Physical Energy

The most basic form of energy, and the one we generally think of when we think of having energy in our lives, is physical energy. This is the energy to get up and get moving and do the things that need to be done on a daily basis. It's related to your muscles and organs, your heart and your chemistry and all that stuff.

Now, I'm not really an expert in any of the things I'm about to say, but fortunately there are a lot of experts out there that can substantiate this information. I think many of us, on a daily or near-daily basis, wish we could have more energy. But are we willing to do what it takes?

This isn't rocket science, and most of this will sound familiar. It really does boil down to the basics of diet and exercise.

"What!? Are you telling me there's no mythical 'mojo' principle to having more physical energy? I can't just think like I have the energy and it will just magically be there?!"

Well, maybe. But the principle behind thoughts becoming manifest is that we then act on the thoughts that we hold predominantly in our minds. So this is the action part.

1) Diet. Just some basics here. Think about this: If you owned a million dollar race horse, what would you feed it? Snickers and coke? Doubtful. Consider what you're putting into your body. I read recently that for optimum health, don't put anything into your body you can't imagine in nature. For example, you can picture a field of wheat being ground to make bread. You can see a steak or chicken as having once been an animal. Vegetables are easy in this respect. But can you picture a fountain of diet coke in the mountains? Or an orchard of twinkie-trees?

Also, eat more smaller meals. And don't skimp on breakfast, but make breakfast healthy. Donuts and coffee aren't it. Try a glass of juice with a whole-grain toast, etc.

One more thing: water. Drink lots and lots of water. Depending on what you read, 70-85% of your body is water. You need water. Drink when you're not thirsty. More than one source recommends drinking an ounce of water per day for each two pounds of body weight (yes, that's about 3 liters for guys like me). Drink drink drink (alcohol doesn't count!)

There is much much more that can be written and discussed on the field of diet, and I encourage you to get out and find what you can and read up on it. Then put it into practice and discover what works for you. Not just in terms of weight loss, but in terms of energy and how you feel throughout the day, based on what you eat.

2) Exercise. Libraries have been written on this subject as well. But again, this isn't brain surgery either. Personally, I like to run. I completed my first marathon last fall (in less than stellar fashion, but that's another post). I'm currently training for my second marathon coming up this May, and I plan on running this October in a re-do of last fall's marathon. Aerobic exercise burns calories, but more importantly than that, it increases your body's ability to get oxygen to your muscles, including your brain.

Strength training can be overlooked for people who are focused on an aerobic sport like running or cycling. But building lean muscle mass will help you have more energy throughout the day as well. Again, find what works for you. Run, walk, ride, but get out and do something!

3) One more thing that shouldn't be overlooked in the realm of physical energy is recovery. Your body needs rest to rebuild from the stresses of exercise. When you lift weights and push your muscle to its current capacity, and in some cases, slightly beyond its current capacity, your muscle fiber is actually being broken down, and will be replaced by a bigger, stronger muscle fiber during the period of rest following your workout. Capacity is actually built from a combination of exertion and recovery. So get the sleep you need (7-8 hours a night... not 10-12!) and be sure to take a rest day every so often from your workouts. I work out (either running, cycling, or strength-training) six days a week. Sunday is the rest day. But I also vary my workouts so the same muscle group (except my legs via running) is never worked twice in a row. But that's just me. Again, experiment and see what works for you.

So, this is just a primer on some basic ways to increase your physical energy. Yes, your thoughts matter. If you don't think about improving your physical self, you'll never do it. Again, I welcome constructive comments and feedback!