Boost Your Energy during the colder months

Boost Your Energy during the colder months

Learn how to feel fabulous even when it's cold outside...

As temperatures plunge, your energy levels can dip and it's tempting to want to hibernate at home. But the less active you are - both mentally and physically - the more your energy will deplete. Winter weather can spark the appropriately named SAD (seasonal affective disorder) or the winter blues, which is feeling tired or low at the onset of the colder season. It's thought to be caused by fewer daylight hours and less exposure to energy boosting sunshine, leaving you feeling distinctly lacklustre. But there are simple steps you can take to increase your energy levels and keep feeling sparkling throughout the winter season.

From a spiritual point of view, it's important to keep energy levels boosted in colder months because high energy attracts high energy - which means positivity and good experiences or situations. Where as low energy attracts negative experiences. The way you think defines your experience of life. So if you approach life with an upbeat energetic way - that's what you will get back.

Boost Your Energy

1) Breathe

Deep breathing into your belly is a quick energy pick-me-up. If you're stressed or depressed with low energy, it's likely that your breath is rapid and shallow. This means that the cells of your body are not getting the oxygen they need to function at full capacity. So notice your breath and slow it down. Inhale deeply - think about filling your lungs and belly with cleansing air. Inhale to the count of three seconds, then hold for two seconds then exhale for three seconds. Try this five times and see how energised you feel.

2) Mental Control

If you let your thoughts and emotions rage out of control - then this takes up precious energy that you could be using constructively. For instance, if you are constantly worrying about how a work meeting or social event might unfold - assuming that it will be unpleasant, then your energy will dip. This is because you are focusing on the negatives. Notice when your thoughts are dwelling on negatives and make a mental break from this. Try visualising something positive, for example a loved one, a pet or a place you find relaxing, such as a beach or wood. This is intended to help you break out of your negative thinking.

3) Try a Spiritual Practice

If you're always on the go, your energy levels will be constantly depleted. This is especially true during winter months, when dashing about in rainy, cold weather can take its toll on even the cheeriest of souls. A spiritual practice offers you the chance to slow down and recharge your energy. One of the best choices is meditation. Make time to clear your mind of all your chores, worries and plans. Sit in silence for 10 minutes per day - focus on a bright colour, a crystal or a flame. Choose anything that helps you focus and stops your mind from wandering.

4) Nourish Yourself

The food you eat is the fuel that nourishes your body and enables you to feel vital and energetic. In the colder season, the temptation is to fill yourself with stodgy, fatty, sugary comfort food. But this will only provide you with a very short term boost, followed by an energy slump. It will also mean you put on weight, which will make you feel even less energetic! Keep your diet colourful with lots of bright veggies and spices for flavour. The more varied the colours you can see on your plate the more varied the nutrients you'll be taking in to fuel yourself. By all means have a comforting warm stew when it's cold outside, but add lots of colourful vegetables, lean meat and health-giving spices. Don't add excess fat, sugar or salt. Have a couple of spoons of natural yoghurt, or a square of good quality dark chocolate for pudding instead of a cake or biscuits.

5) Exercise

It's much more difficult to feel motivated to exercise during the winter, when all you want to do is snuggle up on the sofa with a mug of hot chocolate. But making the effort to move your body will have a dramatic effect on your energy levels. When you exercise, your body is flooded with revitalising oxygen. You don't have to go to a gym to get the benefits. A brisk 30 minute walk five times per week will set you on your way to being healthier with increased energy. You'll feel the energising benefits even more from higher impact exercise, such as jogging, swimming or cycling for at least 60 minutes three times per week. Do seek advice from your GP when taking up a new fitness regime!

6) Sleep

If you've ever had to face a tough day after only a couple of hours of sleep, you'll be well aware that getting a good night's sleep is a key way to boost energy. Lack of sleep means an energy slump. But everyone's sleep requirements are slightly different - so find out what suits you and stick to it. You should be getting between 7 - 8 hours every night. Too much sleep can be as bad as too little. Practise good sleep hygiene by going to sleep and waking up a the same times every day. Relax for an hour before you switch off the light by reading a book. Don't have a TV set or digital devices in the bedroom as screen glare can stimulate your brain and keep you awake.