Worn out physically and mentally? These reviving tips will help restore your va-va-voom…
Worn out physically and mentally? These reviving tips will help restore your va-va-voom…
READY, GET SET, ENERGISE
When it comes to energy, often, you get out what you put in. Doing positive things will make you more energised, say experts. Saying “yes” to a bite of lunch with a colleague, dinner with friends or an evening stroll with your other half will shift you out of your funk
When you’re feeling tired and weak, your go-to destination is probably the sofa. Sometimes when you’re feeling drained of energy you need an extra boost to keep you going. Start with a positive attitude: Vow to say “yes” once a day this week when you normally wouldn’t and see if a change really is as good as a result. Here are other easy ways to revitalise your body and mind.
Get your metal
Chances are you’re aware that getting enough iron and magnesium are important for keeping you fired up. But did you know that cobalt and copper are other metal essentials? Cobalt is one of the elements that makes up vitamin B12, a well-known energy booster, while copper helps trigger the release of iron from food (which then carries oxygen around your system). There are supplements that will help but it’s important to consult a health practitioner first as too much of these nutrients can be problematic too.
An easy solution is to include some unsalted mixed nuts in your diet, which will give you an excellent dose of both, as well as magnesium. The high protein content in nuts will also give you an energy boost. An all-round winner.
Spend time in the great outdoors
Just five minutes of being outside can recharge you, say researchers from the University of Essex in the UK. And the biggest effect was seen in those who spent that time near water. In fact, the blue stuff seems to have a powerful effect on our well-being, as research published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology has shown that even looking at pictures of water can make us feel more restored and refreshed.
Head for a park that has a river, or take a walk on the beach to get a boost of H2O that works from outside in. Failing all that, head to Pinterest and search for “sea”. Try it – it really does work!
Get a colour pop
“Colours have different psychological effects, some are invigorating, some are bold and some create a sense of tranquility,” says Deepu Mahboobani, Project Director, Wimberly Interiors. Vibrant pops of colour and patterns set on a white or neutral background inspire freshness, cool colours like blue and green are soothing and refreshing for the soul, while orange, a combination of red and yellow, is known to inspire activity. “Natural daylight filling the room, bold colours and patterns are sure to uplift one’s mood and instil confidence,” says Deepu.
So next time you’re decorating, take a wider look at the paint chart. And in the meantime think about bringing exhilarating shades such as yellows, oranges and reds into your daily life in accessories such as cushions or throws, or even your morning cuppa mug for some instant get-upand- go.
BEND AND STRETCH
“Simple yogic postures are great for boosting energy levels and enhancing mood,” says yoga guru Dawn Sim. “The styles I practise are mainly Hatha and Vinyasa, and when done early in the morning can energise you for the rest of the day and get the circulatory system and feel-good hormones pumping.”
Yoga practitioners recommend a posture called Uttanasana - a gentle forward bend with your head below your heart to bring blood and oxygen to the brain and body.
1. Stand with feet parallel to each other, hip-width apart.
2. Bend forward from the hips, allowing your head to be heavy, with your chin on your collarbone.
3. Then relax your shoulders and arms so you feel yourself move down through each vertebra.
4. Allow your knees to relax.
5. Bend slowly forward and down, breathing gently through your nose, until your tummy reaches your thighs – if it doesn’t, just concentrate on relaxing your head, neck and shoulders.
6. Put your hands on the floor next to your feet if you can, or cross your forearms and hold your elbows. You should feel a lovely stretch in your spine.
7. Keep your feet rooted to the floor and your knees bent to protect your lower back.
8. Breathe and rest for a couple of minutes and then, pull slowly up.
TEXT: BAUERSYNDICATION.COM.AU / ADDITIONAL REPORTING: SANDHYA MAHADEVAN / PHOTOS: 123RF.COM
