"I sincerely believe that energy grows from itself and the more energy you expand the more you create within yourself. I also believe that energy is habit -- which can be created quite easily. In other words, use your energy and more energy flows and then it is very hard to stop it -- as if one would ever want to!"
- Diana Vreeland (1903-1989)
Charismatic former Vogue editor-in-chief Diana Vreeland was the consummate high achiever, and as you would expect, had a lot of energy.
Interesting her point that energy begets energy. Obvious common sense, you may say. But it's worth being reminded that energy, like so many other things, is subject to the old rule: use it or lose it.
Then there's the question of lifestyle; expending and creating energy is all well and good, but this has to be supported by good lifestyle choices. What's remarkable is how some simple changes can lead to a very marked improvement.
I'd like to share here 4 simple lifestyle changes that have given me a significant boost in energy. Try them for yourself and gauge the results.
1. Minimise or eliminate refined carbs
Yes I know this is standard advice, but it's worth repeating. Refined carbs (sugar, white flour products) are high on the glycemic index meaning they are rapidly converted into glucose by your body. If for example you eat something very sugary, you're essentially just dumping a lot of glucose into your blood stream.
This is fine of you need immediate energy - if you're running a marathon, for example. Otherwise, you're just imbibing a lot of energy your body can't use, which will actually rob you of energy. Do this often enough and you'll also gain weight and set yourself up for type-2 diabetes. Not good.
2. Avoid processed foods
This follows on from #1 and again, is standard advice, but worth emphasising. Processed foods (like fast foods) are essentially no longer food. By being so heavily refined, they're stripped of their nutrients and therefore become empty calories.
They also usually have any fibre they may have had refined out. This makes them more difficult (and therefore more energy intensive) for your body to digest.
If you look at some of the healthiest populations in the world, one of the constants is that they eat whole, fresh unprocessed foods. You also see that when western culture along with its processed/fast food has invaded these places (Okinawa being an example), the western diseases (diabetes, heart disease, cancer, etc) have also started to appear. Go figure.
3. Start stretching
I recently started doing a 10-minute stretching routine first thing in the morning. My main aim was to maintain suppleness and flexibility, but within 2 weeks I noticed a significant side benefit: I had more energy.
I haven't researched into exactly why this is, but it certainly works! One of the major pieces of advice I would give to anyone seeking an energy boost is this:
Get on to YouTube and find a basic stretching routine that you're comfortable with (i.e. one that suits your current level of flexibility). Now do this routine every day (and it only has to be 10 minutes or so). I guarantee that within a week or so you'll notice the difference.
4. Breath like The Iceman
If you've never heard of 'Iceman' Wim Hoff and his life-changing breathing technique, you're really missing something. Through his technique, he's trained himself to perform some pretty amazing feats such as being able to withstand extreme cold, hence the Iceman tag.
He's also boosted his immune system and claims to never get sick. Since I only discovered the technique a couple of weeks ago I can't give a full account of it's benefits. But one thing I noticed after my first attempt was an increase in my energy. Whoa!
I did it lying in bed before going to sleep and had better energy levels the following day. And I've noticed that when I miss doing it, my energy isn't as good.
Have a look at this demonstration of the technique by Brian Rose of London Real, then give it a try - it may well change your life.
What have you found that boosts your energy? Do share your tips and insights below.