Word of the Week

Energy

Definition: the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity; a person's physical and mental powers, typically as applied to a particular task or activity

Consider this...

Some people bounce off the walls while others barely have the strength to walk a flight of stairs. It hardly seems fair that there are so many different levels of energy out there, especially when you find yourself wanting more. But energy isn’t all about the physical. Look at the formal definition. Energy is about your capacity for sustained mental activity as well. Neither is better than the other, but just remember that when one isn’t your strong suit, that doesn’t mean you don’t have energy. Energy comes in many forms.

If you don’t consider yourself an energetic person, that’s okay. Life would be a little crazy if we all had tons of energy. It would be like living in a fishbowl where the water was espresso. Thank goodness that some people are chill or lethargic or laid back or un-enthused!

However, if you want to have a little more energy throughout the day, we’ve got a few simple places to start. None of these is the equivalent of a cup of of coffee or anything, but each will likely have the subtle effect - especially when combined - of keeping you more alert and energetic throughout the day.

1. Drink more water. And I don’t mean some water - I mean a lot of water. Eight 12 oz. glasses a day - at least. Not only does it help keep your system healthier and better flushed, but water can make you feel better, especially if you’re drinking other sugary or caffeinated beverages that give you energy for 30 minutes and then make you crash. Water keeps you alert - and not just because you have to pee.

2. Eat more fiber. When you eat fiber, you poop better. Simple as that. When you poop better, you lose part of that heavy feeling in the pit of your stomach (food that’s not getting processed effectively) and get a little more energy.

3. Eat greens. For reason, see number 2 and Catherine’s nutrition article on Leafy Greens.

4. Move about a bit more. Nothing drastic, of course. I’m not suggesting you run a few miles a day (though knock yourself out if you want to). I’m saying that when you feel like you’re lacking energy and need a pick-me-up, take a semi-brisk walk, whether around your office, around the parking lot, up a flight of stairs and back or around the block. It doesn’t need to be far; just get fresh air regularly and move your body to get your blood flowing. Both of those things give you more energy.

5. Find something you like doing. Do I mean a hobby? Well, yeah, sort of. Hobbies can be expensive, George Carlin warned, but it’s important to have something that you do in your life that you look forward to doing and that you enjoy doing while you’re doing it. That might be puzzles or taking your dog to the park or who knows what - plenty of hobbies aren’t expensive. Whatever it is, make it a regular habit. Not only will you be energized while doing what you enjoy, but you will have more energy throughout the day as you look forward to this activity as your reward. Note: tv, though fun, is not a hobby and watching it, unfortunately, will not result in increased energy.

6. Breath. It seems silly to tell you to breath, but you’d be surprised at how many of us are barely doing it. Whether due to tension or a lack of good breathing training (how could there be such a thing!) most of us walk around practically holding our breath all the time. That leaves stale air sitting in the bottom of our lungs and a lack of steady and fresh oxygen pumping through our veins. In fact, some people, when they start learning to breath again fully, get a little light-headed because they’re not used to so much oxygen. Crazy, right? Breathing effectively can keep you alert and feeling more energized. Try breathing in through your nose and into your lungs (expand your stomach when you breath in) for a count of seven and then breath out fully through pursed lips for a count of four. Do that full rhythm 4-8 times and feel revitalized. You can also read Andrew’s article on breathing.

7. Take a Power Nap. The power nap is a tricky thing. Done right, it can leave you feeling refreshed and alert for hours, but executed poorly and you may find yourself unable to wake up and then groggy and drowsy for hours still. The trick is to keep the nap to under 20 minutes. Of course, not all of us have the luxury of a place to grab 20 minutes of ZZZ’s in the middle of a workday, but you’ll have to make do. Read Andrew’s power nap tip for more.

Good luck figuring out ways to have more energy. Now explore this week’s great tips and learn about other ways to feel good.