Rejuvenate Yourself Naturally

Sunday, November 9, 2008

Chances are you spend a lot of energy juggling career, family, household chores, social engagements, community involvement and any number of other day-to-day concerns. With so much to much to do, it wouldn’t be surprising if you were exhausted before the end of the day.

You might be tempted to have coffee or soda to give you a caffeine lift, but there are consequences that come with that kind of energy: caffeine can affect brain function, hormone balance and sleep patterns. And don’t go for the “sugar high” of a candy bar or cookies. Sweets raise your blood sugar level, which does provide a short burst of energy, but after about 20 minutes your glucose level will rapidly drop and you’ll be more tired than you were in the first place.

Instead of those questionable methods, try using natural rejuvenators instead. The following suggestions are safe and effective ways to give yourself an energy boost:

Breathe
Getting oxygen into your bloodstream is a great energy-booster that can make you feel more calm at the same time. Breathe in slowly until your chest is expanded to its full capacity; then exhale slowly. The more often you do this, the better you’ll feel.

Try peppermint
The aroma of peppermint may help release tension and alleviate fatigue. Sniff peppermint oil or drink a cup of caffeine-free peppermint tea.

Drink water
Dehydration drains your energy. Studies show that if your body has as little as 1/2 cup less water than it needs, your brain and your body start to lag. Try to drink eight glasses every day — more if it’s hot or you’re exercising — to make sure you are always well-hydrated.

Eat a starchy snack
A complex carbohydrate snack (e.g., a whole wheat bagel or toast, a banana) provides a sustainable source of energy. Complex carbohydrates take longer to digest and so the release of glucose into your bloodstream is gradual (rather than the quick burst that comes from a candy bar), which helps fight energy dips.

Give yourself acupressure
Sometimes considered as “acupuncture without needles,” acupressure uses gentle finger pressure in specific areas. Give yourself an energy boost by rubbing your ear lobes between your thumb and forefinger, or by pulling your second toe (the one adjacent to your big toe) and then vigorously rubbing it.

Get moving
Taking a brisk walk, performing stretching exercises or jogging in place is a good way to increase the oxygen content in your blood, which helps to rejuvenate you.

Take a bath
Fill the tub with warm water and add sea salts or essential oils. The scent of orange, rosemary or lavender extract is especially rejuvenating.

Use nutritional supplements
Certain supplements can improve your energy:

* Bee pollen helps increase physical strength, stamina and energy. Ginkgo biloba improves blood and nutrient flow to the brain for enhanced alertness and mental clarity.
* Co-Q10 provides an energy boost by increasing metabolic efficiency.
* Ashwaganda, also known as Indian ginseng, improves energy and calms the response to stress.
* Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) and Reishi mushrooms restore and enhance energy.

Take a shower
Stand under a warm shower for a couple minutes and then alternate the water temperature between warm and cool. This stimulates your circulation and is a refreshing pick-me-up. (Note: This technique is not advisable for anyone with high blood pressure or a heart disorder.)

Take a nap
Don’t overlook the obvious: A 20-minute snooze will revitalize both mind and body. Elevate your feet with pillows so they are higher than your heart. That way, extra blood will get to your brain and you won’t feel groggy when you wake up.

source : http://myonlinehealtharticles.com

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