Dr Ela Manga, Medical Director of the Woodlands Wellness Centre and Spa, explains that of all the symptoms patients come to the doctor with, fatigue is probably the most common. Often your feelings of lethargy are caused by stress and lifestyle. “Many people experience symptoms of adrenal burnout without even realising it,” Manga says. “We push our bodies and minds beyond what we are physiologically designed for, and work against the natural rhythms of our body and of nature, completely ignoring the need to take a break,” she warns.
Here are five alternative energy-boosting means you may not have considered.
Look into your eyes
You have probably heard the saying that your eyes are the mirror to your soul, and when it comes to the science of iridology, this proves true. Dr Svet Bulatov, iridologist and homeopath, believes that your whole body is represented on your iris. “The right iris reflects mostly the right side of the body, while the left reflects mostly the left side and can show genetic background up to four generations back,” Bulatov explains.
He adds that people often feel tired, despite getting enough sleep and this is related to an imbalance of the sympathetic nervous system .Iridology will help identify the reasons why you are lacking in energy through various tell-tale signs in your eyes. From this, Bulatov, explains, a unique lifestyle programme is created that incorporates a metabolic typing eating plan, supplements, Chinese herbs, exercise and both personal and business advice.
Beat your chest
Maybe King Kong had the right idea after all, as he pounded his chest with his fists. Manga explains that one of the quickest ways to get a boost on energy is to tap on your sternum as this helps stimulate your thymus gland. “According to energy medicine, the thymus gland controls the life energy of your body and is vital for your immune system function,” she adds.
To get the best benefit, you need to be completely relaxed. Make a loose fist and start tapping on the middle of your chest. The first tap should be firm, pausing for a second, followed by two lighter taps. You need to breathe naturally throughout. This can be done morning or night, and Manga says that you should ideally follow a minimum of 20 sets, taking between three to five minutes per day. “Done every day this will help improve your wellbeing.”
Keep moving
Humans are designed to keep moving, explains ergonomic expert Malte Lenkiet, of the Dauphin Human Design Group in Germany. As adults, we should spend up to 60 percent of our day sitting, 30 percent walking and 10 percent standing, but this doesn't happen. He explains that the average person sits for 13 hours a day, which is not what our spines were designed to do. This sedentary nature we have acclimatised to has resulted in poor posture, especially when we're seated, inhibiting our bodies.
“You need to move more in your chair, as movement supplies nutrients to your spine, and increases your blood circulation and the supply of oxygen, which in turn will increase your vitality,” he says.
Sip from nature's nectar
Feeling a dip of energy mid-afternoon? Maybe you should count how many glasses of water you've had during the day. We know we should ideally be drinking eight glasses of water daily for our general health and wellbeing, but did you know that keeping up your fluid intake will ensure that your keep the pep in your step? “We are made of approximately 67 percent of water,” explains Ashburner. “Poor hydration inhibits normal physiology functions of the nervous system, gastrointestinal tract and your circulatory and lymphatic systems.” All of these, when properly hydrated, will raise your energy levels.
Be social
“Feeling energetic is key to feeling happy. Studies show that when you feel energetic, you feel much better about yourself. On the other hand, when you feel exhausted, tasks that would ordinarily make you happy can make you feel overwhelmed and blue,” explains author of The Happiness Project, Gretchen Rubin. “Talk to your friends. I've noticed that if I'm feeling low, and then run into a friend, I walk away feeling much more energetic. Reach out if you need that boost,” she says.
Ashburner agrees and recommends that a healthy dose of laughter will go a long way to boosting flagging energy levels. “Recognise the impact that negative emotions have on your energy levels and find safe, healthy outlets to express your emotions,” he says. “Find a reason to laugh and enjoy an aspect of every day. Laughter really is the best medicine.”
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