Life moves fast today. So many things to do, so many people and things vying for our attention, so many responsibilities of all different kinds throughout any given day.

I have yet to meet a woman who isn’t feeling the pressure of her life and wanting a long reprieve from it all – AND more energy to handle it all with more poise and power.

This is why I believe every woman needs to take the time and space to regularly “check in” with herself, feel herself and her life, evaluate the trajectory her life is moving in, and discern what to keep and what to let go of on a regular basis.

But in addition to doing that, there are things in our modern lives that we have no control over that impact us in not so great ways. So, it is more important than ever to honor all of who we are by consistently nourishing our bodies, preserving our energy, and supporting our spirits amidst the chaos and stress that simply IS life today.

 

Here are 6 tips to revitalize your energy and honor yourself:

1. Nourish yourself with high quality and nutrient dense foods. What you eat has a deep impact on how you feel, and what you avoid eating is just as important. Prioritizing foods that are colorful, organic when possible, and prepared in simple but delicious ways is a powerful way to fill your tank and help your body maintain healthy blood sugar balance throughout the day. Limiting or avoiding sugar, convenience foods and highly processed foods will also help your body to maintain consistent and reliable energy throughout the day. In addition, some women have been unknowingly limiting carbohydrates from their diets and are therefore not giving their bodies and brains enough fuel to operate. Try adding healthy complex carbohydrates to your diet and see if it helps you feel and function better.
2. Embrace mindful eating. Mindful eating includes paying attention to what you eat and your portion sizes. It also means eating at consistent intervals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar levels steady. Mindful eating means taking the time to notice the smell, taste, texture and presentation of your meal before eating – to get your digestive juices flowing, aid in problem-free digestion, and ensure you enjoy every last bite. Chewing each bite well and honoring your body’s cues for hunger and satiety are also key. It’s also important to eat in a relaxed state, because your body cannot be stressed AND digest. I love to create a beautiful environment for my meals, too. Lighting a candle, using a cloth napkin, listening to soft music, and sharing (and even preparing!) a meal with a loved one is all a part of this, too.
3. Physical activity and mindful movement. Studies have shown that moving your body regularly helps increase energy levels and reduce fatigue. It doesn’t need to be all about cardio or HIIT workouts. Try incorporating movement that helps you to get out of your head and into your body, or that allows you to self-express. Aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity every day. You can do it all at once or split it up into two 15 minute movement breaks. Or you can schedule short bursts of activity throughout your busy day. I always opt to move my body first thing in the morning because my afternoons and evenings are often full with parenting responsibilities. But I am known to take a break from work in the afternoon to catch a yoga or Pilates class. Find what feels good to you, what works in your schedule, and what you will want to do again, and again, and again. Variety is queen!

4. Prioritize rest and cultivate inner peace. Sleep is a non-negotiable for energy and overall health. Not sleeping well will wreck your health and deeply impact your memory, your ability to focus, your creativity, your gut health, and your immune system as well. Creating a bedtime routine that focuses on relaxation, reducing screen time, and turning inward is a beautiful thing to bring into your life. Incorporate things like journaling, meditation, or listening to binaural beats. Make sure your sleep environment is quiet, dark, and cool. And don’t forget about hobbies! The more “cup-filling activities” you can incorporate into your day, week, month and year, the more at peace and fulfilled you will feel, naturally. It’s not about doing more but doing what you must AND what you love in an intentional way.

5. Breathwork and meditation. Incorporating conscious breathing exercises into your day can enhance energy, promote calm, and can be practiced just about anywhere. Deep belly breathing, square breathing, 3D breathwork, straw breathing, and the 4-7-8 technique are just a few to try for yourself. They are great to incorporate into your day when you are feeling under pressure or outright stressed and can also be excellent to do before bed. Meditation – any kind of meditation – is excellent for mental clarity, spiritual rejuvenation, stress reduction, and so much more. Transcendental meditation is a popular technique, but even sitting in a quiet room and deliberately listening to the quiet can recharge your batteries.

6. Connect with nature, Spending time outside, away from the hustle and bustle of our busy world, and away from the trance of technology is deeply rejuvenating. Something as simple as eating your morning bowl of yogurt or porridge on your front doorstep, balcony or back patio can feel deeply nourishing. Simple practices, like walking barefoot on grass, watching a sunrise or sunset, or stargazing at night can give us a fresh perspective on life and our place in the grand scheme of things. They also remind us of the beauty that is all around us – and so easily accessible to us – every single day. Also, morning light is essential for establishing and maintaining the health of our body’s circadian rhythms, and letting our bodies know when it’s time to be active, and when it’s time to unwind and prepare for rest. Nature heals us on so many levels!

 

Which of these 6 tips will you begin practicing today?