The Morning Calm – Boosting Mood & Energy

The kids have been total terrors lately.  Constant tantrums, demanding things from me, and just not getting along. Screaming…that’s a big one.

It’s physically and emotionally exhausting.  My energy levels and mood have not been so great lately as a result of this constant barage of mood swings from the kids.

Did I mention they aren’t listening and doing what they’re told either?  Infuriating.

Of course, as a result, with my energy and mood low, I have had some trouble recently getting motivated to do…well, anything.  The dishes piled up, and although I have caught up and the kitchen is clean again, I still have laundry piled up that I cringe at every time I look over at the laundry room, but still can’t muster up the energy to do something about it.

So last night, I dragged my lazy behind upstairs and made myself go to bed, even though I really wanted to watch another episode of Weeds on Netflix.  I set my alarm for 5 AM, and after only hitting the snooze 3 times, I fell out of bed, stumbled down the stairs and went to get on the computer.

But wait…the internet was down. That was probably a good thing.

Energize with Yoga - Women's Heath Magazine - womenshealthmag.com

So I went into the fridge, grabbed some cheese and started munching.  I look over at the counter and see the June 2010 issue of Women’s Health I picked up at the grocery story.  I read the cover.  “Instant Energy! Get It – and Keep It All Day Long.”  Oh yeah!  That was why I grabbed it. Duh!

So I opened up to page 60 and saw yoga poses staring at me.  Oh boy. Yoga is hard.  I don’t get that serene feeling other people say they get where they are at-one with the universe and content within their spiritual selves…or whatever New Agey crap people talk about.  All I can think about is, “I really don’t think my body is meant to turn that way…OW!”  Not very calming…no matter how much windy chime harp music may accompany it.

But if the goal here is to boost energy, I’m all for it.  According to the article I read as I munched on my cheese, “studies show that doing yoga reduces fatigue and adjusts the hormone cortisol…”  I’ve heard of cortisol. That’s that stuff some diet freaks were peddling in pills to help people lose weight without dieting. But, I also happen to know it’s something that occurs naturally in the body and is necessary to maintain for good health. Apparently, according to the Women’s Health article, too little cortisol means less energy. Who knew?

The balance required to do these poses does more than just annoy the shit out of you too, according to yoga expert Tara Stiles.  She says that the poses require so much balance and control, it “sharpens your focus”.   And all that breathing you have to do, it oxygenates your body and helps you feel more alert.

So I did all four poses, once on each side (they said 3 on each side, but I literally couldn’t stomach it).  It was very difficult (I’m not as flexible as I was, say, at age 12!), but definitely energizing.  I didn’t feel as grumpy about getting up at 5 am after that, so that’s good, right?

Pick up a copy of Women’s Health, June 2010 issue. It’s on page 60. Try it out and let me know what you think.

Or visit Women’s Health Magazine Online for the Energizing Yoga Poses described here.

After my yoga poses, I did a little stretching while reading some more of the magazine articles (I like the one about summer sex, and that explains why I’ve been so “in the mood” lately).  I then mixed my home-made iced coffee (minus the ice, I just refrigerate it), and drank it while I ate a few watermelon chunks.  I was inspired by all the health food articles and photos of fresh vegetables and lean meats.  It’s amazing how advertising affects you. (Ignore the big M when you drive by, Jen. You don’t want that cheeseburger!!)

And now, I’m wrapping up this article.  DS1 is up and slowly pulling himself together while I wrap up this post, so I should pull myself away from this computer and start making some breakfast BEFORE the tantrums start. I’ve had a good morning to myself.  Today should be much better now.

It really makes a huge difference to have that calm, quiet time to yourself in the morning before the kids are up demanding your time and undivided attention.  I recommend setting your alarm for an hour before the kids wake up in the morning.  It really does wonders for the mood.