Energy: Nourishing Your Body And Mind

Are you feeling run down and that you don’t have quite enough energy for daily activities? You are not alone. A lot of us are quite stressed these days (see “Inhale peace. Exhale stress.” insight where we talk about stress) which consequently drains our liveliness. However, stress is not always the primary cause of us feeling sluggish. Lack of nourishment is likely why you struggle to keep your eyes open at 2 pm.Energy starts with clarity. Knowing 'why' you need to get things done will go much further than just reaching for a soda, coffee, or cookie any time you start to feel lethargic. Certain lifestyle changes and developing new habits could be detrimental to your long-term health.Let’s talk about some easy methods to radically nourish yourself:

• A clean, affordable, and often neglected source of energy is a proper night's rest. Good sleep is proven to reduce stress and improve your mood, health, and energy levels throughout the day.
• Make exercise a regular part of your life by finding the activities you enjoy. A moderate amount of exercise will help you feel more lively and focused throughout the day. Exercising releases feel-good endorphins and pumps oxygen into your brain boosting your mood and vitality.
• Take advantage of the fresh air and Vitamin D to improve your levels of energy. Try to go outside more often and take Vitamin D supplements during those gloomy winter days when you mostly stay indoors.
• Dehydration can sap your energy levels, so make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. Coffee, tea, and other caffeinated drinks can also help you stay energized, but be sure to drink plenty of water as well.
• When it comes to having energy, what you put into your body matters. Eating a balanced diet containing the right amount of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates helps our bodies to function at their best. In addition to supporting your immune system, eating more plant-based foods improves the health of your gut which ultimately affects your mental health.

If we make self-care a goal and follow these simple recommendations, we will feel better and have more energy added back to our lives. As we feel and function better, we will able to contribute more to projects we manage and the people we value most.