Have you noticed that some foods leave you tired and lethargic? Are there relationships that leave you depleted? Are you always helping others before yourself? Do find yourself sitting for several hours before getting up? Does this leave you sore and achy?  Here’s some suggestions for optimizing your energy:

Stay hydrated. Drinking water is an important way to stay healthy, nourish your muscles and promote optimal function of all systems in our bodies, including your heart and brain.  Water helps to carry nutrients to your cells, flush bacteria from your bladder, and prevent constipation.

Eat dark leafy green vegetables. Green is associated with spring, the time of renewal and refreshing, vital energy. Greens are full of vitamins and nutrients and great for improving circulation, lifting the spirit, purifying the blood and strengthening the immune system. Avoid processed sugars. Avoid sugar and chemical artificial sweeteners that can increase inflammation in your body and leave you tired. Eating sweet vegetables such as yams, carrots, and beets is a healthy way to address sugar cravings.

Physical activity.  Make sure to move everyday, several times a day. Movements such as walking, yoga or dancing can boost balance, motor function, brain function, and cognition. Physical movement helps to increases blood and oxygen flow as well as aiding in the reduction of edema and inflammation. It also releases endorphins which helps your mood and energy levels. 

Get more sleep, rest and relaxation. Sleep is restorative for the bodies and mind. Good sleep hygiene helps to regulate our body temperature, aides in promoting a strong immune system, helps to balance our hormone levels and can improve our energy levels. Try to go to bed at the same time every night. Reduce late night eating. Avoid electronics an hour before bed. Breathing exercises, gentle stretching and meditation before bed can help calm your body. 

Take time for yourself. Find activities that restore your energy, such as a walk, a bath, sing, throw rocks into the ocean, or gratitude journaling. Schedule a weekly date with yourself to do these things!

Get rid of relationships that drain you. People can drain your energy. It doesn’t mean that they are bad, but it is good to notice who drains you and why. See if you can transform those relationships by communicating and setting boundaries.  

What causes cravings? Many people view cravings as weakness, but really they are important messages meant to assist you in maintaining balance. When you experience a craving, deconstruct it. Ask yourself, what does my body want and why? Here are some causes of cravings and how to help bring your body into a better balance.