Articles
Has Your Get Up and Go Got Up and Went?
By Monica A. Dixon, Ph.D., R.D
If so, you're not the lone ranger. Americans are reporting more fatigue and less energy than ever before. Increased hours at work, more demands than ever and the pace at which technology is changing our lives are all part of the problem.
The prospect of any of these social pressures changing anytime soon is nil. But there are steps you can take today to improve both your emotional and physical energy. And no, there is no magical pill at the pharmacy or health food store that will rejuvenate you over night.
Good health is fundamental to high energy, as we know from watching any two year old. Fuel your body well with good food that’s high octane. One of the quickest ways to lose your energy is to imbibe in a big meal, especially later in the day. Hit breakfast heavy with protein, such as a soy shake, peanut or almond butter, yogurt or an occasional egg. Mingle this with some complex carbohydrates such as whole wheat bread, fruit or high fiber cereal. Eat small portions throughout the day. Carry fruit, yogurt or protein bars with you to the office or work site to nibble on. Make every lunch a power lunch with choices such as soups, salads or whole grain sandwiches with vegies and cold cuts. High carbohydrate and fat lunches such as biggie burgers and fries are a sure bet for an afternoon siesta.
Linger over dinner. Skip the TV trays or the fast food meal in the car for a stir-fry, salmon or halibut on the grill or a grilled chicken caesar salad. Toss the late night trips to the kitchen for ice cream or chips. Instead, grab some pretzels, frozen fruit bars or a bowl of sorbet.
Researchers have found that for every minute invested in exercise, we gain two minutes back into our lives. Therefore, if you swim, walk or ride bike for half an hour over your lunch break, you'll get an additional hour added to your day in high energy. No, you won't get a 25 hour day, but you WILL manage to make it past 7 PM without passing out on the couch.
Yet physical energy is not the only key. We all know people that seem to have never-ending energy reserves. They start the day at the break of dawn and seem tireless and in high spirits throughout the day. And we're left wearily shaking our heads in amazement. How do they do it?
These people usually are living lives with a purpose. They have a clear vision of what they want out of life and are pursuing it. They set goals, develop an action plan to get there and are excited enough about the potential that life offers them that they become infused with a natural emotional energy.
What is your purpose to living? Once you can identify it, you'll be amazed to find the same natural energy that the toddler has to discover what life is all about and not take "no" for an answer. You'll step out of the gray mass of mediocrity that many people find themselves living in and begin living a fully alive, fully rewarding life.
Monica Dixon, Ph.D., R.D. has worked with corporations and agencies across the U.S. for over 20 years, helping them to improve their productivity and bottom line. A psychologist, registered dietitian, international author and veteran trainer, Dr. Dixon is a frequent guest in national media and presents to over 20,000 people a year.