I know that you know just how easy it can be to overwhelm yourself with everyday demands. Because this is so, remaining energetic and sustaining gratitude can sometimes be difficult. Little hitches like energy depleting medical conditions or other challenges can undoubtedly rob us of our vitality. When this happens, we may be left feeling as though there are not enough hours in the day to do necessary activities like household work and enjoy soul-enriching activities or those that allow us to form special connections with loved ones. At such a point that lagging energy is impacting your quality of life, it is time to seek a realistic and maintainable plan to create more livable circumstances.

The first step in establishing a plan to boost your energy levels and increase vitality is to identify the source of your exhaustion. Is it being caused by one of the above-listed factors? (ex: a chronic condition that causes fatigue, or general malaise/depression/sadness. When formulating a plan to improve your energy levels, be sure to assess whether or not fatigue is the result of overexertion as well. Once you’ve identified the cause of your issue, try incorporating one of the activities listed below, to boost your energy levels.

Sleep 

This one is surprising to a lot of people, however, studies indicate that getting the recommended 7-8 hours of sleep per night significantly improves ones overall alertness. Taking 60-minute power naps during the day can not only address physical exhaustion but improve the mental clarity and focus that’s necessary for successfully completing the day.  Getting adequate sleep at night or having short naps throughout the week may also reduce signs of aging like memory loss while preserving cognitive functioning.

Drink Yerba Mate Tea

Who would have thought that this sweet, flavored tea could ultimately boost your energy?  Yerba mate tea does contain a healthy dose of caffeine, which stimulates the body and increases mental alertness. It is easily accessible at your local health food store as well. Do cease consumption when you are trying to conceive as caffeine can negatively impact fertility and inhibit egg production.

Incorporate Adaptogens into Your Diet

Homeostasis supporting plants that can improve your overall energy level as well as encourage the activation of your body’s stress response, falls under the umbrella of adaptogens. Adaptogens, again,  are herbs (or mushrooms) that work within the body to improve one’s response to stress while encourage cortisol production.  Examples of widely used adaptogens might include valerian root, maca, and ginseng. Ginseng is particularly effective and often utilized for the purpose of increasing energy. I would not endorse the use of psychedelic mushrooms as they are proven to reduce brain activity with consistent use over time.

Experiment with Some Essential Oils

Essential oils, compounds extracted from plants, host a number of health benefits. They are effective in encouraging mental clarity, supporting positive mood, and boosting energy. With proper administration, essential oils can be successfully blended into body and massage oils, inhalants, or soaps.  Some essential oils that I like to use for boosting energy include invigorating eucalyptus, frankincense, wild orange, and bergamot. They can even provide a subtle pick-me-up! When using essential oils, be sure to read the instructions and administer the correct dosage. They can burn your skin if to concentrated. Most bottles and sets will include a label that provides recommended usage and (or) dosage for the intended type of application.   

Consume B12-rich Foods

Lastly, eating foods that are rich in vitamin B12 can be especially beneficial in boosting one’s energy.  Salmon, eggs, and fortified nutritional yeasts are all optimal low-fat sources of vitamin B12. The substance functions to support healthy red blood cells formation, brain health, and DNA production. I recommend you consult with a doctor about receiving a screening for vitamin deficiency as low vitamin B-12 can cause various diseases, with the hallmark symptom of many being fatigue.

Conclusion

KING JESUS promises in Mathew 11:28, to bring peaceful rest to those whom are “weary and burdened”. This would include those facing ongoing challenges such as fatigue or malaise that just seems to get in the way of life events. Balancing day-to-day life while effectively preserving one’s energy is a task that requires some self-reflection, planning, and execution. Even with the most demanding of schedules preservation can be obtained through establishing a simple but concrete plan of action to actualize your goal. For a concrete tool that actually works and can be utilized in intention/goal setting, take a look at my article entitled “How to Make a Reflection Board; 3 Different Ways.” Thanks for reading my article and To Our Best Lives!

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