MAKE THE HOLIDAYS ENERGETIC AND BRIGHT

With the holiday season right around the corner, managing your ENERGY could mean the difference between  “Ho, Ho, Ho” and “Oh, No, No”. 

Holiday parties, finding the perfect presents, overindulging in cocktails or sweets, turkey and stuffing, not to mention the caffeinated quick fixes that come disguised as desserts!   All take a toxic toll on your energy.

 Combine that with the added stress of the 4th quarter and trying reach your end of year goals and you’ve got a recipe for an energy crash that could leave you dragging and susceptible to colds and the flu.   NOT the way you want to head into the New Year.

As one of my mentors, Brendon Burchard, says “the power plant doesn’t have energy, it generates it”.   So true!  We each have our very own personal power plant and we need to take care of it so that it can perform at it’s best.   That doesn’t need to be hard work.  Here are 5 EASY ways to support your energy throughout the busy season (and beyond):

1.  Hydrate!  This is such a simple thing but sometimes hard to remember during normal times let alone the busy holiday season.  Fatigue is one of the first signs of dehydration.  I recommend carrying your own water bottle so you remember to sip throughout the day.  Glass bottles are best or BPA free plastic.  (Although I recently read that many of the BPA free plastics contain “BPA-like” chemicals in them, so I am personally sticking to glass).   BONUS:  Consider giving a nice water bottle as a present and cross someone off your list!   I love these bottles by Ivory Ella--a portion of the proceeds go to Save the Elephants.  Or you can support women entrepreneurs with these cute bottles by MyBKR.  And these VIA bottles are gorgeous and have extra energy benefits from the various crystals!

2.  Take regular breaks throughout the day.  Every 60-90 minutes take a 5 minute break to stretch and move.  Take a quick walk to re-fill your water bottle or do some easy tai chi moves by your desk.   Getting your circulation revved up not only helps your energy but will boost your focus and concentration as the blood moves to your brain.  You can get back into work clearer, sharper and more productive!

3.  Sometimes you need to move your energy in the opposite direction.  If you are “wired” and starting to feel crispy, use your break to do a short meditation.  Set the alarm on your phone, close your eyes, center into your heart and repeat “release, release, release” over and over.  You can also try a mediation app—there are lots of low cost or free ones available to download.  

4. Try using essential oils or flower essences.  Mother Nature doesn’t just provide energy in the form of nutrition.  By tapping into the vital energy of living plants, oils and essences can be extremely helpful in helping you manage both your energy and mood.   I love Do Terra’s  “Elevation” blend when I need to revitalize or their “Serenity” blend which promotes relaxation and restful sleep.  Full disclosure—I am a Do Terra wellness advocate—I love their products!  I’ve also heard great things about Young Living and Mountain Rose Herb oils although I’ve never personally used either brand.   Whichever brand you use, just make sure that you are purchasing high grade organic oils.  You don’t want to inhale or ingest any pesticides that would undo all the good!

For flower essences, I love Lotus Wei’s “Radiant Energy” to uplift and energize and their “Inner Peace” to calm and de-stress.   They come in serums, perfumes or mists but  my  favorites are the elixers—easy to add to that water that you’re already drinking!    Another BONUS….these also make great gifts—why not check a couple more people off your list!

5.  End your day with a relaxing, warm cup of Golden Milk.  This Ayurvedic treat contains turmeric, which is known for it’s ability to reduce inflammation in the body and for it’s detox effects on the liver and pancreas.   Creating this easy ritual at night helps promote a restful sleep so your body can properly restore it’s immune function and fight off any nasty bugs that you don’t have time for!    There are many variations on the traditional recipe.   My favorite uses coconut milk (the kind in a can), turmeric, fresh grated ginger, cinnamon, a little black peppercorn (which boosts the turmeric) and just a touch of manuka honey.   It’s delicious and satisfying and helps you drift off to slumberland much quicker.

What are some of the ways you manage your own energy?  Comment below so I can add your tips to my toolkit