the ARC.
November 19, 2025
This book, Protect Your Energy by Yamasaki, is essential reading if you often feel tired, stressed, or drained by life.
It's not just about setting boundaries; it’s a kind, clear guide that helps you understand what your body truly needs. Yamasaki connects the science of the nervous system (Polyvagal Theory) with mindful practices, making big ideas simple to follow.
The best part is the focus on doing less, not always more. In a world that tells us to constantly work, this book teaches a powerful lesson: how to rest without feeling guilty. It gives you easy, practical steps to listen to your body and set important limits.
If you are ready to stop losing energy and find peace, this book is a necessary tool.
Thank you for the ARC copy.
It's not just about setting boundaries; it’s a kind, clear guide that helps you understand what your body truly needs. Yamasaki connects the science of the nervous system (Polyvagal Theory) with mindful practices, making big ideas simple to follow.
The best part is the focus on doing less, not always more. In a world that tells us to constantly work, this book teaches a powerful lesson: how to rest without feeling guilty. It gives you easy, practical steps to listen to your body and set important limits.
If you are ready to stop losing energy and find peace, this book is a necessary tool.
Thank you for the ARC copy.
April 28, 2026
𝑹𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘 𝒐𝒇 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝒄𝒐𝒑𝒚 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒓
Thank you to @stmartinspress for an advanced copy!
Nothing revolutionary in terms of nervous system regulation and self care but grateful that this book found me at the right time. If you feel comfortable in a yogi meditative mind set this can serve as a gentle reminder, as we so often forget to sprinkle in some self care and boundary work throughout our days. If not this is a great starting point and can certainly benefit anyone in a multitude of ways. I’m so pleased to have a physical copy to check in with and also can’t wait to check out the audio meditations!
Thank you to @stmartinspress for an advanced copy!
Nothing revolutionary in terms of nervous system regulation and self care but grateful that this book found me at the right time. If you feel comfortable in a yogi meditative mind set this can serve as a gentle reminder, as we so often forget to sprinkle in some self care and boundary work throughout our days. If not this is a great starting point and can certainly benefit anyone in a multitude of ways. I’m so pleased to have a physical copy to check in with and also can’t wait to check out the audio meditations!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I’ll be ordering multiple copies into our bookshop because this book is much needed by so many during this challenging season. I love that the author doesn’t just repeat platitudes or dance around problems but rather gives helpful checklists, guided practices and practical tools throughout the book. I plan to gift this to a few friends, including myself, and particularly loved having the advanced listener copy on audiobook to bookmark the guided body scans and practices to return to in times of deregulation. Excellent work!
December 6, 2025
A good guide for those wanting to discover and implement the things their mind and body need in order to calm your nervous system. There is a common thread of doing less rather than more that was refreshing and worth exploring
May 4, 2026
The audiobook was very soothing. From the title I expected a bit more on protecting your energy from other, outside negatives, (which was mentioned briefly through boundaries and saying no to extra tasks being asked) but in the same breath I liked that it focused on what YOU can do for yourself.
April 20, 2026
This book is so restorative and the narration by the author, a trauma informed yoga leader, is downright soothing. The book overall is both a soothing balm and a permission slip to rest. All of which I’ve been needing! Plus, in addition to inviting a reset, the author provides journaling prompts, worksheets, and tools to consider what each individual needs, making this an excellent read, but also a tool that can be revisited again and again.
A key theme repeated in the book, and my main takeaway, is to portion your energy, not your time. Just because you have the time to do a task doesn’t always mean you have the capacity. So, in these instances, it’s important to pause and consider if barreling ahead and squeezing in that one more task is the best use of time and energy.
Definitely recommend this restorative and encouraging read. In addition to the author’s insights, woven throughout the book are quotes and citations from many complementary books, reinforcing the points given and gently providing additional resources.
🥰 Thanks to @Macmillan.Audio for the gifted advance listening copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
A key theme repeated in the book, and my main takeaway, is to portion your energy, not your time. Just because you have the time to do a task doesn’t always mean you have the capacity. So, in these instances, it’s important to pause and consider if barreling ahead and squeezing in that one more task is the best use of time and energy.
Definitely recommend this restorative and encouraging read. In addition to the author’s insights, woven throughout the book are quotes and citations from many complementary books, reinforcing the points given and gently providing additional resources.
🥰 Thanks to @Macmillan.Audio for the gifted advance listening copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews