Everyone has times when they are low in energy. We all want to get that shot of espresso or a can of soda pop, Red Bull, or 5-Hour Energy Drink, etc, but the effects are not long lasting. By the way, do you have ANY idea what ingredients you are drinking with those canned drinks?! If not, then do some research. Can you pronounce the ingredient names? Michael Pollen once said,

 

Michael has a very good point! 😀 Here are some tips to increase energy without all those unpronounceable words for ingredients!

• Reduce or eliminate caffeine.
  • The ups and downs of caffeine include dehydration and blood sugar ups and downs, making mood swings more frequent.

 

• Drink water.
  • Most Americans are chronically dehydrated. Before you go to sugar or caffeine, have a glass of water and wait a few minutes to see what happens.
  • Caution: Soft drinks are now America’s number one source of added sugar.

 

• Eat dark leafy green vegetables.
  • Green is associated with spring, the time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy.
  • Greens are full of vitamins and nutrients and great for improving circulation, lifting the spirit, purifying the blood and strengthening the immune system.
  • Broccoli, collards, bok choy, kale, mustard greens, broccoli,  kohlrabi, arugula and dandelion greens are some of the many to choose from.

 

• Use gentle sweets.
  • Avoid sugar and chemical-made artificial sweeteners.
  • Use gentle sweeteners like maple syrup, brown rice syrup, agave nectar and stevia.
  • Also eat sweet vegetables such as yams, carrots and beets.

 

• Get physical activity.
  • Start with simple activities, like walking or riding your bike—start with 10 minutes a day and increase.

 

• Get more sleep and rest and relaxation.
  • When you are tired or stressed, your body will crave energy.
  • These cravings are often a result of being sleep-deprived, going to bed late, waking up early, for months and years on end.

 

• Evaluate the amount of animal food you eat.
  • Eating too much meat, dairy, chicken and eggs can lead to low energy. So can eating too little! Experiment. Respect your body’s individuality.

 

• Take time for yourself.
  • Find activities that restore your energy, such as a walk, a bath, a museum, a movie or whatever you enjoy, and schedule a weekly date with yourself to do these things! If you need more ideas, read this blog post from two weeks ago- Loving Yourself.

 

• Get in touch with your spirituality.
  • We are spiritual beings in a physical world.
  • Find ways to get in touch with your spiritual side, be it meditating, studying Scripture, dancing, drawing, going to church or being in nature.

 

• Get rid of relationships that drain you.
  • People can drain you of your energy. It doesn’t mean that they are bad, but it is good to notice who drains you and why.
  • See if you can transform those relationships by communicating and setting boundaries, or end the relationship.

 

Have a wonderful, energy filled week! 😀

Until next time,

~Coach Shannon