WORKING YOUR WAY TO UNSTOPPABLE: SIMPLE WAYS TO BOOST ENERGY, MOOD AND MENTAL FOCUS

Who doesn’t want to be unstoppable?

Think back over the last week: was there a day where nothing went wrong?  A day where nothing seemed to bother you? A day  where getting either “good” or “bad” news didn’t seem to slow you down or change your mood?  Where you felt super-energized and alert, as well confident and calm?   A day where you felt like you were in the flow and completely unstoppable?

Do you want to have more days like that day?  I know I do. So how can we find this kind of energy and consistency? More importantly, what gets in our way?  A great answer can be found in one of my favorite quotes of all time:

“Food is the most widely abused anti-anxiety drug in America, and exercise is the most potent and underutilized antidepressant.” ~ Bill Phillips

Most of us head to the gym or go on a diet because we want to get into shape. We want to look better. But have you ever thought about exercise (also known as moving), eating clean (also known as proper nutrition) and sleep (also known as rest) as a way to reset and revamp your mind, body and emotions on a more permanent basis?

What a cool way to think about getting healthy: it’s not just about burning calories, but burning up the negative thoughts; it’s not about pumping up the muscles, but pumping blood to your brain; not just about eating less food, but eating foods that energize…

For the next 4 weeks, I’ll be sending out simple, applicable ideas for how to boost and keep your energy at its highest level. Let’s start this week some recharging:

POWER UP YOUR WEEK: START WITH RECHARGING

Think about the Tesla for a minute:  it’s a high-powered electric car.  It can go from 0-60 in 3.4 seconds and travel up to 350 miles between charges. But what do you need to do before that car can do all that amazing stuff?

First you have to charge it.

We often think of the weekend as the END of our week.  A way to recover and rest after a long week. But let’s flip that script and treated the weekend as the beginning of our week –   the time we need to charge our batteries and refuel our minds.

Here are a few ways to re-charge:

• Sleep – Another favorite quote of mine?  “Sleep is a weapon.” (Robert Ludlum). Getting shuteye is an often-overlooked power source. But in my experience, sleep truly is a weapon – the foundation of our physical and emotional states.  If you’re struggling to get goof rest, try creating a bedtime routine and focus on quality even more than quantity.  I have written several blogs on sleep – you can check them out here: Sleep is a Weapon, 5 Simple Ways to Reset your Body, Hack Yourself P3
• Mind “Stretching” (Breaks) –Just taking a moment to stop, stand up, walk outside… get some fresh air and fresh ideas.
• Power Napping –15-20 minutes (but ideally, no longer) of sleep during the middle of the day can revamp and recharge you for those long and drowsy afternoon hours. And a nap is much kinder to your waist line than your favorite mega-caffeinated drink!
• Free Days – try scheduling a consistent time in your week free from work and stress.  Learn to shift your mindset in these moments – an easy way to do this is a quick meditation: take 10 minutes to sit still and breathe deeply. Another great way to de-stress fast is by talking to your best friend or a family member. A good laugh will go miles further than TV and a glass of wine.

Phil Dozois, Owner + Life Coach, Breakthru Fitness, Pasadena, CA

Questions, reach me at [email protected]