Need a mood boost? Feeling fatigued? We know you haven't lost your zest for life ... you may just need a dash of inspiration from our very helpful tips for energizing your life. Reinvigorate your mind, body, and spirit with these great ideas from St. Francis.





Stay hydrated.

Water, an essential ingredient...


Are you tired, or just dehydrated? Sometimes we can confuse fatigue with the fact that our body is telling us simply, "I'm thirsty!" The solution? Add more water to your daily food and beverage intake.

It is recommended that the average adult woman have 9 cups of fluid per day. Your body receives water intake not only from beverages but from some of the foods you eat, like fresh fruit and vegetables. Your total fluid intake does include all beverages you drink in a day (like coffee, tea, etc.), but water is always the best choice for a cool, low-calorie, healthy option.

Drinking water is also especially important during and after your workouts, since your body loses about 4 cups of water per hour of exercise.





Get moving.

A pinch of exercise...


Think moving off the couch is going to make you even more exhausted? Actually, getting physical gets the blood pumping and moves oxygen to the tissues, therefore giving energy and mood a boost. Other benefits to regular exercise include better relaxation and sleep, body strength and tone, and stronger immune functions.

It only takes about 30 minutes a day! So take a mile walk or go running, try yoga or Pilates, play with your kids, or just dance around your living room ... it'll revitalize you.

Need Inspiration?


Check out our recommended iPod Playlists for the gal on the go!

 

And there's more ...  Songs for Working Out  |  Songs with Girl Power  |  Other Playlists

Get Physical!



Eat “superfoods."

Add these good choices liberally...


A good diet is key to good energy. Consider this: what you're eating is like the fuel that you put in your car. Wouldn't you prefer premium fuel to drive better performance?

So, when you're considering your meals, remember to include lots of colorful vegetables and fruits, lean protein, and whole grains. There really is such a thing as the "power snack," but choose wisely. Try something that combines protein (for energy), fiber, and some fat (to sustain energy). And don't skip breakfast!

Super Snacks


• Small bowl of whole-grain cereal with skim milk
• Half a peanut butter on whole wheat sandwich
• Lowfat string cheese with a small apple
• Handful of unsalted almonds
• Black Bean Hummus with raw veggies
• Fresh Garden Salsa with chips
• Banana Energy Sundae
• Homemade Energy Bars

Power Up!


• Power Foods for Women, Whole Foods Market
• SuperFoods, Whole Foods Market
• The Smart Way to Snack, WebMD





Create “quiet time.”

Marinate in meditation...


Designate a few moments during the day as "quiet time" to meditate, pray, read the Bible or poetry, and reflect. Starting or ending your day with this time of meditation can do wonders for calming as well as energizing your soul.






Manage your stress.

Add an ounce of zest for life...


Stress is not uncommon... we all have things in our life that make us tired or worried. But stress can wreak havoc on your body in many ways, including causing headaches, loss of energy, anxiety, upset stomach, and can lower immunity defenses that make you more likely to get sick.

Traffic, arguments with loved ones, and work deadlines are all examples of short-term stressors. Other stressors, like loss of a loved one, divorce or separation, or illness, are considered long-term and can lead to extreme anxiety and even depression. For these reasons, it is important to your health to manage your stress.

What are simple things I can do everyday? 


• Integrate the other lifestyle suggestions from this webpage.
• Breathe deeply -- it will help relax you.
• Compromise -- it's healthier to just let it go.

Other Resources


• Handling Stress, womenshealth.gov
• Coping with Stress, WebMD





Feng Shui your home or office.

A dash of energized or peaceful surroundings...


The main principle of Feng Shui is that "energy goes where attention flows," and focuses on bringing your life and surroundings into balance and harmony. In Feng Shui, the elements wood, fire, earth, metal and water, along with their corresponding colors, are utilized in a way that enlivens each of their properties and characteristics.
 

FIRE | Red / Orange / Brights


• Symbolizes transformation: activity, enthusiasm and energy.
• Accents in triangle, diamond, and sunburst shapes represent fire.
• For fire energy, a room should be full of light, bright colors, and reflective surfaces.
• Use carefully: overuse could cause "burning out" of a person's energy.
• Decorating with Fire: try high-gloss paint and mirrors, add more lamps or candles.
 

EARTH | Brown / Yellow / Earth Tones


• Symbolizes stability: calm, support and good health.
• Accents or seating arrangements in squares and rectangles represent earth.
• Use carefully: overuse can slow down energy.
• Earth decor is long-lasting and comforting, not what's hot and trendy, or of cheap material.
• Decorating with Earth: use rich fabric, organic materials and supportive furniture.
 

METAL | White / Silver / Gray


• Symbolizes mental power and success.
• Accents and seating arrangements in a circle represent metal.
• Use carefully: too much can make people sarcastic, "sharp," and anxious.
• Decorating with Metal: utilize round planters and candle holders or shiny picture frames.
 

WATER | Blue / Black


• Symbolizes renewal: wisdom, strength, relaxation and release.
• Still water and the color black represent slowing down, inner-reflection, and calm.
• Moving water and the color blue symbolize a flow of energy and success.
• Decorating with Water: low light and soft pillows create stillness; fountains offer movement.
 

WOOD | Green / Purple


• Symbolizes growth: creativity and clarity.
• Wood colors are refreshing: green is growth/healing, purple is expression/abundance.
• Accents in tall, vertical shapes represent wood.
• Decorating with Wood: add live plants, striped fabrics, or furniture made of wood.





Laugh and feel good.

Garnish with your favorite shoes...


Spending quality time with your loved ones is a great way to re-energize not only yourself, but the bond between your family. A picnic lunch at the park, "Pajamas All Day" Saturday, or a family game night will have everyone relaxed, laughing, and feeling good.

And it may sound silly, but doesn't it feel great to goof off with girlfriends, wear new shoes, get a new hairstyle, try a new place for lunch? Doing this, though seemingly insignificant or mildly luxurious, does wonders for the spirit and energizes you to take on the day!





Try a fragrance boost.

Season in some aromatherapy...

 
Did you know some fragrances can help boost your energy and mood? It's the basis of aromatherapy, and you can can utilize fragrance easily in a variety of ways: in a bath or shower, during a hand/foot massage, by burning a candle, or using a fragrant room spray.

Peppermint, rosemary, and grapefruit oils are especially energizing. Peppermint stimulates the mind, eliminating fatigue and helping with concentration. Grapefruit is uplifting, inducing euphoria and breaking bad moods. Rosemary enlivens the brain, resulting in a clear head and less fatigue. And who can forget chocolate? That lovely smell is enough to make any girl happy.

Spa Aroma at Home-a


• Sunny's Mint Toner, Arizona Spa Girls
• Rosemary Hair Rinse, Arizona Spa Girls
• Better Than Chocolate Body Scrub, Arizona Spa Girls

Other Resources


• Stress and the Art of Relaxation, Whole Foods Market
• Aromatherapy, Whole Foods Market





Relax to recharge.

A smidgen of simple luxury...


Take a bath, get a massage, read a book, take a short vacation, spend time on your hobby, watch your favorite movie … remember to make time for you.
 

Our Favorite Feel Good Movies


• The Princess Bride
• While You Were Sleeping
• Sleepless in Seattle
• See our full list of favorites on Amazon!
 




Get a good night’s sleep.

Fold yourself into a fluffy, supportive bed...


If you aren't getting enough sleep at night, then it will certainly zap your energy. An average, healthy adult needs anywhere between 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night. For sweeter dreams:

• Establish a regular bedtime.

• Avoid bright lights an hour before bedtime.

• Your bedroom should be dark, quiet, and cool.
Extraneous sound and light, as well as a room that's too warm, can disrupt sleep patterns.

• Limit caffeine and alcohol. Avoid having caffeine for at least 4 hours prior to sleeping.

• Exercising every day can help you sleep, but since it stimulates the body it may be difficult
to fall asleep if you do it too late in the day. Try a morning or afternoon workout schedule.

• Don’t smoke. Nicotene is a stimulant and can disrupt sleep.








 

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