You’re Probably Lacking in These Energy-Giving Nutrients…

The Urban Monk

Psychologists have already begun writing about an interesting byproduct phenomenon of the coronavirus global quarantine…

People all over the world found that they still didn’t learn how to basket-weave, practice calligraphy, and become flawless minimalist interior designers even though they got the time at home they always thought was the magic bullet.

(Amazing if you did, though! Very impressive.)

There are several prevailing theories regarding our energy shortage… One is that we collectively experienced a trauma response, which resulted in a state of energy paralysis.

Or simply put, we were too drained to perform our daily functions, let alone take on additional pursuits.

Another theory is that one of the first things to go out the window — when your routine changes and your nervous system adapts to a state of regular stress — is your healthy habits.

Western culture, our global media, and our own neural pathway patterns serve to remind us all the time that ice cream is there to comfort us, as well as triple-flavored sodas and macaroni and cheese. For some, stress patterns include avoiding food or not eating enough.

What would actually make a difference in our energy, our attitudes, our forward outlook, and our daily routines…

Is proper nutrition.

And the truth is, we all know that (maybe deep, deep down).

But we’re also had to try to have grace for ourselves and others during this unprecedented moment in modern history. That’s important — to give yourself and others a wide berth.

If we fix the incoming nutrition, increasing our energy reserves and freeing up space previously being used for cognitive acrobatics…

Gratitude journaling and other self-care tricks get a fighting chance at making a difference in our daily experience.

Here are a few vital nutrients for energy and brain function you’re probably not getting…

L-theanine

You may have heard of L-theanine before.

It’s an amino acid, and it’s lauded for helping you relax without making you sleepy. That means that the anxious, fluttery feeling you experience from extra strong coffee in the morning won’t be a problem.

It’s often more effective when paired with Guayusa extract, which comes from tea. It has double the antioxidants in green tea, as much caffeine as a cup of coffee, and tons of curative properties. It occurs naturally in the Amazon and is a cousin of Yerba Mate.

Spirulina

This is a type of single-celled microbe, in the blue-green-algae family. It’s totally possible you’re getting none of this in your diet right now.

That’s a shame because it’s loaded with vitamins A, C, E, and B.

It’s also packed with calcium, zinc, magnesium, and selenium, which has been shown to have a powerful effect on altering moods.

You can find lots of foods that contain some of those nutrients, but you’d be hard-pressed to find something containing all of them.

Rhodiola

This tough-to-find herb does all kinds of things. Mainly, the herb and its roots are used to get energized, promote endurance, build strength, and aid in mental elasticity.

Its roots are commonly referred to as “adaptogens” because they help the body absorb and adapt to stress, whether it’s physical (like pain), environmental (like weather), or chemical (like emotional).

Rhodiola is also something of a last-resort energy booster. You consume it when your reserves have run dry and you can’t dredge energy up from within.

Leucine

Another amino acid, found most often in meats like chicken and beef but also in squash, seeds, beans, and eggs, you’ll feel it if you’re low on leucine.

It’s used by athletes and bodybuilders to enhance muscle growth by activating muscle protein synthesis.

In order for muscle protein synthesis to happen, energy needs to be produced. That’s what leucine does — increases glucose, mitochondria creation, and fatty acid oxidation.

This makes it essential for continued and consistent energy, too. You want to feel an even wave of energy all day long. Not the high/low game of coffee and sodas.

Most of the nutrients can be found in the food around you, although you might not have known to look for them.

If that feels like too strenuous a task when you’re already trying to convince yourself to eat toast, consider getting all of them in one burst.

Each nutrient (and plenty more) are mixed into Rising Energy. Your only job is to mix it with water and drink it.

The choice is yours. But no matter what you do, ensure that the decisions you’re making about your consumptive intake reflect the way you want to move through the world.

You can lounge. Or you can get up and rise.

If you enjoyed these thoughts and think we’ve got something in common, I have a feeling you’re going to love the Urban Monk Academy. It’s the home of every class I teach — from Qi Gong to Life Gardening to Dream Yoga and even Tantra — and for two weeks, you can try it for free.