energy – FaithFueled™ Mom

Did you know that majority of our population feels tired all the time? Fatigue can be a common symptom in a lot of disorders and diseases, but more often than not it’s because of some bad lifestyle habits. There’s good news and bad news. Good news? It can be easily corrected. Bad news? You’re going to have to change. If you do want your energy back, I have seven suggestions that can help.

Get up! Most of our jobs require us to sit for hours at a time which is making you tired, and most people claim to be too tired to be active and exercise. So, what’s the solution? Get up ANYWAYS! I promise you it will boost your energy and the more you do it, the more you have.
You can make small changes in your sedentary lifestyle to begin steps towards more energy. Aren’t you tired of being tired? Start standing instead of sitting; stairs instead of elevators (come on you’ve heard it before) the reason is it works! Do better for yourself and get up and start moving.
Stop eating too many refined carbs! I know you heard it before no carbs and that is not what I am saying I am saying no REFINED carbs meaning- stuff that comes in a box or bag that can sit on your shelf for months at a time. You know shelf-stable goods. Well, those items that can last a long time on your shelf are zapping your energy and robbing you sending spikes in your blood sugar but then leaving you tired and groggy.
Carbs are a great source of quick energy, but there are better ways to get them. There have been researching findings that suggest minimizing sugar and processed carbs at meals and for snacks will give you greater energy levels.

Eat what you need! I am so glad I got out of the train of thought to eat less to lose weight. Calories are what we use to measure how much energy food provides. It is what your body needs to operate when you eat fewer calories than your body needs to work your body aka metabolism slows down to preserve energy for really need it, and that slowdown process is making you tired.
Now there is no set number for calorie intake because everyone is different, but you should be getting more than 1200 calories a day to make sure your body isn’t slowing down. So, eat up (not too much) but what you need to fuel your day and you will have the energy to perk up.

Eat more protein!I find that along with the high refined carb diet we tend to not get enough protein. There have been a lot of protein products on the market but if you look carefully the fillers that are put in them make them high in carbs too. Not getting enough protein can cause lack of energy. Studies have shown that eating protein increases your metabolic rate more than carbohydrates and fats. Also, several studies show that people with diets that have adequate or higher protein-rich foods have more self-reported more energy than others who diets had less. I would suggest eating quality protein at every meal to help you boost your energy.
Drink more water! It always comes back to this, but proper hydration will give you the energy you need. When your body is tired is because it is trying to restore itself making sure that you are properly hydrated will prevent your body from going into restoration mode.
Sleep better! For such a tired nation you think we’d sleep better, but most of us are not getting enough of the quality sleep we need to function at our best; including myself. It also makes sense why you don’t have the energy you need to go about your daily life and are relying on other sources of energy. I have stressed the importance of rest many times before and how it is crucial to helping you operate best.
My suggestions for those who do have trouble sleeping? Do something during the day that is physical for at least 30 minutes a day; it can even resemble exercise. Working out can help you rest easy at night getting those zzz’s that your body needs! Take shorter naps! So, you did not sleep last night. You get home from work, and you are beyond tired. Naps, are good right? A quick 3-hour nap will be best? Nope! Another reason your sleep is off is from sleeping at the wrong times. Quick 20-30 minutes are reenergizing any longer than that needs to wait for the evening. Sleeping for long stretches during the day is throwing your internal clock off try to wait till evening even if you may need to go to bed a little earlier than usual try to keep long sleep durations to night time.

Stop stressing! Stop stressing and give it to God! High levels of stress can zap your energy and rob you of a joyful life. Aren’t you tired of being tired? Stress management is an excellent way to give you the energy you need.
We often deal with stress by shutting down leaving us tired, cranky and worn. There is proven release of stress and freedom in prayer, worship and devotion through other ways than sitting in a church service.

I am sure most of these tips you have heard before but don’t know how to apply them to your life, or there are so many things you need to apply you don’t know where to begin. I may have something that can help? I have my new Bibles and Bootcamps starting in a few weeks.

I created this program to be the basic training you need in your faith and fitness journey. Walking step-by-step, with you give you action items to help you adopt a healthier lifestyle that helps you to increase your energy, help you lose weight all while you are growing and strengthening your faith. I would love to help you live the life you deserve and hope that you willJoin us!

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Have you noticed the new movement of Self-care? I didn’t realize the impact of this trend until I attended a Charity Event for the What about our Daughters a few weeks ago. It was a Kid’s Konference, and it was an excellent opportunity for K-8 Children to learn about Wellness. In one of the workshops for the older girls, they created Vision Boards and the presenter shared with the group of tween girls the importance of self-care.

At first, I thought “they’re children why do they need self-care? But let’s face it. Children aren’t the same children that we were growing up. They have more roles, responsibilities, the bar is much higher, and we are creating a generation of anxious children. We had to cut back on the extracurriculars, school clubs and friend dates for my daughter. She was overscheduled, stimulated and beginning to show high anxiety. Taking time to step back from this busy world and fill yourself is essential at any age.

What is the definition of self-care?

Self-care on Social Media from my perspective looks like bubble baths, hair trips and getting your nails done. Some may throw in a massage (raises hands), but self-care doesn’t have to cost any money. We can rest and restore ourselves daily and take precautions and set up boundaries, so we don’t fall into anxiety.

According to the Oxford dictionary: “Self-care is The practice of taking action to preserve or improve one’s own health. Or, The practice of taking an active role in protecting one’s own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress.”

There are some obvious ways we can care for ourselves daily.

1. Eat whole foods.

I had a guest blogger Dr. Angela Clack share the importance of food and anxiety. What we eat has everything to do with how we feel. Making better food choices can help our physical and mental health.

2. Drink more water.

I think I can include hydration in everything that involves our well-being. Being hydrated reduces stress on our body and is a simple way to self-care.

3. Get moving.

Exercise, of course, is another way to help improve your mood, health, and care for yourself. It does not have to be in the gym. Do you like to dance? Do it? I always tell people to do what you loved to do when you were a kid. If you loved softball guess what there is an adult league somewhere. You like to roller skate. Go to your local skating rink? You’d be surprised how good it feels to just kick a soccer ball around at a park as you used too even if you don’t perform as you used also.

4. Connect with God.

Self-care is biblical. There are so many ways that you can connect with God. There’s studies, devotions, and the Bible a fingertip away. Taking 5-15 minutes out of your day to pray, devote or praise can do wonders for your Spiritual, Physical and mental endurance.

Most people are searching for peace outside of themselves at one point in time I was seeking those things too. I looked to the Universe for so many years and to find out it was God the entire time. It wasn’t until I sought God and He met me where I was done I find the peace I was craving.

5. Disconnect.

This is probably the most valuable and free self-care tip. Disconnect and just live life for a day. I think a lot of the outside pressure we place on ourselves is because we are constantly outsiders looking into a filtered perspective we see on Social Media. When’s the last time you spent a day offline. Social media will continue to go on without you and sorry no one will notice that you left when you spend the day present and not wishing and hoping. It’s a great way to give your brain a break. You may even need two or a few days.

6. Take 30 minutes to “Do you!”

Don’t just get physical! Get artsy, pick up an instrument, paint, draw for me sew! The more children I had the less I did the things I used to truly enjoy. I love to sew but when my middle was too busy tearing down curtains. I had to put my sewing machine away. It’s collected dust. Last year, I reconstructed a dress for a wedding I attended. I cannot tell you how good it felt to sew again. I also love to garden and try to do that in the Spring in summer as my thing. Nothing like pulling weeds to soothe your anxieties. Doing things that I like to do is how I like to self-care. In our Bible and Bootcamps, “Do you!” challenge. I have watched women paint beautiful pictures, write amazing poems and express themselves creatively. It was powerful for some to take that time for themselves.

7. Body Care.

The best thing from my ankle injury was by incorporating regular massages in my wellness routine. I am a bi-weekly regular at Cloud 9 Wellness. I never realized how my tight muscles was affecting different aspects of my body. Recently, I discovered dry brushing! It’s something that I now do at home on my own several times a week; even daily. I have felt and seen some amazing results.

What is dry brushing?

Dry brushing is kind of like what it sounds like, you use a firm (not hard) bristle brush and exfoliate your skim. It is suggested in a circular motion making the brush strokes towards your heart. It is a long standing practice that has been said, to “Stimulate your circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. I looked for hours to find medical research on whether or not it eliminates body toxins but there weren’t much research studies on dry brushing. Through personal experience. I love the way my skin feels after dry brushing, it’s tingly and definitely feels “stimulated.” I have been doing it before showering and it feels amazing. My skin has especially on my legs have visibly improved.

Prana Brush Ionic Body Brush

I have been using the Prana-brush Ionic Body Brush which is made with extra-fine ion-charged cooper bristles. The bristles ionic charge are to create negative ions that protect your body from free radicals. This brush has unique bristles that encourage immediate absorption of negatives ions in your skin.

How do you use a dry brush?

Again, you brush your skin while dry without any cleansers, soaps and oils (including essential oils). Its recommend showering after dry brushing to get off all the exfoliated skin. Then apply moisturizer, lotions or oils. It’s very simple and it takes less than five minutes to dry brush your body. There have been other benefits associated with dry brushing. It is been suggested to relieve Eczema, decrease the looks of Stretch Marks, give your body Ionic Balance, some people have felt improved digestion, and cellulite appearance.

Does it work?

In more than one way. If you are getting it for dry winter skin, you will be surprised to see your skins texture and look change over time. Relatively quickly. I tested one leg over the other and look at the noticeable difference. Dry brushing helps increase the blood flow in your leg but doesn’t deplete your skin of moisture. It’s also best to follow with a shower and moisturizer.

What kind of dry brush should I use?

If you’re like me, I get overwhelmed with too many options and you can find a lot for dry brushes. There are a few things that you want to ensure when choosing a dry brush. Make sure to use a natural stiff-bristled dry brush. Some bristles are stiffer than others, like almost too firm. I love the Prana Brush it is so soft on your skin. It also includes extra fine soft copper bristles. Doesn’t feel abrasive. It also is and Ionic Bristle brushes offering negative ions to help balance your body.

How do I dry brush?

It’s simple. Always brush on dry skin using a natural bristled brush. Start from the bottom and work your way up. Begin at your feet/ankles and work my way upward in long fluid strokes on limbs and circular motions on torso and back. Make sure you strokes are upwards towards your heart. Be careful on sensitive skin like your stomach, breasts and neck, (for obvious reason) you may want to put lighter pressure in these areas. Also, use good judgment and don’t brush over broken skin; it will only irritate and not improve your skin. From my research, you can dry brush daily to several times a week. Prana Brush recommends daily before you shower as part of your routine. It should only take you 3-5 minutes to dry brush your entire body.

When should I dry brush?

The best time to dry brush is just before a shower. Then you can wash off any dead skin cells and flaky skin. Be sure to apply lotion afterward to put moisture back into your skin. Then shower and apply moisture.

Self-care is important and one of those things that you should prioritize in your life. I want you all to experience daily amazing showers so I have I partnered with Prana Brush to review and giveaway a Prana Brush copper brush to one of my FaithFueled Life Beauties! All you have to do is complete the giveaway below! It will end March 15, 2019, at 11:50 EST so enter as many times as you like until then!

This post is in partnership with Prana Brush. I was given the product to review and for a giveaway but that does not affect my opinion. My Full Disclosure Policy

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