We work hard, we train hard, we get tired!   We need to give our bodies some downtime to rest and rejuvenate.  Remember that muscles build during the resting stage.  We train them hard and then we rest them and let them mend and grow.  Overuse and abuse can wreak havoc on your muscles as well as your body in general.  If you are working out daily and haven't seen the results you are looking for over-training is one possibility.  (Also examine under-training as well as your nutrition!)

Once you have rested, you will want to get back to a serious work-out!  Here are some simple tips to help re-energize your body and mind.  Thanks to Janice Taylor, the author of the Our Lady of Weight Loss blog on Beliefnet, for some great suggestions.

BREATHE-- Most people are shallow breathers which causes carbon dioxide to build up in your blood, making you sleepy and lethargic.  Taking in a few deep breaths (think about filling up your belly or expanding your rib cage in every direction) will move oxygen through your body (and into your brain) making you more alert and energized.

S-T-R-E-T-C-H -- Get up.  Now.  Get on your tip-toes.  Raise your arms up and lift your fingertips to the sky and bend side to side, thinking about sliding your ribs along the ceiling.  Feel the pull in your arms, your trunk, your legs and more.  Simply stretching like this for a minute or two will activate and awaken almost every muscle in your body.

SIT AND STAND UP STRAIGHT -- Slouching is an energy zapper!  It compresses your internal organs causing shallow breathing.  Computer geeks, beware!  Slouching can cause a 30% decrease in blood and oxygen to your brain!!!!  Tips #1 and #2 will help combat this dilemma.

GET YOUR PROPER FAT INTAKE -- Approximately 50-60% of your brain is pure fat.  Sorry, it's just the way it is.  This fat has the really important job of insulating billions of important nerve cells.  The better the insulation, the better job the brain can do.  Eat a mix of healthy fats from foods like wild salmon, anchovies, dark leafy greens and my favorite, avocados.  Hmmm...makes me think of the blue zones.

TAKE A HIKE -- Sometimes we feel too tired to take a walk, when in fact, it's just what our body and mind needs to get some energy.  Fresh air and movement are the perfect combo to get your heart pumping blood and oxygen pumping to refresh those tired cells.

GET SOME RAYS -- Studies continue to prove that 20 minutes of sunlight can boost your energy level (as well as provide essential vitamin D).  If it's too cold outside, sit by a window and soak in the light.  You'll not only get energized but your mood will be greatly boosted.

RUB YOUR EARS -- Sounds funny, right?  Stimulating pressure points in your ears can help improve circulation and energize your entire body.  Vigorously rub your ears for about a minute and feel the energy flow!

Also keep in mind that RED is the most energizing color.  Try wearing something red.  Smile hard and often.  Laugh.  Socialize.  Sniff essential peppermint oil and....

here it is AGAIN...DRINK ENOUGH WATER!  Our bodies are 70% water.  If you are not drinking enough, you aren't circulating enough and your energy will quickly spiral down.

Have a wonderfully energized Thursday.  Thanks for checking in.

*Tamarac Fitness Students remember that I will NOT be teaching this Saturday morning, or Monday the 1st of March.  All other classes/clients remain as usual.