Positive Energy Boosters

Waking up this morning with a little cold to go with the other fun stuff related to yesterday's post about  taper, periods, PMS, and the process of moving has reminded me to be more conscious of the things that help BOOST ENERGY and increase positive flow in my life. Some of your awesome comments got me thinking about this too so here are just a few of the many things that I have on my list for Boosting Energy:

Healthy Breakfast

I grew up with a mom that was very good about making sure we started our day with a GOOD breakfast.  At the time, I didn't appreciate it.  Getting a bowl of oat-looking mush with bee pollen, flax seeds, and other weird looking tree-hugging "stuff" wasn't really something that made my kid-self smile with gratitude.  But I sure am glad for it now.  It is so easy for me to get busy during the mornings with helping my kids get ready for school, making appointments, and getting distracted by various to-dos.  It isn't unlikely for me to look at the clock and notice that it is late morning and I haven't eaten anything yet.  Just coffee.  Yikes!  This is no good.  Today I made sure to cook up a big bowl of steel cut oats and top it with flax, chia, Udo's Oil, apples, agave, and a bit of soy milk.  YES!  This will stick with me for awhile.  My body says "Thank YOU!"  

Breathing

Breathing is a natural part of life. We all do it.  We have to.  But I notice such an energy boost and calm that comes when I take even a few minutes to be more aware of my breathing.  And including imagery and meditation with those deliberate breaths.  I usually try to find a quiet place or just step out on my deck for a couple minutes at various times during the day and 

JUST.

BREATHE. 

In fact, this was actually part of what was written in my marathon plan for this week.  

I put my arms out, up or by my side and with every breath I focus on positive thoughts.  Sometimes I just repeat words like Love, Health, Kindness, and Strength as I breathe.  Other times I visualize a strong finish in my race.  And then many times I visualize positive energy flowing directly to the areas of my body that need healing.  I know, to some of you this sounds like mumbo jumbo hocus pocus but hey, it works for me.  

Time Being Still With My Kids

So much energy comes from being intent with the time I stop chasing my tail and just sit down with my children.  This often comes in the form of reading a book together and cuddling on the couch.  Not only does this fill me up with love and positive energy but it does the same for them.  These are some of the most cherished moments in life.  It is easy to get busy and not stop long enough to do this.  So Energizing!

Photo from here.

Sunshine

Ah, Portland has had some of the most beautiful sunshine this winter.  Yesterday it was nice enough to actually relax on our deck.  The kids had a friend over and they spent the afternoon dressed in swimsuits and going on treasure hunts in the trees while I had time to relax and soak up some vitamin D.  

Gratitude
There is so much power and energy that comes from listing the many things we have to be thankful for.  So much abundance in this life!  I often include lists of gratitude in my journals but many times I say them out loud for my kids to hear.  We share our gratitude over breakfast, at the dinner table or in the car on the way to and from the various places we go.  It is always neat for me to notice the boost in mood that comes after listing some of the really great things in life that are easy to overlook.  

Hugs

source

What are some of the things that would go on your list of ways to Boost Energy? I suppose I'm talking about several different forms of energy in this post...Physical energy as well as mental, emotional and spiritual energy.  Adding to this later I'd definitely add Naps and Running...two of my favorite energy boosters!

Amanda