We cannot support others if their own resources are depleted, and they are running on an empty battery. From the Aware website – We can only give what we have and if we give and give and give, the day may come when we simply have nothing more to give. There is a very good reason why, when flying, we are asked to put our own oxygen masks on first in the event of an emergency before we turn to help someone else. If we are not ok ourselves, we may not be able to properly help someone else.
Six key factors that affect energy levels: exercise, sleep, social connection, hormones, diet, and down time. Each one of these factors is directly affected by the other.
Diet
Dietary improvements are now recommended as the first actionable step in the treatment of depression in adults. Food can have a profound effect on mood and energy levels-certain food groups and eating patterns can have a negative effect on your gut microbiome and your mental health. Include energy boosting foods in your diet to promote better health for you and your loved ones such as green vegetables, seeds, fruit – and drink plenty water daily.
Hormones
Hormones are directly affected by diet and gut health. Energy boosting hormones include serotonin, endorphins, oxytocin with cortisol being an energy depleting hormone. Did you know that hormones are addictive in nature? For example, sea swimming every day boosts ‘happy hormones’ which will keep up the
habit. On the other side of the same coin cortisol (stress hormone) and adrenaline are just as addictive so if one is activating stress hormones in work or at home, their brain will actively seek out high-stress situations in order to access more of these energy-draining hormones. Hormones are greatly responsive to healthy diet, exercise, social interaction, and good sleep.
Exercise
Exercising boosts oxygen circulation in the body. This increase in oxygen allows your body to function better and to use its energy more efficiently. Exercise also increases happy hormone levels thus making you feel more energized.
Sleep
Sleep is the time for brain and body to re-charge. Lack of sleep impairs cognitive function, affects memory encoding, and depletes energy resources.
Social connection and disconnection
Time with friends rejuvenates energy, improves mood, and encourages unburdening and fresh perspectives on life. It is equally as important to seek out down time – moments of ‘being’ and not just constantly ‘doing’. This can be in many forms such as meditation, walks in nature, lighting candles and listening to music or watching a favourite movie, or mindful moments and breathing techniques.