Stay Strong and Awake During The Gloomy Winter
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Energy is such a precious resource! On most mornings I wake up full of energy and ready to conquer the world. Yesterday was the first time in at least 6 months that I remembered what a 3pm slump feels like. Barely managing to keep my eyes open in a small poorly lit anatomy class room, I thought of a coffee. Usually I like to smell coffee but never drink it. Yesterday, inspired by Aroma’s cafe coffee menu, I ordered a small Mocha (a super strong and sweet mixture of espresso, cocoa, and milk). It was so sweet and strong that I felt my entire world perception shift just after a couple of sips…The Rajasic State of Mind was taking over. I felt more awake but it was a disordered and aggressive kind of energy. Mocha had to go to the garbage and I had to review my ayurvedic books for some energy renewing tips.
Here are some tips to stay energized through the gloomy snowy days of late Jan and February:
– Honey – It is one of the Ayurvedic Super foods. According to ayurveda, honey helps to reduce fat and improves digestion. Regular consumption of honey stops the accumulation of toxic elements in the digestive tract and can even relieve chronic constipation. It is also beneficial for those who do more mental work (students, eat some honey!). Hot tea with teaspoon of honey is a perfect winter pick me up. It is warming and nourishing.
– Hot Spicy Tea – A cup of green tea with a handful of cut up fresh ginger and lemon is a great energizer. It gives me energy to run around all day. If you ever feel like falling asleep at the computer later in the day, try chewing on a slice of fresh ginger and lemon. Its spicy zesty taste could make a dead person jump. If you have no fresh ginger, then get any spicy tea. There are plenty of varieties of Yogi tea and Zhena’s Gypsy Tea that have ginger and cinnamon as a main ingredient. If you need a major energy boost, use this recipe:
Spice Water
Drink: Boil 2 quarts of water and pour into a thermos. Add:
1/4 teaspoon marshmallow root (not the confection),
1/8 teaspoon whole coriander seed,
1 pinch DGl (deglycerized licorice),
1/8 teaspoon Indian sasparilla
, 1 whole clove (crushed),
2 mint leaves
, 1/2 teaspoon Arjuna (an herb).
Let the spices and herbs steep for 30 minutes. Drink 1/2 cup of the water each hour throughout the day. Drink warm or room temperature. Don’t eat the spices. Discard after 6:00 p.m. Make Spice Water fresh each day.
– Inversions – Some yoga poses will give an immediate energy boost, inversions are among them. Do them anytime when you feel like you are not at your 100 percent and need a quick energy makeover. Bring your head lower than your hips to get some fresh blood and oxygen to your brain. If you don’t feel comfortable jumping into a handstand in the middle of the office yet, a forward fold will do, just bend over your legs and stay there for a few deep breaths. Inversion will clear up your head, boost your brain power, and can also be a good age prevention tool as your skin gets fresh blood and nutrients.
– Sun Salutation – This energy producing calorie burning sequence is best done in the morning to wake up your body and start your day off on a good note. It stretches and opens up the entire body in a gentle yet effective way.
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Stay awake and aware!
Nadya
