As a therapist, you will hear me talk about the mind-body connection a lot. That’s because there is no separation, and what the body feels, the mind perceives, and vice versa.
Energy is present in every cell in the body, and it’s sustaining force gives us life and maintains it. Without energy, the drained mind and depleted body become exhausted. According to Christine Stormer-Fryer, energy loves to be on the move, and reflexology is excellent at promoting relaxation and encouraging the natural surge of boundless life energy to step in and rejuvenate the whole.
Therefore, following a daily practice that nourishes both the mind and body will increase your physical and mental energy levels. Even if you don’t have regular Reflexology treatments, there are several other ways to improve your energy levels and lust for life again. Here are my six favourites;
#1 – Meditate
Our mental activity has just as much of an effect on our energy as physical activity does. Many of our daily thoughts and feelings contribute to our increasing stress levels, and stress has the effect of depleting our energy.
Meditation helps you to develop a stronger awareness of the present moment while clearing your thoughts and preparing you for the day ahead. It also increases your energy levels, reduces stress and anxiety and increases your happiness.
Basic deep breathing exercises or using an app such as Calm is a great place to get started.
#2 – Set your intentions
Apple Guru, Steve Jobs, used to start each day asking himself “if this were the last day of my life, would I want to do what I am about to do with my day?”. When he answered no too often, he knew it was time to change things up.
While we are not all intending to change to the world each day, setting yourself a plan can fire you up towards achieving something good for you and give you the boost you need to get things done.
Starting with being grateful for the things we do have will boost your positive attitude. For example, I’m thankful for a warm and cosy bed, good food to fuel my body correctly, and a diary full of lovely clients. You can then set up to three intentions to make your day super positive, for example, I intend to complete a morning session in the gym, meditate for 10 minutes, and work on my latest business project.
#3 – Get moving
As energy loves to be on the move, simply moving your body will create more energy. Plan some exercise into your day, especially early on, which will produce positive vibes, and help you approach the day with a better attitude.
There have been many studies recently on ‘High-Intensity Interval training’, and it's shown that all you need is a very short period of high-intensity exercise (say 7-20 minutes) to get the same benefits you usually would from hours of running and working out.
So, if you can’t get a full workout in, all is not lost. Stay active by doing some body squats, take the stairs rather than the lift, or dance to your favourite tune.
#4 – Find some inspiration
Avoid listening to the News or checking Facebook first thing. Instead, try loading your brain with positive words. Read a chapter of an inspiring book or listen to a motivational podcast on your way to work.
#5 – Hydrate
After a night in bed you will wake up slightly dehydrated, and when we are dehydrated, our brain can’t work as efficiently as usual. As a result, we start to lose our energy and feel fatigued.
A glass of water in the morning will help to kickstart your body - from your metabolism to your energy - and is one of the best and all-round most natural things you can do for your health.
If water is not your thing, drinking a glass of warm water with lemon is an excellent way to get your body going. Warm water is not so much of a shock to your system first thing in the morning, and the lemon will help to wake up your digestive system.
#6 - Dry brush your body
Dry brushing the body is an Ayurvedic practice that helps improve your circulation and slough off dead skin cells. Brushing towards your heart is essential, and you’ll want to start at your extremities and work your way in, covering all of your body before jumping in the shower.
Dry brushing will help leave your skin feeling smoother, stimulate the lymph to remove cellular waste and get the blood flow to your skin which encourages the removal of metabolic waste. You’ll notice the difference after you’ve dried off, and as a special treat, finish with your favourite moisturiser.
So, if you want to improve your energy, try mixing up your morning routine by adding in these steps. You will start to feel much more grounded and ready to start your day after creating your positive energy and practising self-care before work. Oh, and you’ll also feel smug as you’ve managed it all before you’re at your desk!
“Eventually ritual was developed as a means of contacting and utilising the energy within humans as well as in the nature world”
– Scott Cunningham.
Sharon Cole
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