April 2010  

" When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid. "
 ~ Audre Lorde

Bounce Back with the Best Energy Boosters!

If you are tired of feeling drained and find yourself grabbing the first pick-me-up of false energy you see, like caffeine or sugar, you might want to think twice. Consider instead, some lifestyle changes and more nutritious sources of energy which have the power to revitalize you in ways you can’t even imagine. The following formula may need some tweaking for your individual needs, but you will be well on your way to robust energy when you try the nourishing ideas below.

Fatigue usually means the body has been deprived. It could be a lack of sleep, overwork, not enough vitamins and nutrients, or not enough exercise. Listen to your body. It holds innate wisdom to keep you healthy and in balance. You may need to schedule a full day of doing nothing except those things that inspire or delight you. I recently did that on a trip to Las Vegas for a seminar. I had scheduled an extra day to decompress from the cross-country flight. I hate to admit it, but this was my first unscheduled day in weeks. I strolled through the local shops, got a massage, ate healthy meals and slept like a baby. That single day revived me to a degree that contrasted so starkly with how I felt when I got there, I sat down when I returned home and scheduled one day a week just for myself (more time is recommended, but I’m working on it).

You can give yourself a break during your workday, too. Just take a minute or two every hour to stretch, breathe deeply and drink a glass of water. You might start your day with a few minutes of meditation, where you envision your favorite relaxing place and when thoughts drift into your mind, simply view them as passing clouds of no real importance. You will find yourself more serene and in tune with life as you go through your day.

Once each week do something that feeds the soul, like taking a long, hot bath, getting a massage, walking through the woods or along the beach. You’ll notice that when you nourish yourself, you will have more energy to give to others.

Let go of perfectionism. Our busy lives demand much of us and we tend to demand even more—whether it is a perfectly ordered house, the perfect meal for guests, staying late at the office to get that document just right—you get the idea. I’m not advising that you reject quality in your life, but perfectionism can be obsessive. It can take us away from the things we love most and when you are doing what you love, you have much more energy. Just look for what zaps your energy and do less of it or cut it out all together. Your life will take on a renewed vigor when it suits you better.

Energy is attracted to energy, so get moving! You want to move in a way that is fun for you, whether it is dancing, swimming, playing tennis, bike-riding or yoga. In between times, you can always do some brief yoga moves like the “Downward Dog,” which my yoga teacher says will give us more benefit than any other move if that’s all we have time for. Plant your feet hip distance apart and stretch your arms up overhead. Then bend over and let your hands lie flat on the floor. Keep your rear in the air and your head loose between your hands. It gets the blood flowing and will give you a bit more zest for your busy day.

What we eat has a tremendous impact on how we feel. As I’m sure you know, starting the day with a healthy breakfast, like steel-cut oats with berries or cinnamon and almond milk will keep your energy level up for hours. In contrast, a bagel and coffee will bring you crashing back down and wanting more a couple of hours later. In any case, when you eat several times throughout the day, you sustain your energy level. I usually eat three meals and two light snacks a day.

Seaweeds of all kinds help restore energy by nourishing the nervous, hormonal and immune systems. If you are wary of the taste, buy seaweed seasonings that you can sprinkle on salads, in soups or add to nearly any meal you prepare. Greens are another energy boosting food, and the deeper the green, the more energy you will absorb. A wonderful book, Greens Glorious Greens, by Johnna Albi will provide you with many different recipes and information about the amazing, cleansing properties of greens.

Beans like lentils, adzuki beans, chickpeas, navy beans or kidney beans provide protein and carbohydrates, as well as fiber for a slow release of glucose into the bloodstream, which translates into more energy. Beans contain B vitamins and other nutrients to give your body the nourishment it needs to keep going. They also help balance blood sugar.

Fruit, such as apples, grapes, peaches and oranges make great snacks and are easily digested for a nourishing energy boost. Bananas are especially helpful during times of stress, because your body loses potassium. This electrolyte helps promote healthy nerve and muscle function, so you will actually feel better after eating bananas. They make a great snack with some organic almond or peanut butter.

To boost your brain chemicals, sardines contain an amino acid called tyrosine that helps to manufacture norepinephrine and dopamine. These chemicals bring your brain to full attention and improve your mental functioning. Other lean protein foods containing tyrosine include chicken, turkey, shellfish and eggs.

Finally, your body can’t digest, absorb or transport these nutrients and generate energy without water. It also helps regulate body temperature. If you are dehydrated, your cells receive nutrients less efficiently and your body can’t expend heat through sweating. Each condition leads to fatigue, so stay energized with eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day.

But don't let all of this information overwhelm you. You can add the power-boosting tips that appeal to you one at a time. As you do make changes, take time to listen to your body and evaluate how you feel. Too much exercise can be stressful and too many diet changes at once could send you running back to your old ways.  A gradual process of trying new foods and activities will launch your new lifestyle of powerful, revitalized living.


Gayatri Greens