The CORE of Human Energy
April 9th, 2009I am asked quite frequently about how one can acquire MORE ENERGY on a consistent basis. This is mostly referring to feeling “on” and “energized” and just feeling great all around most of the time. Here a bit of insight I have gained over the years about where energy comes from and how to optimize it. Let me first say that many years ago i decided that I wanted abundant energy so I went out and found the people that i thought had the most energy around! That’s right, success does leave clues… Guys like Stu Mittleman, who ran from San Diego to New York, 52 miles a day for 56 consecutive days! I mean really – 2 marathons a day for 2 months straight?! How… why?! Well there are things that can be done that will blow the perception of what is possible right off the door handles… Anyway, that is just one example of an expert that I sought out – as a mentor and coach and example of how to increase my own energy. After all, life is an endurance event, right?
There are many facets to where our energy comes from. These core areas are part of the Seeking True North Life Compass and include the integration of our body, mind and spirit. Moreover, the amount of energy we have is directly related to the components of our Physical, Mental and Emotional practice. As stated in PASSION – we must continually fill our bodies, mind and spirit with healthy food. So how do we know what should eat?
Develop Sensory Acuity: The the first step in improving energy levels is to notice how you feel! Pay attention to what is working and really get to know your bodies. What are the cycles that you go through consistently? Is there a particular time of day that you feel most focused? Is there a time of day that you feel most tired? The more we become aware of these cycles, the more we can adjust and optimize our systems.
There are MANY contributing factors to energy management. Here are a few considerations for what i believe provide an abundance of energy in the PHYSICAL realm.
HYDRATION: Think about it. The earth is comprised of what percentage of water? Our bodies are comprised of what percentage of water? Both of these are somewhere around or above the 70% mark. According to a study shared with me by Wayne Pickering, a health researcher i have know for years, about the same percentage of Americans are chronically dehydrated! Think about it this way. Would you get in your car to drive cross country with little or no gas or oil? That’s essentially what you are doing if you don’t consistently drink enough water. ACTION: Make drinking water a fun ritual. i like to drink a glass first thing in the morning to “fill up the tank.” Associate drinking water with “power.” What if you said something to yourself like, “I love you, water. Every time i drink you I feel great.” Maybe corny, but you get the idea. Create some positive associations to more water! Monitor how much you drink, and pay close attention to how you feel.
BREATHING: As I began to research energy, this is a consistent theme that came through over and over. Many of the greatest climbers and mountaineers, martial artists, and health and wellness gurus point to effective breathing as the number one factor for increasing energy. WHY? From a physiologial perspective our lungs – are filled with Avioli – about 7 MILLION of them. Most of these are located in the lower part of their lungs. And many people are what’s called “shallow breathers. ” To maximize the translation of oxygen to red blood cells, focus on deep full breaths that begin low in the stomach. I call them power breaths and like to power breat at least three times a day, for at least 10 solid deep breaths.
Exercise: Simple right? Well our bodies naturally align while we are moving. We don’t have to go for 10 mile runs every day, but moving for 30 to 60 minutes will keep our energy levels flowing.
Well this is getting long… so I will sign off for now. Drink, Breath and Move and experience the benefits of increased energy. More to come later on this topic! Cheers! Tim
