Energy is the key to unlocking our full potential. From our everyday movements to our most intense workouts, we are constantly seeking ways to open our energy and refresh our batteries. Simply put, we need energy to function. We all need energy-boosting moves. Even the most energetic person can feel drained if they don’t get enough rest or socialize. Unbalanced energy can leave us feeling tired and listless. We might feel blasé, lazy, or unmotivated when running on too little energy.
On the other hand, when we have too much energy, we might feel scatterbrained, hyperactive, or agitated. Our energy level can fluctuate throughout the day. But it’s not always an indication of how much sleep we’ve had or our mood. Our energy level can also be affected by stress, hormones, and other factors outside of our control. It’s crucial to keep an eye on your energy level and keep it balanced.
We often think of movement as something that requires extra effort, but the truth is that even small amounts of energy-boosting moves can significantly impact our energy levels. Think about how you feel after a long walk or a vigorous workout. Chances are you feel more energized than you did before. That's because physical activity helps to increase blood flow and pump oxygen and nutrients to our cells. It also helps release endorphins, hormones that have mood-boosting effects. In addition to giving us more energy, regular energy-boosting moves have many other benefits. It can help to improve our mental health, boost our immune system, and even help to prevent chronic diseases. So if you're feeling low on energy, take a walk, do some stretches, or dance around your living room. You might be surprised at how much better you feel!
Below are some energizing movements to start your day.
1. Breaths
Begin in an upright standing position with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, and hips. Place your hands to the side with palms open facing up. Engage your core and take several deep belly breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax and repeat the movement.
Breaths
2. Mountain Pose to Heart Center
Begin in an upright standing position with your feet slightly wider than shoulder-width apart, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, and hips. Place your hands to the side with palms open facing up. Engage your core, then inhale and sweep your hands out at your sides and up overhead, palms pressed together, and exhale as you slowly bring your hands to the heart center. Repeat the flowing movement with 5 repetitions.
Mountain Pose to Heart Center
3. Side Reach with Twist
Begin in an upright standing position with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, and hips. Place your hands to the side. Engage your core, and inhale as you slowly twist your upper body to the side with your arms reaching out. Exhale as you turn to the opposite side. Repeat the movement with 5 repetitions on each side.
Side Reach with Twist
4. Overhead Reach with Side Bend
Begin in an upright standing position with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, and hips. Engage your core and inhale as you bring your arms up, then exhale as you bend your upper body to the side, reaching over your head with the opposite arm as you bring one arm down. Return to the starting position and repeat the energy-boosting movement on the opposite side, with repetitions on each side. Complete 5 repetitions.
Overhead Reach with Side Bend
5. Wide Legged Forward Bend with Twist
Begin in an upright standing position with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, and hips. Engage your core and place your hands on your legs. Inhale as you slowly bend your knees down, and exhale as you twist your upper body to the side, bringing one shoulder down. Inhale as you return to the starting position and repeat the movement on the opposite side. Alternately repeat the exercise with 5 repetitions on each side.
Wide Legged Forward Bend with Twist
6. Wide-Legged Forward Fold
For this exercise, you may need a chair for support.
Begin in an upright standing position with your feet wider than shoulder-width apart, maintaining good alignment in your upper body. Engage your core and raise both arms overhead. Inhale as you slowly hinge through your hips to bend your upper body forward, head in line with the spine. Then exhale as you lower your upper body and arms to reach the floor. Hold this position for a couple of breaths. Relax and raise back up to the starting position.
To intensify the movement, sway your upper body from side to side.
Wide-Legged Forward Fold
7. Knee Bend with Arm Lifts
Begin in an upright standing position, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, hips, and legs. Place your hands on the side and slightly bend your knee. Engage your core and inhale as you straighten your arms forward in front of your chest with your palms facing up. Exhale as you return to the starting position and repeat the movement with 5 repetitions.
Knee Bend with Arm Lifts
Repeat Mountain Pose to Heart Center
Movement is essential to our well-being. It helps us manage stress, stay in shape, and connect with others. But it’s not enough to do a few exercises. It would be best if you made sure that your movements are purposeful and have a goal. That’s where energy-boosting moves come in. Energy is the life force that flows through everything. When we use it consciously, it can help us achieve our goals. When we move with energy, we create a force field to attract what we want. We can also use energy to repel what we don’t want. So if you want to improve your life, make sure your movements are full of energy.