10 Ways to Increase Your Energy in Recovery
We have so much going on in early recovery that we can easily get overwhelmed. It can become frustrating because we think even though we are not drinking or using we should feel better right away. That's just not the case. The body is detoxing. Our thoughts and feelings are all over the place. We might be on a certain medication in early recovery. But that doesn't mean we can't do things to up our self-care routine. 
Do you ever feel like no matter how well you sleep, how much you exercise or how good you’re eating you still feel sluggish and run down. I'm going to share ten easy ways to increase your energy in early recovery. 

Let's Get Energized!



1) Reduce or Eliminate Caffeine. 
~ Now, I know what you’re thinking… Hell No! Especially in recovery!
~ The ups and downs of caffeine include dehydration and blood sugar ups and downs. This creates mood swings more frequently and those Hi and Lows with our energy levels. 
~ Just try and be mindful. 

2) Drink More Water.
~ Most of us are chronically dehydrated. Before you go to sugar or caffeine, have a big tall glass of water… wait a few minutes and see what happens.
~ Focus on drinking 6 to 8 glasses of water a day.
~ Staying hydrated also curbs the appetite. A lot of times we feel we are hungry and it’s really dehydration.
~ Be Aware… Soft drinks are now America’s number one source of added sugar.

3) Eat dark leafy green vegetables.
~ Greens are full of vitamins and nutrients and great for improving circulation, lifting your spirit, purifying the blood and strengthening the immune system.
~ Green is associated with Spring time. Spring is a time for renewal. It boosts our energy and it’s refreshing.
~ Broccoli, Collards, Kale, Arugula, Bok Choy, and Mustard Greens are all excellent choices.

4) Watch your sugar intake.
~ Avoid sugar and chemical artificial sweeteners.
~ Try eating sweet vegetables like beets, carrots and yams.
~ Sugar can give us anxiety, effect our sleep and our mood. 

5) Get some Physical Activity.
~ Start with simple activities.
~ Try walking or gentle yoga.
~ Move your body and sweat a little.
~ Start with 10 minutes a day and work your way up.
~ Eventually, focus a getting the heart rate up a bit.
~ Do physical activities that make you happy. If this is all new to you, it’s time to figure out what you enjoy!

6) Get more sleep and rest and relaxation.
~ When you are tired or stressed, your body will crave sugar & caffeine. 
~ Pay attention to how much sleep you get and take time to rest if you feel it’s needed.
~ Try a quick power nap in the afternoon to revive the body.
~ Disconnect from social media, your phone, TV, etc at least an hour before going to sleep. 
~ Try reading in the evening or enjoy some yoga nidra which is guided meditation. 

7) Take a little inventory on how much animal food you eat.
~ When you eat too much meat, dairy, chicken, and eggs can lead to low energy.
~ So can eating too little!
~ Experiment with your food, maybe incorporate meatless Monday, or not having animal products with every meal.
~ Use recovery as a way to have some fun in the kitchen. Start getting creative with your wellness. 

8) Take time for yourself.
~ Don’t feel guilty about this! So Important!
~ Take a walk, a bath, watch your favorite movie, or whatever you enjoy that makes you happy.
~ If you're not taking care of yourself, you'll have nothing to give to others. This is so important! 

9) Get in touch with your spiritual side.
~ We are all spiritual beings in a physical world.
~ Find fun and creative ways to get in touch with your spiritual side.
~ Try meditating, dancing, being outside in nature, drawing, coloring or read a spiritual book.

10) Ged rid of the toxic relationships in your life.
~ People can drain your energy. It doesn’t make them bad people, but it’s important to pay attention to who drains your energy and why.
~ Take time to set boundaries and remember to always protect yourself and your energy.

Live Free in Recovery

XO, 

Sheri Matthews
 

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