How to Create More Energy - Part II
Sep 12, 2022
It is very common to get to a point in your life where your energy level is just not enough to face the demands that are placed on you. It would be great if you could reduce/remove these demands, but unfortunately in most cases, it’s just not that simple.
So what do you do? Well, my suggestion is to increase your energy and capacity to be better prepared to meet these demands.
In my last blog post on the subject, I talked more about protecting your brain function as a way to care for your nervous system and avoid the most draining factors when possible. Read: How-to-create-more-energy-part-i in case you missed it.
In order to get the full picture, I also wanted to touch on the following three areas that can physically help your body increase your it's energy production.
Exercise and Mobility
I truly believe there is a sweet spot for exercise for each person. Some people feel like they’re not getting enough exercise unless they go for a long, fast run while others prefer slow walking or things like yoga. Like many things in the body, it is your job to figure out what works best for YOU and it’s just as important to not OVER train as it is to make sure you are moving. I listen to my body and when I feel like hard exercise may not be beneficial, I choose a more moderate form of movement. To improve your energy levels, you should aim to move at least 150 minutes each week. The key is to find something you love and schedule it into your weekly calendar.
Optimal Supplementation
While we often talk generically when it comes to supplements, it is also important to recognize that each person has individual needs when it comes to vitamins and minerals. In addition to my regular supplements, I will often take additional supplements when I am feeling like my energy is starting to lower. My body responds well to adaptogenic herbs which help my body deal with various forms of stress and I will often intermittently cycle through a few different products based on what I need at a particular time. Talking to knowledgeable staff, such as those at Parks Health Shop, can be critical for finding supplements that work well for you personally. Ultimately I always recommend consulting with a Naturopathic Doctor so they can make individualized recommendations on your behalf.
Choose The Right Foods
You must give your body what it needs if you are placing high demands on it. I often say that the body is like a bank account…you must make regular deposits if you are making regular withdrawals.
It is important for you to find foods that fuel your body. For me, this includes managing my glycemic load as my energy will be affected as my blood sugar goes up and down. To prevent this from happening, I consume mostly healthy fats and proteins and try to minimize any starchy carbohydrates or processed foods/sugars.
While I don’t believe there is any one eating plan that works for everyone, I do believe there is a plan that works well for most. I strongly encourage you to find out what foods work well for you and suggest that you consume them 80 to 90% of the time. Remember that it doesn’t have to be perfect but it does have to be consistent.
These three areas my seem very basic but I believe will help you create a strong foundation. These are areas that I check in with regularly and focus on daily/weekly because I have experienced firsthand how important they are to increasing my energy and capacity.
Remember, writing out your goals makes it much more likely for you to follow through. I encourage you to get out a paper and pen right now and write a list of small actionable steps you can start right away to address these three areas.