Energy Every Day - Rest Every Night
In the beginning of January (and
sometimes into the middle of the month…) we feel tired and sluggish. Considering what we ate during the holidays,
it’s no wonder.
Lets start fresh, just for today, and look at steps we can take every day to have the energy
we crave, and the rest we need at night.
1. CARDIO: Recent studies are crediting CONSISTENT fitness
training for many healthful benefits, but I like to think of cardio as the key to the “metabolic” engine.
At a recent N.Y. Strength Technique Training Workshop in California I was asked by a student “if you have to choose,
which is better for you, cardio or strength training?” OK, you know already the answer has to have to do with
your goals and needs, but in terms of energy, cardio wins. Get your cardiovascular system rocking in the morning, your
metabolism will get turned on for the entire day. Truly, to have energy all day the way you start your day will make
all the difference. Yes, muscle is "metabolic" and if you "lift" you will also impact your metabolic
rate, but nothing like cardiovascular training.
2. EAT LESS SUGARY FOODS –
INCLUDING TOO MUCH FRUIT! Recent studies show that if you eat too “sweet” a breakfast in the morning your
insulin levels will stay up all day. High insulin wreaks havoc with all your body hormonal erergy system. Eat
oatmeal with some fruit and you'll be slowly releasing energy into your blood stream for hours.
3.
HEALTHY PROTEIN & FATS: There have been many recent articles about the damage that “cheap” or “trans”
fats cause, but following the path of damage that this causes includes hormonal imbalances causing fatigue and even impacts
on brain chemicals that impact mood!
4. GET YOURSELF RIGHT: Last month I blogged
about having a list of goals that you read EVERY MORNING and EVERY EVENING like they were your prayers. I encouraged
you to read them with your prayers (and by the way, meditation / prayer will set your spirit right in the morning and help
guide your day). By including your goals and dreams with your prayers you are making them part of YOUR PRAYERS!
Your fervent wish and belief in yourself and your purpose for being on this planet. You have to draw to yourself the
right people and share with others the right energy and emotions to make an impact.
5.
SLEEP SOUNDLY: Yes, easy for me to say but not always easy to do. We "grow" when we sleep. Whatever
you did in the gym during the day it takes off metabolically at night. Recovery is key. Limit sugar, fats and
caffeine in the hours before sleep. Shut the T.V. off and stop dancing around the web the hour before. Get your
mind right about sleep just as you would for your day. Decide what you are holding close to your heart for the next
days of work. If you sleep with stress the last thought, then your headed for stress - filled night sleep. Instead
review your goals, read them with love and reverence. Hold them to your heart. This is the focus of your being
and will lead you to rest-filled not stress - filled sleep.
Show yourself love by making
better choices and enjoying your life. And the stronger you become, the more you can do for others. Big muscles
mean NOTHING if they’re not used to lift up others. Use your strength wisely and nothing but love and strength
will come back to you.
Stay Strong,
Dr. Jack Barnathan
