We all need an energy boost from time to time, and as an Aromatherapist, it won’t surprise you to learn that essential oils are my first port of call when I need to re-energise. Back in February, while I was recovering from the exhaustion brought on by Covid, I wrote a blog about my favourite energising oils, and now that I have spent more time focussing on myself, I wanted to share some of the other ways I have found to boost my own energy levels. Hopefully, they might help you too.
If you have children, you will know what I mean when I say that nothing prepares you for the first three years of burnout that many mums face. It can be completely overwhelming, and one of the first things that goes out of the window when you have to put someone else’s needs first all the time, is your own self-care. On top of that, I had a fairly new business to grow. Anyone who has been self-employed will tell you that the early years leave you in a constant state of flux; you’re scared of turning down work, you have no boundaries, and when you work for yourself, you take on a bunch of toxic productivity habits that you wouldn’t accept when working for anyone else.
It was during the pandemic that I finally gave myself permission to realise that something had to change. The twice-yearly burnout I was suffering was ridiculous: here I was talking about self-care, and I wasn’t taking proper care of myself. I was always worried about making my business viable and about having sole responsibility for a small person, and as I struggled under the weight of those worries, I pushed and pushed myself further than my body should go. During lockdown, I couldn’t wait for a holiday abroad or a relaxing weekend to help me stop and recharge, I had to find other ways to make it happen.
We all have the potential to be our own worst enemy, so maybe some of these strategies will help you to be kinder to yourself.
Drink More Water
Dehydration can really make you feel tired. As much as we all know this, most of us walk around dehydrated. I used to always forget to reach for the water when I felt like I was going to crash, but recently, I have changed my ways and it really has made a difference. If you don’t believe me, Alice Godfrey - who is a specialist Nutritional Therapist - recommends drinking water as one of her top energy tips.
Get More Sleep
Let me guess: you’ve heard this one before! I also know, however, that this is not as straightforward as it sounds. I have written four blogs on the subject of sleep, and unravelling my own unhealthy sleep habits has been the biggest help to my energy levels. A year on, I still don’t have it all sussed, but I have noticed how much more energy I have now that I consistently get more shut-eye.
Get The Essential Oils Out
As I mentioned earlier, it was a bout of Covid that really pushed me to come up with an essential oil blend to make me feel truly energised. Over the years I have used lots of branded rollerballs that I still love, but now I have my own range that I hope will help you too. Plus, I have spent the best part of a year exploring inhaler sticks, which are great for an energy boost. If you would like to find out more about the favourite oils I turn to for energy and the ones that help me maximise my sleep time, you can read about them in my February blog.
Meditate
Meditation has really been instrumental in helping me to harness my depleted energy levels over the past year. If, for some reason, my seven hours’ kip goes awry, I turn to two favourites of mine: Yoga Nidra and Chakra Meditation to give me an energy boost. They’re both brilliant “go-to tools”, and after a long day spent massaging others, a roll of one of my rollerballs on my temples or wrists, coupled with a bit of Chakra Meditation, leaves me feeling revitalised.
Try Body Brushing
I first discovered Body Brushing in my twenties, and back then I was always on the hunt for the perfect brush. Once I found it, I spent all of two minutes brushing, before leaving it to gather dust! Last year, though, I read a magazine article which prompted me to go out and hunt for that brush. Well, I cannot even begin to tell you how good I feel after five minutes of Body Brushing in the morning, followed by a quick shower and an Aromatherapy body oil. In fact, if you have read my Winter Survival Guide, you’ll know I’m a fan of oils after a bath or shower; they’ve been a part of my routine for more than a decade. Add in Body Brushing with an energising blend, and I am ready to run - even on those mornings when I could have happily hit the snooze button a couple more times!
Dance!
Put on your favourite tune and just dance like you’re in a club. There is nothing like a good boogie to raise your energy and help you feel those good vibrations. Dance like nobody is watching (they probably aren’t!) and it will make you feel happy!
Walk It Out
A good walk is not only a great way to clear your head, it is also fantastic for beating the afternoon energy slump. When I worked in central London, I would sometimes walk home to help me unwind after a long day. I’m not suggesting you trek all the way from Farringdon to Peckham, but getting that step count up is good for the soul as well as the body. We all know that stress zaps energy, so the more ways we find to de-stress, the more we protect and conserve our energy.
Let Go
This really has been the hardest lesson for me to learn and, if I’m honest, I still struggle with it. I like to get things done, and when things are going wrong, I go into overdrive. Trying to control every aspect of your life is exhausting. Learning to let go and allow things to happen is very difficult, but when I do, I make space for a little bit of magic.
I personally call it God, but you can call it the Universe, Magic, whatever takes your fancy. If the last two years have taught me anything it’s that we are not in control. Yes, we can plan, and yes, we must take action, but I encourage you to leave a little bit of space for miracles. You’ll be surprised by how much energy you’ll save when you’re not stressing or trying to control every outcome.
Take A Bath
I like to think of the bath as my time for water meditation: ever since I was a teenager stressing about my GCSEs, the bath has been the place where I can let go of all my baggage and just be. A good bath will always revive my drooping spirits and if I have a little shower before I get out, I find it really revitalising. Try not to make the water super hot, or it can leave you feeling sleepy.
Try EFT
The new kid on the block for me is Emotional Freedom Technique; also known as Tapping.
I discovered Tapping 18 months ago and have really come to depend on it: when I can’t let go, I tap; when I’m frustrated, I tap; when I need energy, I tap. Tapping can be used for anything and there are lots of videos you can try. I love Brad Yates, and I have a good one for stress on my YouTube Channel. But I would urge you to find your own practitioner if you think you need further help.
So, those are my favourite ways to re-energise: hopefully you’ve found them useful, please do get in touch and let me know what helps you!