Energizing Plan: The Energizing Routine
This may seem like a complicated plan, but it's actually quite simple to follow
7.22am Time to wake up - in an energy-boosting world you shouldn't get up before 7.22am. According to research carried out by the University of Westminster, London, UK, doing so creates higher than normal levels of the energy-sapping hormone Cortisol in your body. Researchers found that people with high levels of Cortisol tend to feel more hassled and fatigued throughout the day.
If work pressures mean 7.22am is a lie-in, then at least wake your body more gently by using a daylight alarm clock (check health magazines for advertisements). These slowly raise the levels of light in the room, waking you slowly and calmly. 7.30am Take one multivitamin supplement, one probiotic supplement and one capsule of fish oil (or if you are vegetarian one of evening primrose oil) with a large glass of water.
This is the first of eight glasses you'll drink over the day - aim for one an hour. The supplements will provide energy and nutrients and aid your digestion, maximizing the nutrients you absorb from food. Leave half an hour between taking these and eating.
7.40am Carry out the 'Salute to the Sun' exercise (see page 69). This yoga programme is stimulating and energizing and will help prepare you for the day ahead. It takes about 5 minutes, and should be done outside or at least facing a window, which adds to your energy banks because sunlight stops production of the sleep-inducing hormone melatonin. 7.50am Body-brush (see page 28).
This will stimulate your circulation, helping increase levels of oxygen flooding the system. Finish with a shower. Chinese therapists believe that as well as freshening you up, running water helps wash away negative vibrations. 8am Get your breakfast B vitamins. B vitamins are vital to the energy levels of your body, and breakfast foods provide excellent levels of them. For best results, choose a bowl of bran cereal with skimmed milk, and two pieces of wholewheat toast with a little honey and some fruit. If you normally have coffee in the morning, have Oxygen Juice, 6 slices of pineapple (fresh or tinned) o 1 banana o 6 fresh strawberries o 7 handful of wheatgrass Put each item through the juicer, then mix together and shake well.