Fatigue is not part of this flower. It takes work, energy, timing, systemic nutrition, scheduled strategies, clean gardening devices and focused problem solving to bring this rose from its’ basic root system to a full, healthy, vibrant bloom. Its’ blood red color and sturdy stems are supported by a responsive root system that draws nutrition from a fertile soil enriched with vital nutrients.
We are like the vibrant flower. There are tools and strategies which we use to maintain and boost our energy level. The first step is to identify our peak energy so that we can understand when we fall behind or below our best. This strategy requires a variety of sources: nutrition, sleep, relaxation, stimulation, education and socialization. Using these sources to our advantage is key.
“Tweaking the dose” may be the answer. This term sometimes refers to medication but is also relevant to the topic of energy. Exercise in the right amount can release endorphins – hormones that make up feel good – and take our minds off of fatigue. The May 2016 issue of Medicine & Science in Sports and Exercise, the Psychiatric University Clinics Basel and Iran published an article on this issue. The results found that the group that did exercise three times a week had less depression and fatigue (University of Basel in Switzerland). Jack Burks, MD, FAAN, chief medical consultant of the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America in Cherry Hill, NJ., (The Waiting Room – Neurology Now, Oct.-Nov. 2017) recommends, as well as other health professionals, that everyone check with their doctor before starting any exercise routine.
When we are not functioning at our peak, we may need to consider help to regain our best operating level. A variety of medical professionals are a valuable tool. Just as with the vibrant rose, sometimes outside help is needed. Maybe we over-exercise or strain a muscle on a hiking trip or fall when riding our bike – it happens. A professional can quickly get us back into peak performance.
The rose can’t control the weather: sunlight, rain, wind, dust. However, we can control some of our resources: sleep, nutrition, socialization. This is our moment to shine – as though we are our own ball of blazing sun. Eating a well-balanced diet, exercising to tolerance on a regular basis, maintaining a scheduled sleep cycle and reaching out to an eclectic network of friends to enhance our neurologic health is within our control. It shines a bright light on our well-being. Just like the red rose, we can help to ensure that fatigue has no part of our flowering.
6 Responses to Energy Boost