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6 ways to

naturally

energize yourself

this summer

by Svetlana Kogan, M.D.
t’s easy to slip into hibernation mode longest among all the oats to cook. And because they are minimally
when you live in a tropical climate, like processed, they are also the healthiest types of oats to eat. I like
I Southwest Florida, but here are some the recipes in which you first precook the oatmeal for about 15-20
holistic tips I often share with my patients to minutes and then let it stand for several minutes, and then add milk
help reboot your body and brain. or nondairy milk and several finely cut strawberries.
Spray on a grapefruit scent. Pace while you chat
Researchers have discovered that this Just two minutes of exercise can rev your energy levels by 50%
citrus fruit’s refreshing scent instantly boosts and this effect can last for up to 90 minutes. Research tells us that
electrical activity in the brain, helping you feel motion stimulates the brain’s alertness center and boosts the flow
25% more energetic and clear-headed. This of oxygen rich blood to the central nervous system. I recommend
property of grapefruit has long been known in aromatherapy where walking back and forth for the kind of conversations and required
grapefruit essential oil is derived from the rind of this fruit and is seminars and meetings where you would otherwise feel bored but
cherished for its many uses and benefits. The aroma of Grapefruit have to do. I do not recommend pacing for tasks and assignments
essential oil matches the citrus and fruity flavors of its origin and which require tapping into your analytical or introspective skills such
provides an invigorating and energizing effect on the brain. Air- as active problem solving, meditation, or prayer.
diffused Grapefruit essential oil invokes a sense of clarity, and due Stand with your shoulders thrown back
to its main chemical component, limonene, can help to uplift mood. Lifting your head, standing up straight and smiling can help
Keep a daily journal you feel 25% more refreshed within 30 seconds. Great posture and
When people vent in a journal – it revs their energy levels by at an upbeat expression trick the brain into producing energizing
least 30%. Scientists discovered that journaling dampens the output neurotransmitters. I have written about facial gymnastics extensively,
of the stress hormones like adrenaline and cortisol, and increases where you train yourself to look happy while looking in the mirror.
the production of energizing and happy oxytocin. By recording The same philosophy applies to standing up straight and proud
your thoughts and feelings, you can observe them and analyze them –optimal musculoskeletal positioning sends cues to the brain to
as if you were watching a movie – without getting hurt by them. interpret that person’s state as happy, free, and energized.
This opens up energy reserves in your otherwise stagnant Mind- Greet the sun
Body where so many unspoken secrets and suppressed traumas have Exposure to as little as two minutes of morning sunlight can
created energy blockages over the years. help shut off production of melatonin –a sleep hormone that can
Add fiber to your breakfast drag you down all day long if the levels are too elevated. Our pineal
Adding as little as 10 grams of fiber to your daily diet can cut gland is responsible for the production of both melatonin (a sleep
blood glucose levels by 12% and insulin output by 28% two key inducing hormone) and a serotonin (an energizing hormone) and is
steps in warding off energy stealing blood sugar fluctuation. I greatly affected by the exposure to morning light. Even if you don’t
recommend organic slow cooking steel cut oats cooked with fresh have time to go outside, just go to a window to observe the morning
strawberries in water with or without nonfat milk or nondairy milk, sky and that should be enough to shift the body towards serotonin
like almond, cashew, rice, or coconut milk. As the name implies enrichment.
here, these types of oats are cut and not rolled. They basically Hope these little tips are helpful and remember that Nature
look like cut up brown rice and are very coarse, so they take the provided us with all the tools to be healthy and balanced.

The author of ‘Diet Slave No More!’, Svetlana Kogan, MD
is a Board-Certified Internal Medicine, Holistic & Functional Medical Doctor with 25 years of experience.
Her website is CustomLongevity.com Office Phone: 239-676-6883
32 32 Life in Naples | May, June, July 2024