Needing More Energy this Spring?

Are you seeing plants vigorously sprouting up around you but not feeling that kind of energy yourself?  Spring can be a time when the winter months catch up with us, leaving us dragging.  In the winter we spend more time indoors, eat differently, aren’t as active, get less vitamin D and have more illnesses.  No wonder it can take a while to get going again when spring arrives.  Today, I’d like to share some ideas on how to reboot your energy.

My favorite solution, if you’re working with a Classical Homeopath, is to consider if it’s time for another dose of your constitutional remedy. The beauty of a constitutional remedy is that not only will it bring up energy levels but it will also address other chronic issues.  So, if you notice that the pain you used to experience is starting to creep back again or you’re suffering from a little more anxiety that you had been, for example, that’s also verification that a dose is indicated.  A constitutional remedy can help bring down stress levels, give you more energy and better sleep.  If you’ve not worked with a Homeopath before, now’s a great time to get started.

But what if you want to start with something you can do for yourself?  Here are some places to begin:

1. Earthing or grounding.

If it’s warm enough, get outside barefoot.  Years ago, after a stressful period, I discovered that my adrenal function was trending low.  Around that time, I happened to see a study, in an alternative medicine journal that documented that regular daily contact with the earth for at least 30 minutes daily normalized participants’ adrenal hormone levels.  Every morning that spring I’d sit out in my backyard with my bare feet on the ground while I drank my morning tea.  It wasn’t long before my energy levels returned to normal.

2.  Take a cell salt combination, Bioplasma.
Cell salts are very low potency homeopathic preparations of the minerals that make up the body and help it to function efficiently.  Bioplasma is a combination of all 12 minerals that can support various types of tissue and organs in the body including nerves, muscles and bones.  Cell salts are usually taken as a small (sweet) pellet that is dissolved under the tongue.  They are available at natural groceries and pharmacies as well as online.  As a preventative measure take a dose once a day.  For help with a more acute problem, take them 2-3 times daily.

3.  Take an herbal adaptogen daily.
An adaptogen is an herb that restores balance and     helps the body adapt to stress.  Other names for adaptogens include “rejuvenating herbs,” “rasayannas,” “restoratives” or “qi tonics.”  There are a number of adaptogenic herbs with different profiles of action in the body.  Perhaps the most well known is Ginseng but it can be more stimulating than what’s needed for most of us.

Two of my favorite adaptogenic herbs that are more gentle are Tulsi (aka Holy Basil) and Ashwaganda.  While you can purchase these in a capsule or tincture form a more traditional and more cost effective way is to purchase the bulk herb (see Mountain Rose Herbs).

Tulsi can be brewed as a tea with other herbs added for taste and effect as desired.  (Steep 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of dried herb in 12 ounces of hot water for 15-20 minutes.  Drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day)  Or for ease, it is also available in tea bags combined with other herbs. Note that it’s considered contraindicated during pregnancy or if you’re trying to conceive.

Ashwagandha powder can be added to warm milk or milk substitutes (try adding a little honey, cinnamon or other herbs) or made into bite sized balls with a base of nut butter, ground dates, coconut and some spices for taste.  You can get creative in making up your own recipes.  (Dosage:  500mg twice a day).  Note that Ashwagandha should be avoided if you’re taking a barbiturate medication as it can enhance the sedative effects.  Also avoid if you’re allergic to nightshades.

4.  Watch the caffeine.
While it may give you temporary energy, in the long run it’s draining your energy.

5.  Move
In whatever way you enjoy.  Just get out and walk in nature, or dance, or go to the gym.  Do whatever you enjoy but do it regularly and get your blood circulating.  Being outdoors in the sun and fresh air will help as well.

Of course it never hurts to make sure you’re attending to the basics:  eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and setting aside time for the activities that you enjoy and being with people you love.

I hope this will help you to get your energy back where you’d like it.  Feel free to reach out if you’d like some additional support.

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