10 easy ways to give yourself healthy energy

How do you energize yourself?

As a psychotherapist – and having worked closely with addicted people – there is a great need for information about becoming more energetic without depending on body-jarring caffeine and sugar or medications that have side effects.

Here are ideas that you may wish to try:

Yoga and especially the classic yogic breathing activity called, “The Breath of Fire,” which involves very fast breathing in and out of the nose – pant like a dog, some say. You can observe a teaching demonstration of this technique in this YouTube video. 

Eating foods that are whole foods, rather than processed foods, including quality protein. This category of quality protein includes lean meat, fish, hard-cooked eggs, nuts and nut butters, yogurt, grains like quinoa and mixtures of rice and beans.

Therapeutic-grade essential oils – a number of oils are especially energizing to the brain, including basil, rosemary, orange, peppermint, lemon, etc. Be sure to use oils that are pure and considered therapeutic grade.

Practice qigong, an Asian exercise that is similar to – but much easier – than tai chi. Tai chi is also very good for balancing and giving energy although it can be more complicated to learn.

Reduce use of computer, especially at night before bedtime.

Guided meditations and imageries on CD or imageries on your own. When I’m not creating my own imageries for my clients, I suggest the wonderful CDs from Health Journeys (www.healthjourneys.com).

Bioenergetic exercises, which are body exercises that are often amazingly simple and easy. One exercise, simply stomping your feet (left, right, left, right), while standing or sitting can reduce anger, lift mood and give energy.

Rest.

Drink water. When plants don’t get enough water, they wilt. You will feel like wilting too, when you don’t give your body enough water. And make sure that you drink water, not tea, soda, so-called “energy drinks” or alcohol.

Spend time with people you like, people who are positive, caring, fun and supportive.