Ways to energize mind, body & soul.

[Brandybuck]

Hey everyone,

I just thought that I would post some things on ways that you can improve your energy. The most common way to tell that your energy is depleted is by feeling fatigued. Also if you are more prone to colds and flus, this could mean that your immune system could use a fresh burst of energy. Read on for some simple, yet effective ideas.

Taken from: 365 ways to ENERGIZE mind, body & soul
by: Stephanie Tourles (copyright 2000)

**Bath Therapy

A warm, luxuriant bath is the ultimate way to boost your circulation and balance your energy flow. Pour a tall glass of you favorite beverage, close the door, turn the lights down, put on some background music, light a candle and perhaps some incense..and step in.

**Believe in yourself and feel confident that you can acheive anything you set your mind to.

**Midafternoon energy slumps are often caused by low blood sugar. Be sure to eat a balanced lunch of lean protein such as seafood, tofu, or chicken, and a complex carbohydrate, such as whole grain bread, beans, rice, or potatoes. A pat of butter or olive oil slows digestion, keeping blood sugar stable for several hours.

**Get plenty of sleep. Sleep-deprivation depresses the immune system, leaving you vulnerable for more illnesses, and stress-related disorders.

**Have you blood tested--B-vitamin or iron deficiency can lead to an inadequate amount of oxygen in the blood, making you feel lethargic. Even if you think you are eating a healthy diet, you may not be getting enough of these essential nutrients, especially if you are a vegan or premenopausal. I f a blood test shows a deficiency, follow your doctor's orders by adjusting your diet accordingly. Your energy should soon return.

**Drink green tea--This earthy, natural energizer is rich in antioxidants and has only 1/5 the caffeine of black tea, so it won't make you jittery or stain your teeth.

**For the birds--Take some bread, crackers, or sunflower seeds to the park to spend some time with your feathered friends. Marvel at the perfection of their feathers and listen to the variety of their songs, squawks, and chirps. Notice how light they are on their feet. Then let your energy take flight.

**Breathe!: Try this exercise to help you refocus your energy.
* Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart and place your palms on your lower abdomen.
* Close your eyes and slowly inhale through your nose, gradually expanding your diaphragm. If you are breathing correctly, you will feel your hands move outward.
* Hold for a count of five, then exhale slowly through your mouth.
*Repeat 10 times.

**Try to exercise outside to help oxygenate your cells with fresh air and facilitate the removal of waste products through your skin. Exercise improves cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and energy. If you live in the city, try to find a place where you can exercise. If city streets, with their pollution are your only outdoor option, exercising in a gym may be a better alternative.

**Collect memories--The next time you go on vacation, collect colorful seashells, stones, or other mementos. Fill an inexpensive, clear glass lamp base with your prize collection. You'll be reminded of your trip everytime you turn on the lamp.
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I will post up some more later when I get more time!

[Laurasia]

Hi Brandybuck.

**Drink green tea--This earthy, natural energizer is rich in antioxidants and has only 1/5 the caffeine of black tea, so it won't make you jittery or stain your teeth.

I have to admit that this one is correct. I have started drinking green tea in the morning, as opposed to coffee or hot chocolate, & it does indeed give me more energy. ;D

Sincerely,
Laurasia

[Brandybuck]

Okay everyone..time for part 2.

* Nothing is more cheerful than colorful flowering plants. Select a few long-lasting and plentiful bloomers and put them in the places where you spend the most time.

* REFLEXOLOGY--This natural healing technique is based on the theory that there are reflexes in your feet and hands that correspond to your inner organs and body functions. Applying pressure with your thumbs and forefingers to certain points can relieve stress, improve circulation, and relax your mind. Try this exercise:

REFLEXOLOGY FOOT MASSAGE

Try this foot massage to increase blood flow to your brain and enhance alertness.

1. Hold the ball of your foot between your thumb (on the sole) and index fingers (on the top).

2. Mentally draw four evenly spaced vertical lines from the tip to the base of your big toe.

3. Make an inchwormlike walking motion with the outside edge of your thumb by bending the thumb repeatedly as you move it up and down your toe while applying pressure.

4. "Walk" up and down each of the zones in your big toe designated by the vertical lines.

Enjoy!

* The lovely, floral fragrance of lavender essential oil can soothe your soulwithout sapping your energy. To enhance concentration and promote mental clarity, place a drop on your wrist, the palms of your hands, or the nape of your neck and breathe deeply.

* SELF-AFFIRMATIONS: Practice self-affirmations each day to keep a positive perspective. Here are some examples:
*I trust myself completely.
*I am a smart and talented go-getter.
*I am calm and relaxed no matter what the circumstances.
*I am at peace.
*I will not worry, no matter what comes my way today.
*I can do anything I set my mind to.

That is all for now. Stay tuned for Part 3.

[Laurasia]

Hi Brandybuck.

Oh my goodness...pure essential lavender oil. ~swoons~ LOVE IT!

The bright colored flowers is good as well. Unfortunately my dozen red roses are wilting now. I'll have to buy some more flowers.

Can't wait for part 3.

Sincerely,
Laurasia

[Brandybuck]

Part 3

* When you are feling fatigued, try a short nap for about 30 minutes. Don't fall asleep; simply close your eyes and rest. This brief time of stillness rejuvenates the mind and body.

* There is an old adage that "one must say goodbye before one says hello." LETTING GO is an act of strength and courage. It helps healing begin, frees you of the weight of the past, and opens doors to a new future.

* REVITALIZE YOUR EYES...Add two or three drops of calendula essential oil to a small jar of chilled eye cream. The resulting bright orange cream will help offset the blue color of dark circles under your eyes. Calendula is guaranteed to soothe and refresh tired eyes.

* Make your lunchtime work for you. Use your lunchtime to go outside, breathe deeply, and move your body. It is a terrific way to recharge yourself so you will be at your peak productivity level in the afternoon.

VISUALIZATION..Create scenes in your mind of happiness, health, and success. Fill in the details with sounds, colors, and scents. Pull up these images whenever you need a boost.

* A Gentle Awakening
Here are two yoga postures that are perfect for easing into your day.
1. Start on all fours in the "table" position.

2. Inhale, raise your head, and gently arch your back as you push your tailbone up into the "cat" position.

3. Exhale, round your spine, push your hands into the floor, roll your tailbone down, and pull in your belly.

4. Repeat several times.

More will be on the way for part 4.

[Laurasia]

Hi Brandybuck.

As far as the first one goes...You know me. If I lay still with my eyes closed for 2 minutes I'm sound asleep. LOL! So I don't think that one would work for me.

The second one now...There is someone that the both of us know that I believe is feeling the benefits of that suggestion. ;D

Sincerely,
Laurasia

[Brandybuck]

I thought exactly the same thing as you Laurasia..on both topics..especially about how you love to sleep. just kidding.

[Brandybuck]

Here is Part 4:

* Alternate Nostril Breathing:
(try this yogic breathing technique when you need a quick energy boost)

1. Sit down and close your eyes.

2. Press your finger over your right nostril and inhale deeply and slowly through your left nostril. Exhale through your mouth.

3. Press your finger over your left nostril and repeat the procedure.

4. Alternate breathing through each nostril five times.

* Keep a journal--or a memory book. It is a great way to download the days events, reflect on the decisions you have made, and ponder the future. It is a soul-enriching experience to go back and relive your life's journey.

* "Develop interest in life as you see it; in people, things, literature, music--the world is so rich, simply throbbing with rich treasures, beautiful souls and interesting people." Henry Miller

* "Mindfulness provides a simple but powerful route for getting ourselves unstuck, back in touch with our own wisdom and vitality." Jon Kabat-Zinn

* Pursue only those things in life that support harmony, balance, inspiration, and spiritual enlightenment.

* Knowledge is power--Empower yourself by reading more books, watching movies, and attending plays. Visit museums, go to seminars, take classes. By expanding your scope of knowledge, you'll enlarge your mental reference library. This knowledge can be drawn on in the future--who knows where it can take you?

* Chyawanprash for Balanced Energy--What is chyawanprash? Derived from an ancient Indian recipe, it is a dark brown, thick, sweet, and pungent paste of herbs and fruits. Available at health food stores, this special formula enhances vitality and strength.

* "Give me beauty in the inner soul; and may the inner and the outer be at one." Plato

Stay tuned for part 5.

[Laurasia]

Hi Brandybuck.

Chyawanprash eh? I'll have to see if I can find that at our local store. I'm interested in what herbs are used for the recipe.

Sincerely,
Laurasia

[Brandybuck]

I know that it sounds nasty, but things that usually sound nasty are good and vice versa. So I would be willing to try it with you..as long as garlic is not used that is *wink*

[Brandybuck]

Ok everyone..I finally have the time to post part 5. I have been really busy with other threads I am working on, so I apologize for the delay.

Part 5~

* This herb's for you...The lowly stinging nettle, Urtica dioica, a common pasture weed, is one of the best sources of plant-derived, highly digestible iron. This herb is also rich in vitamin A and calcium. Traditionally valued as a medicine as well as a food source, stinging nettle has been used to treat PMS, anemia, and fatigue. It is available in dried, capsule, or tincture form from health food stores.

* "The love for all living creatures is the most noble attribute."---Charles Darwin

* Energy from housework? This is dedicated to all of you who hate cleaning house. Believe it or not, housework, which includes washing floors and windows, vacuuming, cleaning your car, ironing, hanging clothes up to dry, etc. burns approximately 250 calories per hour and energizes your boby.

* TURQUOISE--The blue-green turquoise stone is believed to protect the wearer from negative energy. Wear turquoise jewelry on days when you need spiritual strength and confidence.

* Good for the sole...Fill two plastic foot tubs, one with hot water and one with cold water. Step from one to the other every 10 seconds. Dry your feet briskly by rubbing them with a coarse towel, and then slather with your favorite cream.

* ZAP MUSCLE TENSION---If you sit or stand all day, your arms and shoulders can collect muscle tension. Try this exercise to release muscle fatigue. THIS IS DEDICATED TO LAURASIA

1. Stand up straight and raise your arms over your head as far as you can reach (within comfort level of course).

2. Clasp your fingers together.

3. Stretch and reach towards the sky.

4. Slowly drop your head back, then forward.

* "Inside myself is a place where I live all alone and that's where you renew your springs that never dry up."----Pearl S. Buck

* Juniper Berry Essential Oil---Has a woodsy, refreshing aroma that men usually prefer to a more floral fragrance. It can be used for mental stimulation during times of stress and fatigue. Add 20 drops to 1/2 cup distilled water and store it in a spray bottle. Shake well before each use. This formula also redoubles as a skin toner for oily skin and acne.

* Create a spiritual path through daily meditation or prayer. Developing the often-neglected spiritual side of the human psyche can increase your energy and intuitive capacity.

Stay tuned for the finale..part 6 coming soon.

[Laurasia]

Hi Brandybuck.

* ZAP MUSCLE TENSION---If you sit or stand all day, your arms and shoulders can collect muscle tension. Try this exercise to release muscle fatigue. THIS IS DEDICATED TO LAURASIA

1. Stand up straight and raise your arms over your head as far as you can reach (within comfort level of course).

2. Clasp your fingers together.

3. Stretch and reach towards the sky.

4. Slowly drop your head back, then forward.

Well, thank you dear. Though I would only be able to do this one on days when my bursitis &/or tendonitis aren't acting up, because when they are acting up getting my hand over my head becomes virtually impossible.

Sincerely,
Laurasia

[Brandybuck]

I know that you could find no use for it on the "bad" days. I thought that you could use it for general easement of your tension.

[Laurasia]

Hi Brandybuck.

Well thank you, I will definately keep it in mind. Along with my usual exercises that I should be doing, but never seem to remember.

Sincerely,
Laurasia

[~Theodora~]

All this sounds cool...I'll try some of them out...