Is getting through the day almost flattening you? The key to finding instant energy is to keep your batteries topped up.
We asked a few experts for their natural ways to boost energy levels.
ALSO SEE: The best natural remedies for everyday health problems
Swop caffeine for kale
Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle swears by green juice instead of caffeine as a good-for-you fast fix.
“The vegetables in a green juice are packed with vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which will help boost your immune system and replenish the nutrients sapped by our busy lifestyles,” says nutritionist Jane Clarke.
Blend a handful each of fresh kale, spinach, flat-leaf parsley and mint, 1 celery stick, ½ cucumber, a 2,5cm piece of fresh ginger, and the juice of a lemon.
Practice daily visualisations
If you know even a little about Ayurveda, you’ll know about chakras, the seven energy centres in the body. Chakras need to be refreshed to help us stay well balanced and boost energy levels.
Reiki practitioner, Mary Lambert and author of Natural Highs For Body And Soul has a simple visualisation that works around the crown chakra at the top of the head…
- Sit cross-legged on a mat on the floor, with a straight spine. Close your eyes and breathe deeply from your diaphragm.
- Visualise a white light entering your crown chakra at the top of your head; see it moving slowly through your body until it reaches your feet. Sit for a few minutes and feel the warmth of this healing energy.
- Now see the white light expanding and forming a protective band around you. Feel its power, then focus for a few minutes on your day ahead and slowly open your eyes.
Try this turmeric tonic
“Jamu Kunyit is the Balinese equivalent of ‘an apple a day’. It’s an ancient turmeric tonic said to keep health problems at bay,” says cook, forager and author Rachel de Thample.
To make four x 125ml servings you’ll need:
- 4 thumb-sized pieces of fresh turmeric, peeled and grated
- 1 thumb-sized piece of fresh ginger, peeled and grated
- 1tbsp tamarind paste
- 500ml filtered or mineral water
- 2 to 3tbsp raw honey, maple syrup or coconut palm sugar pinch of ground black pepper
Method:
- Blend the turmeric, ginger and tamarind with the water. Strain through muslin into a sterilised jar.
- Sweeten to taste with the honey, syrup or sugar and stir in the pepper. Keeps in fridge for up to one week. From Rachel’s Tonics & Teas (Kyle Books).
ALSO SEE: Diet tips for a healthier life
Tap into your energy stores
Batteries flat? There are so many little moves that can charge them without hitting the health store or finding a therapist. Holistic therapist Annie Webb has some neat ideas that cost nothing.
Breathe deeply – This is an excellent way to soothe your system and boost your energy. Inhale through your nose for seven seconds. Hold your breath for four and exhale, slowly and evenly, blowing through your mouth for eight seconds.
Exercise more – Choose something that would be fun for you to do – anything from bouncing on a mini trampoline to walking in the park. Do it for at least 20 minutes and attempt to raise your heart rate. It’ll make you feel great!
Get the ball rolling
“Rolling a spiky ball beneath your feet releases trigger points and tension in the fascia, the body’s connective tissue, helping the body relax and realign from the ground up,” says Charlotte Watts, yoga teacher and author of The De-Stress Effect (Hay House). “All it takes is two to three minutes each day.”
Spruce up your shower
Skincare guru Lisa Hoffman (aka Mrs Dustin Hoffman) knows how to kick-start the day: “I put a couple of drops of essential oil on my shower floor just upon entering. The scent makes my shower (even a quick one) feel like a spa.
“I use a refreshing and energising oil, such as grapefruit in the morning. However busy my schedule, I find this really does help to lift my spirits.”
