Energize!
TLDR: All in all, our bodies are made to do what they do – naturally. And they are constantly trying to get us back to that perfect balance of energy and calm but we fight against it with the foods we eat and our daily habits. So what choices will you make for this coming week? To support your body in running at it’s full potential? Or keep feeding into the “spike/crash” cycle?
Hello, friends!
We’ve reached the end of our official first full week together! I have had a blast and I want to thank everyone who took time to read, watch and comment on the posts on Facebook and Instagram (hey you, if you haven’t liked my pages, go do it now!). I will be focusing on a different health or wellness topic each week with ways that we can support our bodies to find their natural balance with what we eat and how we move! (So be watching out for next week’s topic!)
Energy… we all know what it is, how it feels when we have it, but yet can never seem to have enough. Whether we turn to caffeine, sugar, naps, etc, etc, etc… we all have our “quick fixes”, but sadly, they usually only provide a short burst of energy, followed by a crash and often disrupted sleep that night… which leads to being even more tired the next day and craving more “bursts” from your favorite Frappuccino! Ah!!!
But did you know, when everything is in balance within our bodies, it is capable of producing it’s own (and the best) energy that we can get! No crash, no jitters, no spike in anxiety… just pure energy with a side of alertness and calm.
So how do we do this? Where do we start?
First, think about the things you already do to boost your energy.. in the morning to wake up, in the afternoon to get through the slump.. what are your go-tos? Caffeine? A walk outside? A shower first thing in the morning? We all have ‘em.. our pumper-uppers. The next question is the doozy because you’re gonna have to be real with yourself here... Are these things that I use to boost my energy healthy? Are they helping me reach my health goals or are they holding me back? If they’re a negative influence, are you ready to try something new?
Let’s talk nutrition
First, there’s your food intake. The things you put into your body every day. This is your body’s FUEL it needs it to survive and run at it’s very best. Just like your car, you can be putting in fuel that either keeps all of the systems functioning and running smoothly, or fuel that isn’t right for your car and it won’t run well either.
So if you are feeling sluggish, especially in the afternoon or right after dinner, it could be a matter of what fuel you are taking in. Unfortunately, things such as fried foods, heavily processed foods, foods with added sugar, white breads, etc. all actually CAUSE fatigue! And sadly enough, they are the foods we typically crave because our bodies already know the effect of that “quick boost” of energy we’ve gotten from eating them before.
Ah ha, but here is where WE are smarter than our bodies! And thankfully, WE have the control, not it. We know that eating those things causes a quick rush or energy (which we’re feeling we desperately need!) but will inevitably bring with it the crash and craving for another “fix”.. so we steer clear. And move on healthier choices..
Enter the vitamins and minerals! The B vitamins, vitamin C, iron and magnesium are all good for overall health but are especially good at helping your cells create the energy we need! Think of them as little temp workers that are sent in from the foods that we eat to assist the resident energy workers to bump up production! Not only do these vitamins/minerals assist with energy production, they bring no “crash” later with them (because that crash comes from a drop in blood sugar and these don’t mess with that!). So eating foods like greens (such as spinach, broccoli), peanut butter, salmon, lean meats, eggs, and whole grains are the right choice for real and lasting energy fuel!
How about a little movement?
Now for the body movement.. There are possibly an infinite number of ways you can move your body to feel more energetic. Heck, going from being sedentary and feeling sleepy, to just moving your body at all (a walk to the bathroom, for instance), can make you feel a bit more alert. If time allows, movement in the morning before starting your busy day can not only help boost your energy but also help with mental alertness and focus for tasks ahead of you. I personally do yoga every morning, even just 10 minutes if I’m in a hurry, and find that it’s enough to just my heart rate up just a little and feel less stiff from the sleep I just had. It also gives me a few minutes to be quiet and focus on my breathing which helps with mental clarity and setting my tone for the day. You can try stretching, dancing, lifting weights, going for a walk or a run, plan 15 min to get up off the sofa and clean the house (Hey! Movement is movement! Plus, you’ll have a clean house, so it’s a no-brainer!). After just a few minutes of being up and getting the cob webs shaken out, you feel so much better and ready for whatever thing you need to accomplish.
Live well, be well
Other ways to boost energy.. Reducing stress. I know, easier said that done… But if you can find one or two things that make you feel a bit more relaxed, whether that is a hot bath, a long walk, cooking, reading, anything that makes you feel at peace, schedule it into your day! I know you are busy, we all are! But we cannot be too busy to take a tiny portion of our day to do something that relaxes us.. Because not only then will our energy be running on E (an anxious and over-thinking brain burns through more energy than a relaxed one!), the things that are we are needing to get done (work, family, house work, etc.) are going to suffer as a result!
The same thing goes for sleep. I know it sounds backwards but you will, without a doubt, feel your best and be on your game when you have gotten good, quality sleep. It’s foundational! Not optional! You require it! So stop short changing yourself! In doing so, you are setting your next day up to be nothing but a struggle! Remember, to be at your best, you must find some rest!
All in all, our bodies are made to do what they do – naturally. And they are constantly trying to get us back to that perfect balance of energy and calm but we fight against it with the foods we eat and our daily habits. So what choices will you make for this coming week? To support your body in running at it’s full potential? Or keep fighting the “spike/crash” cycle?
