The million dollar question for many people is “How Do I Get More Energy?”. As Spring kicks in and Summer is approaching, there is a part of many of us that wants to live up to the playful potential of bright blossoming mornings and longer lighter evenings. Having more energy is the difference between merely surviving, or getting by, and really feeling vital and alive and engaged with the fullness of life. Sound good? Here are a few factors that may just spark some change.

Sleep. This is the most simple, profound, and important ingredient for optimal energy and vitality. If you just habitually have later nights than you really should, try a week of 9pm bedtimes and see how your energy levels respond. If sleep is elusive for you, click here to read our two-part article on getting a better night’s sleep. Premium herbal support includes the very powerful liquid Valerian root.

Nourishment. This means having not only the right foods every day but also the right nutrient levels in your blood and tissues. We could write pages on this point alone! Optimal vitamin and mineral levels are key; especially look at your B vitamins, iron and magnesium. Nourishing food means not only eating the right foods (foods that suit your body, wholefoods with real nutrients in them, getting enough protein every day), but eating them often enough. Balancing blood sugars really makes a difference to energy, so it may suit you for example to eat a really decent morning and afternoon tea with some protein included, rather than just grabbing a coffee and a biscuit.

Cleansing. An accumulation of everyday biological and environmental chemicals and substances can lead to sluggish organ function, specifically the kidneys, liver and bowel. Spring is an ideal time to embrace green and support detoxification processes in your body. Click here to read about the basic principles of cleansing and detoxification, and the ways that herbal medicine like Liver Cleanse is ideally suited to help.

Movement. It has been said many times that if exercise was a pill, everyone would be taking it. This refers to the fact that the benefits of regular exercise are so numerous that no-one would turn it down if it was offered on a plate! Find the right movement for you: walking, dancing, cycling, running, skipping, hula-hooping. Just find your groove and rock it regularly. You will absolutely notice the difference in your energy.

Calming the Body. Any inflammation or irritation in the body will sap energy, plain and simple. This goes for chronic inflammation, acute infection, food allergy or sensitivity, and almost any other health condition. Addressing your health issues, however small, can have far-reaching effects on your energy levels. If the body’s reserves are not tied up dealing with repair, immune attack, or managing pain, there is obviously more available for energy production. There are of course more serious health conditions which lead to low energy, so where necessary, seek professional support.

Calming the Mind. Mental stress and anxiousness is exhausting, as many people will know. Calming the mind usingany method will promote better energy and vitality. For some this is practicing mindfulness, or walking in nature, while for others regular yoga helps. Some people benefit from counselling, NLP, psychotherapy or other therapies to help examine and change unhelpful thought patterns. For most of us it is a life-long combination of factors, finding the path to peace of mind is a dynamic process and one that is hugely individual, but worthy always of our attention.

Herbal Energisers. Some herbs are known for their ability to enhance energy and vitality in the body, and to improve physical and mental performance, even under stress. Herbs such as Rosemary, Holy Basil and Lemon Balm are rejuvenative for the nervous system. Adrenal herbs such as the various ginsengs help to improve chi, and combat the effects of stress on the body. One of the very best of these is Indian Ginseng, also known as Withania or Ashwaganda is the key ingredient in StressCare®. Research has shown that Withania reduces inflammation, anxiety, the effects of stress on the body, and improves energy, cognition, and stamina. Hmmm who wouldn’t want some of that?

Adopting even one of these changes outlined above could help you on your way to more optimal vitality, so why not choose a couple to work on. Often for clients, and for myself, I’ll pick just three key changes to focus on. Taping a note to your bathroom mirror or fridge with just three daily check-ins is a short-list that is not outside the realms of what is attainable and practical. For example, yours might read:

1.    Early nights

2.    Good morning tea/afternoon tea

3.    Withania daily

Bite-sized changes that are sustainable are what make a real difference in our lives. Better energy is within your grasp, with just a little targeted intervention every day.