The energy of the mind is the essence of life. Aristotle
With all of this snow, winter blahh’s, and the emotional comedown from the holidays, I share with you some of my favorite quick tricks on fighting fatigue and boosting your energy.
Drink up! Water that is.
Dehydration is one of the most common reasons for feeling sluggish. Start replenishing yourself with your daily dose of water. To calculate how much you really need – Divide your weight in half. Turn that number into ounces.(Ex: 100lbs divided by 2 = 50lbs = you should be drinking 50oz of water per day.)
Spray some essential oils.
A small whiff of citrus or lavender will calm your nerves, energize you, and increase your alertness. Research shows that when giving math students a few drops of lavender to smell, they tested quicker and more accurately than the subjects that did not receive the lavender.
Pran Mudra.
With each hand: place the tips of the thumb, ring finger, and little finger together. The other fingers remain extended. Hold this for 5-20 minutes (or practice 3x a day for 15 minutes, if you’re up for it!) Combine with slow, conscious breathing. This mudra reduces fatigue and nervousness.
Tea time.
Sip a cup of peppermint or green tea.
Get some light therapy.
Vitamin D is not only good for your bones, it has been shown to help boost your immune system, decrease fatigue, and fight depression. The sun produces Vitamin D. During the winter months, we have less sunlight therefor leading to less Vitamin D. (Ahhh seasonal depression connection here.?) Head outside for 20 minutes to soak up some sun. If it’s just too cold (or hot) for you, try eating some salmon or canned tuna which contains Vit D, too. (Sorry peeps, but sitting by a window doesn’t count.)
Enjoy a piece of chocolate.
Not too much, but just one or two pieces will help keep you grounded and boost your energy… and it’s much better for you than that third cup of coffee.
Tweet It!
“The energy of the mind is the essence of life. Aristotle @Necolestephens“
L-shape wall pose. (My Fav! Check out my photo of this on my Instagram!)
Lie on the floor near a wall. Place your legs on the wall with your arms stretched out horizontally. (To support lower back, roll a towel or use a pillow.) The restorative nature of this posture gets blood flowing to parts of the body that need it, making it good for most any ailment including arthritis, high or low blood pressure, respiratory ailments, menopause, fatigue, anxiety, and depression.
Get your cardio on!
Get some fresh air and walk. Just 15 minutes can make a huge of difference.
Snack on protein.
Need that 3:00PM pick-me-up? Don’t reach for those carbs you might be craving. Instead, reach for a handful of almonds, a boiled egg, banana dipped in peanut butter, or Greek yogurt (add some chia seeds for extra boost!).
Get off the Wi-Fi.
Yes, shut off your electronics for 20-30 minutes. Read a few pages in a book instead or better yet socialize.
Take a power nap.
Nothing better than 20 minutes of shut-eye to give you some zing! Go ahead rest up.
Limit alcohol intake.
You might think having two glasses of wine helps you sleep… but when you have a few drinks before bed, you don’t enter that REM stage that you really need to feel well rested. Instead, you wake feeling as though you haven’t slept at all. Nix the Chardonnay.
Do you suffer from exhaustion or lack of energy? What are some of things that help increase your energy? Be sure to comment below!
Much love & hugs,
Necole