Posted on: Friday, December 2, 2005
Putting more oomph into your life isn't hard
Gannett News Service
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To restore energy, drink water every half-hour. It sends a signal to the brain to stay alert.
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Jon Gordon, author of "Energy Addict: 101 Physical, Mental & Spiritual Ways to Energize Your Life," is a vault of information on how everyone — parents in a get-the-kids-to-school frenzy, the heat-drained and traffic-tired and just hard-working folks — can restore some energy into their souls.
His big three energy tips: Drink water. Cut the caffeine. Get more sleep.
"Just as oil helps a car engine function optimally, water helps us operate at peak performance," Gordon writes in his book.
Gordon's national profile rose when he appeared on the "Today" show to teach weary women to infuse energy into their lives. Among his advice to them was to quit trying to cheat sleep by drinking more coffee.
"You can't replace sleep with a double latte," Gordon says. "We're trying as a nation, and it doesn't work."
Cutting down on coffee can lead to greater sustained energy. As with any drug, caffeine users continue to need more to get the desired effect, which leads to fatigue and burnout. Consume water, green tea or fruit instead for an energy boost, he suggests.
Following are more tips:
GET INTO A RHYTHM
Establish morning and evening routines of sleeping, eating, exercising and relaxing. "Rituals are so key for energy. Our bodies rely on rhythms. When we don't have rhythms and routines, we feel out of whack," Gordon says.
Perform an energy audit on yourself. "Everything is energy," Gordon says. Find out what foods give energy, what people drain energy and what actions help revive energy. Adjust accordingly.
It's not a race. Instead of rushing, slow down, take relaxing breaths and "pay attention to where you are and what you are doing now, rather than thinking about what has to be done and where you have to be," Gordon writes. "You'll have more energy to accomplish the short-term tasks and long-term goals."
GO WITH THE FLOW
When stuck in traffic, Gordon recommends taking five to 10 breaths, breathing in energy and breathing out worries.
Stock your vehicle with meditative CDs, fun audio books or favorite music.
Change your attitude. "Perception determines our reality," Gordon says. "So instead of whining, use the time to breathe or listen to great CDs."
TAKE TIME TO CHILL
Drink water every 30 minutes. "It sends an immediate signal to the brain to stay alert and be energized," Gordon said.
Try these indoor power moves that build muscle and increase energy when it's too hot to exercise outside: Walk up and down stairs, perform squats, do push-ups.
Take a power nap. If the heat beats you down, a 20-minute nap has the power to refresh.
