Low energy levels are something each and every one of us deals with at one point or another. We can pinpoint many reasons that could be lending to this in the not-so-wellness-oriented society and culture that’s been created for us to live in.
Between the convenient yet toxic standard diet, the constant bombardment of media that keeps us in burnout mode, and the isolation we’ve landed in that increases our stress levels, most of us are running on autopilot and survival mode.
Don’t worry, though, I’m not going to lecture you on eating habits. We’re here to lessen stress, and we already know that food is a category we should all be more mindful of. Instead, allow me to offer up some practical tips to increase your energy levels daily so that you can easily work into your busy agenda.
Pausing
We hear a lot about meditation and how helpful it can be in making us feel better in all aspects of life. Increasing our energy levels is one of those benefits! It’s often misunderstood, though, as we’ve created this image of sitting silent and cross-legged for significant chunks of time “Omm-ing” with our hands on our knees in a mudra and wind chimes in the background.
Who has time for that? Instead of starting with this more advanced form of meditation that we don’t often see outside of the monasteries, I offer you “the pause.” When your alarm goes off in the morning, instead of jumping up to immediately start your day, pause. Take a breath. Decide what type of energy you need to move on to the next task.
After you’re dressed, pause with a breath again before moving on to the next task. Do this in between each task of the day. When we’re rushing around from one task to the next, we quickly reach burnout. Taking just 30 seconds to recalibrate and realign your intentions before jumping head first into the next thing on the to-do list can signal to your body to calm that rush-activated fight or flight reflex that’s draining you of your life force energy.
Eating Your Water
I told you I wasn’t going to lecture you on food habits, and I’m not. I did want to point out, though, that throughout all of history, most of our water was received through our food. Natural, whole foods do really well in keeping us hydrated with their fibers, sugars, and minerals that make absorbing the liquids within them easier and more efficient.
Much of the water we drink isn’t absorbed by our bodies. We need the minerals to activate the absorption process properly. So when you’re packing your lunch or grabbing a snack, keep in mind that hydrating foods add water, and dehydrated foods take it away. Dehydration is common and one of the main causes of those sluggish energy levels.
Utilizing Nature’s Energy
Our great mother nature has unlimited amounts of energy she’s willing to share with us in the forms of sunshine, grounding, and even forest bathing. Every chance you get, when you’re walking to your mailbox or commuting to your responsibilities, turn your face towards the sun, touch the ground with bare skin and if you get the chance, take a walk through the park.
Know that you’re not alone in your low energy levels. We’ve collectively created a world that feeds off of the constant energy it demands from us. Through creating these small, consistent habits, however, we can not only increase our own energy levels but also help make these healthier habits more commonplace. Pointing us all toward a world where increased energy levels are the norm and not something you have to seek out.
