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Most people don't have a problem getting enough energy; they have a problem hanging on to it. Although there are many factors contributing to fatigue, when you feel a need to "get more" energy consider instead where you "give it away." Becoming aware of the energy leaks is the first step to managing it more efficiently.
The lifestyle you lead, the food you eat, and how you rest your body are the easiest to recognize in terms of cause and effect, but subtle causes have an equally dramatic impact on your overall energy level.
Become the witnessConsider the quality of your thoughts, mental and emotional state, major causes of stress in your life and how you choose to deal with them. Worry, anxiety, fear and anger take energy to sustain. Typically, we encounter the stress of conflict with a "fight or flight" reflex by fighting against it or running away from it. External conflict is easiest to recognize and resolve. Internal conflict can unknowingly keep us in a fuel-burning loop by mentally replaying or outwardly complaining about it.
The third, and often missed, option is to simply observe it. Becoming the witness to reaction does not tie up energy. When in conflict, try witnessing what's happening in the moment. Notice discomfort in the body or disturbance in the mind without having an opinion about it. Change reaction to observation and give yourself a pause; then you can choose your response wisely and save your energies for better use.
Control the breathWe receive energy through breath. Yogic breathing has been proven to alleviate anxiety, depression and stress. With every inhalation, oxygen is transforming nutrients into fuel for the body. With the exhalation, carbon dioxide is expelled. Under the stress of fear, reaction or doubt, we tend to hold the breath in. This restricts the flow of oxygen and blocks the release of toxins. The body's muscles will tense, which restricts blood flow and cuts off oxygen even farther. Deep, steady, conscious breaths purify the body, regulate energy flow and clear the mind.
A simple technique for rebalancing energy is a slow breath in and an even slower breath out. Add a count to the inhalation and exhalation with a ratio of 1:2. As you find your mind wandering or emotion rising, gently guide your attention back to the slow, counted breath. Pay attention to the changes you create as you rebalance physically, mentally, and emotionally.
Observe SilenceOne way to reduce the amount of energy we expend is to reduce the amount of sensory input. Stimulation kicks the brain into action to process all incoming date-whether it's important or not. Being selective to what the brain processes results in a more energized and balanced state.
Try going through part of your day in silence. Rather than turning to the habit of noise first thing in the morning, observe silence for an hour or so. This practice can significantly alter the quality of your day as you feel restored and prepared for whatever the day brings.
Sit in MeditationAs a culture, we are in a constant state of doing-physical and mental. Meditation is an opportunity to stop the doing and just let your self be. It is a deeply relaxing way to connect to the infinite reservoir of energy that is accessible within everyone. This practice has proven helpful for reducing anxiety, increasing vitality and lowering blood pressure.
Your biggest challenge may be to let yourself be "as you are." Rather than using energy to push thoughts away, allow yourself to notice them, let them go and re-focus on breath or sensation. As often as you need to, gently redirect your attention. You can also use a mantra or affirmation. Focusing on the silent repetition of the word or phrase can help to stabilize the wandering mind.
Move the BodySometimes when you feel sluggish, you need movement; sometimes when you feel agitated you need to be still. Learn to listen to your body if your body calls for movement, yoga postures can help. Postures clear blocks that restrict the free flow of energy. Interference to the energy flow may be experienced as mental tension, emotional irritability or physical pain. Opening, stretching and strengthening the body is a purifying practice that can bring more restful sleep and healthier functioning of the body's systems.
You don't have to do "pretzel poses" to receive benefit. You can even begin by exploring your normal range of motion. Notice where you restrict, protect or avoid. This will help to develop awareness for where you habitually hold tension. Allow for slow, conscious movement and feel the natural relaxation that follows the effort.
Be willing to explore the tools available to re-energize. Practicing on a consistent basis can increase vitality and sustain energy levels. Although yoga doesn't stop life's "stuff" from happening, it certainly gives you tools to manage it more efficiently. As you apply yoga day to day, you may find it realty can change your life.
Yoga PrinciplesDiana Mira Formisano is the owner and director of The Yoga Way in Wappingers Falls. She teaches yoga and meditation. For more info go to www.yogaway.info.
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