The Fatigue Fix

Whew. Everyone is tired these days. The amount of BUSY we get caught up in should almost be ILLEGAL. I hear you. I find myself prioritizing daily on the things that are the most important and stair step my way down if I can. There is no peace in the busy, right? Maybe someone has mastered this. If they have; I would love to know the secret.

Here are some simple ways to ensure energy is at its optimal capacity when running to ball games, working full-time, picking up groceries and more.

Number 1: GET SUNSHINE ON YOUR FACE AS SOON AS YOU CAN IN THE AM. We live in Iowa. I get it. There are days the sun just ain’t shinin’! When it is; get out there for at least 10-15 min. I walk my dog if it is not bone-chilling, so I get the benefits of both. Getting sun on our skin goes deeper than the warmth, it sets our circadian rhythm up for later in the day when your body signals you to go to sleep. The sun is HUGE for health. Get out there even if it is just sitting in your chair on the deck.

Number 2: GO TO BED EARLY, WHEN POSSIBLE. This is a non-negotiable with me these days. My body tells me quickly when the door is closing. This is also in conjunction with getting sun earlier in the day. I promise you, you will see a difference in your sleep hygiene if you can make this a daily practice as often as possible. Trust me. There are so many processes which take place early in the night to help us stay healthy and well.

Number 3: EATING WHOLE FOODS/MEAL PREP AHEAD TO SAVE TIME. Living on junk and processed foods is going to cause blood sugar crashes, add excess weight to your mid-lines and moods, and ultimately make it very difficult to have sustained energy. Choose a green smoothie mid-afternoon, maybe an apple cut up with some peanut butter, a handful of almonds and some sliced cheese or some sliced veggies with some yogurt dip. Get groceries on Saturday or Sunday and plan out your meals for the week, so you are spending less time in the kitchen and more time with family. This will also make it easier to grab and go or warm things up in just a few minutes time.

Number 4: EXERCISE AND MOVEMENT: There is NOTHING that beats lifting weights. All the research points to it for longevity, strong bones, and sustantined, quality life. I know the ladies love their walks and runs only, but we HAVE to get an understanding of bones and muscles. I am here to help you to just that. When we move, all systems are impacted in the BEST way. Disease is reduced just by pure exercise. Building progressive overload in the gym or at home with a workout out to commit to for at least 4-6 weeks will help build up your energy and help you see progress in your mind and body.

Number 5: CONNECTION: Do you know the feeling when you have been with a trusted friend at a coffee shop for two hours taking about all the things happening in life and sharing stories of hope and dreams for the future? It can give you ENERGY. Trust me. I love carving out time for slowing the bus down and honoring myself and my friendships. The world is crazy. We need each other to get through the challenging seasons of life. Don’t forget your friendships and loving those around you. It will lift you right when you need it and give you energy to get through the rest of the day. Call that friend. Set up a lunch. Show up unannounced with a home-cooked meal and watch good things happen.

We can do this. Together.

Be well my friends,
Emily