Our desire for more energy often leads us to consume caffeine and other stimulants. However, how can we achieve natural energy while also promoting relaxation?
It takes a healthy nervous system to have both.
To be able to maintain a state of relaxed-energized means you can quickly relax into sleep, get up when it’s time, and go-go-go while still relaxed in a focused and alert (not sleepy) way, rather than pumped up, jittery, or anxious.
When you’re in a relaxed-energized state, you have mental clarity and heightened access to Joy. Your emotions become your friend rather than something that controls you. And you shorten your stress recovery time.
Alas, there isn’t a drink, app, or drug for it. Better yet, the power is in the choices you make. So it’s free. And it improves your overall health and equanimity.
Here are some of the things I do that make all the difference:
I stick to a basic routine. Go with the flow is a confusing idiom. Many use it to give in to the mood they’re in and to stay in their comfort zone. The misunderstanding is that when something gets hard, or if they don’t feel like it, it’s not meant to be. In truth, going with the flow is about accepting what is so that you can do what is in your power to do to stay in line with your deepest values and priorities. Sticking to a basic routine gives you the infrastructure and grit necessary to pace accordingly. This discipline enhances trust in the decisions you make, allowing you to be more spontaneous and pliable. This helps you stay both relaxed and energized.
I stay hydrated with warm to hot water throughout the day. This keeps my system flushed and detoxed and working optimally, reducing any sense of burden or heaviness that the accumulation of toxins can bring on.
I get enough rest. This can sometimes feel challenging when there is so much going on but it’s a must for the nervous system, metabolism, and clarity of mind. It makes me so much more effective in so much less time.
I stay active. It helps to move stress out of the body, strengthen the nervous system, and keep my body tone and mobile. Your activity should challenge you but not so much that it takes too long to recover. Feel it out, get to know what this means for you.
I get fresh air and sun. I know, it’s hard to do when there’s so much to do. Sun and outdoor air does good to the nervous system and clarity of mind. Makes you happier, healthier and more effective.
I don’t wait until I’m sick to see my wellness practitioner(s). I see my TCM for monthly cupping and acupuncture and my chiropractor for a monthly adjustment. They both ask what’s going on in my life and with my body. This regular connection heightens my body awareness, and I have a team who knows my body well and helps to keep my digestion, liver, spine, and nervous system healthy.
I cook most of my meals from scratch using whole foods, mostly vegetables with some protein and fats. If I eat grain or starchy carbs, I eat it last so I don’t fill up on it.
I dine out - it’s such an indulgence and I look forward to it. Where should we go? It’s a fun thing to decide, even if the next 3 times I go to the same place and order the same entree.
I make time for friends even in the busiest of times. That said, I focus on friends that are on time for me. Enjoying coffee and dessert, or a glass of wine and some cheese with friends doesn’t mean you have to be overindulging with any of these. It means you know when, and when you do, it’s delightful. In good weather, we enjoy a nice walk along Lake Michigan.
I stay consistent in learning Spanish and reading books and/or articles not related to my field.
I look for a short comedy series to watch. Humor is good and, for me, a delightful way to “waste time”.
I eat twice a day keeping a smaller window in between the two meals to support a regular intermittent 14-16 hour fast during the rest of the 24 hour day. This is excellent for digestion, inflammation, and energy. In fact, this, I’ve found, has been the most effective way to reduce food sensitivities and exhaustion.
I don’t waste energy dwelling on “obstacles.” Instead, I ask myself: what’s possible with this? What do I get to learn? Who do I get to connect with? It makes all the difference in energy.
This one’s the hardest for me to keep up, but it contributes so well to a positive energy shift, so I make every effort to maintain this: twice weekly facial mask and abhyanga (warm oil massage). This spa practice is luxurious, cleansing, and incredibly grounding.
Who has time for all this when you’ve got so much on your plate?
To add in self care of various kinds is to take command over your time and space. This means your life is yours, you have the energy for it, and you can relax into it. Some self care practices offer grit and discipline, some straight up soothe and ground your nervous system, some allow you to indulge in the “extra-curriculars” that are really your main entree (do you know what I mean?), and some are just plain fun. These combos give you the relaxed-energized power to put you in command.
Love, Savitree
Thank you for sharing. When you write it out it does look like a lot. For me I use two words I see you used, discipline and flow. Then it all comes together most of the time. When it doesn’t I go to my quiet cool bedroom all in shades white and sage. I rest, breath and meditate. 🧘