Do you feel in need of a boost?

Struggling with low mood, lack of motivation or stagnation in work and/ or exercise? Me too.

EXERCISE PHYSIOLOGIST AND ATHLETE By Kim Murray

With Christmas on the horizon, it’s good time to discuss energy and giving back to yourself. It’s been a tough old year, and Christmas - whilst a time to celebrate - can also be full of trials and pressures. Therefore, now is a good opportunity to check in with yourself and reset. We don’t function optimally on low charge, and in these instances taking some time to ‘recharge your batteries’ often leads to better health and wellbeing longer term. I’m not necessarily talking about #selfcare – baths and face masks - but taking some time to do the things that re-energise you. I find the following prompts a good place to start exploring this concept. 1. What a good day looks and feels like 2. What a bad day looks and feels like 3. What or who uses energy 4. Things or people that bring you energy Once you’re aware of these you can identify your next steps by asking: 1. Who is best to support you at this time? 2. What actions you can take and when? 3. What/who should you avoid or set boundaries around?

I use these prompts to manage my own energy; something I learnt about when I was training and competing. It’s also important to know that the body doesn’t discriminate between work, life, training or family stress. Stress is stress. Pummelling the body with training when you’re already very low on charge is not actually productive (although it can feel helpful at the time). It is about finding a balance with all the parts that make up your life so that you can perform optimally. I wish you all a very happy holiday period, here’s to 2021.

‘Taking some time to ‘recharge your batteries’ often leads to better health and wellbeing longer term’