Stamina is a word that evokes youth. Whether you have, maintain or are trying to increase your stamina, there are a few things to take into consideration. What does stamina mean to you? Are you trying to increase your endurance in a marathon, and finish with a better time? Or are you simply trying to not be exhausted at the end of a day at work. Do you want to train for an event, but feel that you won’t be able to finish? The energy used to “keep going”, comes from more than one source.
* First- It comes from your brain. Do you feel like you want to, and can keep going? Or do you have a negative voice in your head that tells you that you won’t be able to do something?
** Positive sources of motivation are key. Supportive friends. Websites that are geared towards empowering. Books and video’s that get your brain on the right track. How about telling yourself daily, that you DO have the power to achieve your goal?
*Second- Do you eat for energy, and vitality? How do you feel after you eat? Energized, or tired? Ready to move, or ready to nap? Are you taking in the right nutrients at the right time to make you feel more energized, or less? Are you planning your meals around recuperating?
** Start an immediate plan of action to get your diet and nutrition on track. Pack lunches. Cook one, or two days a week and plan ahead. Eat enough carbs before a workout, and carbs and protein after to fuel the next workout. Eat for what you will do next. Eat the least amount of carbohydrates later in the evening if trying to lose body fat. Less body fat is less work for every organ, including the heart and lungs. Fat loss alone will give you a higher level of stamina.
* Third- Are you sleeping enough at night? Do you fall asleep with the TV on? Do you go to bed and read, and/or meditate to calm your mind down? A night of tossing and turning, or not having quality sleep, will render you useless during the day. Without a good nights sleep, we cannot achieve what we would like. We need the brain power, AND the rebuilding power that the body only achieves during sleep.
** Make your bedroom a place of relaxation. Not the office AND the TV room. Keep it dark, and cozy. Make it an inviting place to fall asleep easily, and stay asleep. Waking up revived will give you the stamina to start your morning the right way.
*Fourth- Are you supplementing with a “One a Day” vitamin? Or, do you know which supplements have shown to be superior to others, helping you achieve your goals?
** Green tea, ginger, and ginseng have properties that enhance energy levels. Forget canned energy drinks that are overpriced, and make you crash shortly after. Keep your energy level sustained during the day.
*Fifth – Training. You have to train your body to be able to endure more than it is used to. You have to keep challenging it to tougher, or more strenuous work. The stamina to lift, push, pull, press, or whatever physical demand you place on your body, can be achieved at a higher level, if you use the first four ideas. Increased stamina can be yours.
Stamina does not have to only be associated with youth. Stamina is something that you have the power to increase, and achieve at a higher level. Pay attention to how you feel at different times of the day. When planning an event, eat, hydrate, and supplement for increased levels of stamina. Every body is different, learn what your body needs to function at it’s best!
Searching for ways for us all to achieve optimal health,
Dawn