Energize yourself :)

Energize yourself :)

So last night I wasn't really feeling like myself at all. I went to bed super early and today I feel great :)

But what about on days where you just don't have time to go to bed early but you really need some "pick me up" energy. WAIT!! before you reach for an artificial source of energy like 5 hr energy drink, red bull, monster, rockstar, amp, rip it, or mona vie, ext and consider the health facts.  

Studies show that these energy drinks are "simple" beverages that contain some form of vitamins & other chemicals which boosts your energy for very short span. These energy drinks have lots of simple sugars, caffeine, ephedrine, guarana and/ or ginseng (depending on the brand)  which provides us energy however not in a beneficial way. Some of these drinks have as much as 7 cups of coffee worth of caffeine in them and still claim to be natural since caffeine is a natural ingredient! Studies link side effects of/from this "energy drink trend" to: weight gain, anxiety, dehydration, restlessness, nervousness, insomnia, stomach problems and cardiovascular heart complications (even heart attacks in some cases)!!

Energy Drink Side Effects according to: http://www.energyfiend.com/energy-drink-side-effects:

Recent research in Australia has highlighted the risks with over-consumption of energy drinks. This data was gathered from 7 years of calls to the Australian Poisons Center.

• Palpitations / tachycardia
• Tremor / shaking
• Agitation / restlessness
• Gastrointestinal upset
• Chest pain / ischaemia
• Dizziness / syncope
• Paraesthesia (tingling or numbing of the skin)
• Insomnia
• Respiratory distress
• Headache

And that's just the short term effects - the long term list is much longer. I think we are better off to get our energy naturally - don't you?

So what do you do? You need energy! Let me help :) YOGA is of course the answer :) But wait...you don't have time to make it to a power yoga class with me either? No problem, here are a couple poses that will bring you lots of energy that you can do anywhere:

Do each of these moves in order, holding the poses for 10 deep breaths. Repeat the sequence on the other side, and continue alternating until you've done the routine three times on each side.

Move 1: Modified Down-Dog Split

Start in a push up position, lift your hips, and move into downward facing dog. Take five breaths. Raise your right heel toward the ceiling as high as you can, then slowly lower your left forearm to the floor. Keep both palms flat on the floor.

Move 2: Warrior 3

Straighten your left arm and put your right foot between your hands. Shift your weight onto your right foot as you raise your left leg. At the same time, raise your torso until it is parallel to the floor and reach your arms forward.

Move 3: Modified Half-Moon Arch

Place hands on the floor beneath your shoulders. Rotate your hips to the left and raise your left arm toward the ceiling. Bend your left knee back, and reach your left hand behind you to hold your foot. This pose ROCKS for the core too!

Move 4: Tree

From half-moon arch, turn your hips and shoulders back toward the floor, then use your core muscles to roll your body up to standing. Place the sole of your left foot on your right inner thigh. Lift your arms straight up above your shoulders.

Try these and let me know how you feel :)

Still wanting an extra boost and need something to get you over the energy drink addiction? 

Try making a homemade energy drink: 

Now, instead all those side effect  how about making your own  healthier version energy drink using natural sweetener like stevia or organic honey? 

You can alter this drink according to your taste and preference easily, for instance adding more or less of lemon juice and honey. You can even replace the water with your favourite, tea blend or fruit juice. Chill it overnight for best results. 

Enjoy! Namaste 

love Tara