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Energy is the lifeblood of our everyday actions and decisions. It is also the fundamental key that goes into creating a well balanced, rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. The simple truth is, that without adequate amounts of energy, nothing can really be achieved, no true pleasures can be experienced or enjoyed, and no effective and well thought out decisions can be made. If you are finding yourself constantly running low on energy, than this Mind Map may hold the answers that you have been looking for.

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Introduction

Energy is the lifeblood of our everyday actions and decisions. It is also the fundamental key that goes into creating a well balanced, rounded and fulfilling lifestyle. The simple truth is, that without adequate amounts of energy, nothing can really be achieved, no true pleasures can be experienced or enjoyed, and no effective and well thought out decisions can be made. If you are finding yourself constantly running low on energy, than this Mind Map may hold the answers that you have been looking for.

In order to improve your energy levels throughout your day, you must come to understand both sides of the coin. The first side of the coin presents you with a list of energy depleting habits, characteristics and activities. While the opposite side of the coin presents energy enhancing habits, characteristics and activities that promote a greater sense of fulfillment and well-being. To truly create long lasting improvements within your energy levels, you must tackle and manage both areas successfully in order to achieve the energy you desire to experience throughout your day.

Please note that this post is for information purposes only. Please seek the guidance of your alternative health physician or your doctor before undertaking any strenuous exercise, herbal or nutritional program.

Energy Depleting Mindset & Nutritional Habits

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When it comes to experiencing high energy levels throughout your day, it is paramount that we begin our discussion with some simple nutritional warnings and substandard mindset projection strategies that could very well be silently depleting your energy without you even realizing. If you desire to experience high levels of energy, than under no condition should you partake in the following:

These Beverages are Depleting Your Energy

The liquid that you ingest on a daily basis has a dramatic and serious effect on your energy levels. For instance, if you are an avid caffeine drinker who indulges themselves in:

• Coffee
• Cola
• Energy Drinks

These habits will most certainly have a negative and destructive impact on your energy levels. Other beverages such as:

• Sodas
• Fruit Juices

These contain added sugar, and may provide you with an instant rush - as will caffeinated beverages. However, once this rush has subsided you will languish in an even deeper energy pit that will make you feel more tired and miserable.

The solution for this is of course to drink more sugary or caffeinated products And yes, this will no doubt provide you with another boost of energy, however this time it will be even more short lived, and your next energy boost will require greater amounts of sugar and caffeine to keep you at even par The simple truth here is, that each time you indulge in these types of beverages you are sabotaging your long-term (not short-term) energy levels. Same warnings apply to alcoholic drinks such as:

• Beer
• Wine

To finalize our discussion about beverages, keep in mind that if your water (the pure clean variety) isn’t sufficient, than this can also lead towards depleting you of your reservoirs of energy.

These Foods are Fatiguing Your Body

Just as much as there are beverages that deplete us of our energy, food also is a silent culprit that can lead to a great deal of fatigue and tiredness throughout your day. First, pay attention to acid forming foods. These types of foods can create a lot of havoc and mayhem in your body that can lead to digestive problems, acidic reflux, and other related issues. Foods such as:

• Meat
• Fish
• Poultry
• Legumes
• Eggs
• Grains

These are all very acidic types of foods that will drain your energy levels. This doesn’t however mean that you should avoid consuming these types of foods. On the contrary, these foods do contain vital nutrients that can add to your everyday energy needs. However, consuming them in very large portions without the balance of an Alkaline diet, can lead to energy slumps. Please seek the guidance of a Nutritionist for further information.

Finally, here is a list of other common foods that you should avoid if you seek to experience high amounts of energy throughout your day:

• Potato Chips
• Yeast
• Gravy
• Sauces
• Condiments
• White Bread
• Crackers
• Convenience Foods
• Canned Foods
• Sugary and Junk Foods

All of these either have high amounts of saturated fat, high amounts of sugar or preservatives which will undoubtedly fatigue your body.

The 2 Food Habits that You Must Avoid

The 1st habit involves skipping meals. This leads to fatigue because your body requires a constant supply of energy (which we receive from the food we eat) to get it through the day. The key is to eat regular small healthy and energy producing meals throughout your day.

The 2nd habit that you must avoid is the habit of snacking between meals. It’s not that snacks are bad for you, it is rather what you consume during the snack that will either enhance or rob you of your energy. In general stay away from any beverages or foods that we discussed above.

A Mindset that Leads to Tiredness

Have you ever wondered why all of a sudden you started feeling tired and fatigued? These sudden energy slumps may very well result from (not so much what you ingest into your stomach) rather, what you project into the world. The emotions of:

• Grief
• Fear
• Sadness
• Guilt
• Hostility
• Loneliness
• Resentment
• Jealousy
• Depression
• Anger

All the above emotions can all lead to ongoing feelings of tiredness and fatigue.

The ongoing process of bathing yourself within these emotions can actually lead to a state of depression which can result in chronic fatigue. Stay on top of these emotions by being present within the moment. Read your thoughts and the feelings you are projecting out into the world at all times, and most importantly avoid the habit of pessimism which triggers many self-inflicted negative states of being.

Stress and Overwhelm are Energy Suckers

We have already discussed the Keys to Effective Stress Management in a previous IQ Matrix Mind Map. For the purpose of this discussion it is important to understand the negative impact that uncontrolled stress can have on your energy levels. There are those of you who thrive on experiencing high amounts of stress throughout your day. You are no doubt in the minority that effectively manages stress in ways that create motivation and provide you with an invigorating energy to move you forward throughout your day. For the rest of us, stress can be a very draining and “energy leeching” experience. You must find ways to firstly minimize and later manage the stress you experience on a daily basis. Read the Keys to Effective Stress Management for further information.

Other Energy Depleting Activities & Triggers

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There is no doubt that our Mindset and daily Nutritional habits are the leading causes of our energy woes. Yet there are also other - very much - overlooked areas pertaining to our activities, body, social life, EMFs and chemicals that can have a significant impact our energy levels. Here we will touch upon some of these key areas:

Activities that will Drain Your Energy Levels

Overeating leads to high amounts of blood being transferred to the bowel area of your body where the food is being processed and digested. This will lead to the onset of natural fatigue, as the remainder of your body must suffer the consequences of insufficient blood flow. If you suffer from broken sleep, tossing and turning all night long, or just waking up feeling fatigued and low on energy, than you might find the answers you are looking for within the Keys to Effective Sleep Management.

Living a very sedentary lifestyle (sitting at the computer or in front of the television for most of the day) is also counterproductive in terms of creating high levels of energy throughout your body. Finally, even though loud music can provide your body with an invigorated feeling of energy and enthusiasm. Listening to it for an extended period of time can lead to significant bouts of fatigue and tiredness.

There was a plant study undertaken quite a few years ago now, where the experimenters played 2 types of music to the plants and observed their levels of growth over a period of several weeks. What they discovered was quite fascinating. When they played loud rock music to these plants, the plants grew in the opposite direction away from the speakers. However, when they played classical music to these plants, the plants grew towards the speakers. What do you believe is the significance of this study in relation to our body’s cells?

Look After and Pay Attention to Your Body

Every now and then, it is important to visit your local GP or Natural Medicine practitioner and ask them to run a few tests to see if you potentially may have a nutrient deficiency, a low iron count, low blood sugar levels or possible food allergies. If you have tried everything else within this Mind Map to no avail, than it is very possible that you might be lacking in something; or have an allergy to a food or beverage you are consuming. Either way this will continue to lead to unexpected slumps within your energy levels until you sort these things through.

Irregularity Creates Havoc Within the Body

By “Irregular” I mean inconsistent bowel movements. Several years ago now, I worked within a Health Center where we specialized in Colon Hydrotherapy. The process involves inserting purified water in through the rectum which would gradually remove old dried up fecal matter that gets stuck to the sides of the colonic walls. Over time as this fecal matter builds up, it creates blockages within the large colon. These blockages prevent the new fecal matter from getting through in regular time after consuming a meal.

The bottom line is, that the longer food takes to pass through the colon and out the rectum, the more likely it is to harden and stick to the sides of the colonic walls, thusly creating a greater build up of blockages that make future passages down the colon even more difficult. This of course results in irregular bowel movements which correspond in robbing us of our energy (carrying bucket loads of rubbish within our digestive tract is most definitely not an energy enhancing activity).

If you do not experience one bowel movement per “main” meal you eat throughout your day, than this could be an indication of blockages within your colonic passage. Of course keep in mind that some foods like red meat take much longer to digest than cooked vegetables for instance. However, as a general rule, you should be experiencing at least one significant bowel movement during your day. See your local Naturopath for further information. Otherwise visit the Colon Hydrotherapy Directory to identify your nearest Colon Hydrotherapy clinic within your country or state.

Your Physiology Determines Your Energy

A discussion about the power of our physiology will most definitely be a future IQ Matrix Mind Map topic. However, for the purpose of this discussion keep in mind that how you move your body, position your body, and the speed at which you move your body, will have a significant impact on your energy levels.

Have you ever watched a depressed or sad person standing, sitting or moving? On the other hand have you ever watched a passionate happy person standing, sitting or moving? If you are like most people than the answer is probably YES. Now ask yourself, “What specifically do these two types of people do with their body? How different are their postures, movements and body positioning?” Really take some time to reflect on these questions and identify what these differences actually are. What you will find is that there is a significant difference between how the 1st (sad person) and the 2nd (passionate happy person) utilize their bodies. Believe It Or Not, how you use, move and position your body will have a significant impact on your energy levels.

Stay Away from Negative People at all Costs

This one is easy. Negative people are a drain on your energy. They are like leeches sucking you dry of your vital energy resources. However, be wary as they are pretty sly in their tactics. First they will draw you in with an emotional sympathetic driven story. Next they will convince you to agree with them. And finally they will make you believe everything about their pessimistic tail that the world is against you and that you have no hope but to accept your sorry life and existence Later you walk away from the conversation wondering why on earth you feel like going to bed at 4 in the afternoon

Dissatisfaction will Literally Rob You of Your Energy

Are you dissatisfied with your work, career or relationship? If you are, than consider the possibility that these aspects of your life are draining your energy levels in a very indirect yet powerful manner. If you are not satisfied with any of these aspects of your life, simply decide today to change things for the better. If you are struggling to find happiness within your relationship, and you have tried all the strategies listed within the Keys to a Better Loving Relationship Mind Map, than take time to reflect for a moment and consider all your options. The bottom line is, if you seek more energy in your life, than you must either fix all the leaks that are currently dripping away your supply, or simply move on and look for other alternatives.

Electromagnetic Radiation is the Silent Energy Killer

Electromagnetic Frequencies (EMFs) are silent energy killers that can gradually and suddenly rob us of our body’s energy supply. Whenever you are watching television, working on your computer, standing next to a microwave, or simply using an electric blanket to warm those aching joints in bed - you are absorbing large amounts of EMFs which are depleting your energy reservoirs. If you pay attention you may sense a shift in your energy levels when you spend long periods of time watching television or sitting in front of your computer. The best and most effective solution is to move into the outback and live in a tent with no electricity However, for most of us that is not really an ideal option to take

Your other option is to purchase a Q-Link. A Q-Link is a specially designed pendant you wear around your neck that protects you from EMFs. I have been wearing one for several years, and have benefited with increased energy levels and reduced fatigue when working in front of the computer. Visit the Q-Link website for further information. Make sure to watch the Q-Link introductory video on their home page.

Watch Out for those Common Toxins & Chemicals

We are constantly surrounded by pollution, toxins and other chemicals that impact how we feel at every moment of our day. It is no doubt a very difficult task to try and avoid every toxic substance that confronts us, however we can take measures to minimize our use of these chemicals wherever possible. Begin by avoiding smoggy areas, giving up the habit of nicotine, reducing your intake of antibiotics, and being a savvy shopper who takes care to look at the ingredients of the personal care products that you are purchasing.

Many personal care products such as shampoos, liquid soaps, conditioners, moisturizers, deodorants, etc, have toxic chemicals that can impact your energy levels in very subtle ways. They can also have a negative impact on your health and well-being. Simply type into Google “dangers of Shampoos” “dangers of toothpaste” “dangers of deodorants” etc, and you may find some read worthy material.

Energy Enhancing Mindset & Nutritional Habits

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Let’s now flip the coin and take a look at the energy enhancing mindset and some nutritional guidelines that can help to boost your energy levels:

These Beverages will Enhance Your Energy

Instead of purchasing those supermarket variety fruit juices - that are riddled with sugars and other preservatives - simply purchase your own fruits and juice them. You may be surprised how invigorating it feels to drink freshly squeezed juice first thing in the morning. Green tea is also another great source of energy as it provides you with natural antioxidants that will boost your body’s immune system. Shots of Wheat Grass also have great nutritional properties that can boost and promote higher levels of energy throughout your day. And finally, drink adequate amounts of pure and fresh water. Water is absolutely essential for our survival and very important for building our long-term energy reservoirs.

These Foods will Enliven Your Body

Raw foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts and fruits naturally promote high levels of energy. Meals that are high in fiber will encourage better digestion which will improve the movement of fecal matter through the digestive tract. Also focus on eating whole grains and make sure to keep your body alkalized by consuming alkaline promoting foods such as:

• Herbs
• Seeds
• Peas
• Lentils
• Beans

Essential Supplements that will Boost Your Energy

To provide your diet with that extra energy boost, consider taking dietary supplements.

• Vitamins
• Colloidal Minerals
• Anti-Oxidants

These are ideal for providing your body with the essential nutrients it needs to keep it working at peak levels throughout the day. Other additional supplements such as:

• Digestive Enzymes
• Good Bacteria

These will assist in improving your digestion, which will likewise enhance the levels of energy you experience at home and at work. Other supplements that could potentially enhance your energy include:

• Ginseng
• Guarana
• Chlorella
• Suma Plant
• Echinacea
• Iron
• Co-enzyme Q10
• Liquid Spirilina

A Mindset that Leads to an Invigorating Experience

A positive and optimistic mindset that is focused on Gratitude, Love, Passion and Joy will almost instantly boost your reservoirs of energy. Learn to cultivate these emotions each and every day, and you will be blessed with an increased amounts of energy.

Simple Mind Shifting Strategies for Improving Energy

Simple strategies such as developing an empowering set of beliefs, utilizing affirmations correctly, and reading self-help books can - and will - set your energy on track and moving in the right direction. The next time you are feeling a little tired or under the weather, go ahead and pick up an inspirational book that will touch your emotions in a positive and unforgettable manner.

Simple things can - and do - usually have a significant, yet subtle, impact on the levels of energy we experience throughout our day. As a side example, have you ever felt sorry for yourself, and then suddenly someone gave you a compliment that you hadn’t expected, or that secret crush gave you a warm and welcoming smile. Isn’t it interesting how such simple things can all of a sudden awaken our reservoirs of energy from its deep and dark slumber?

Other Energy Enhancing Activities & Triggers

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We will finish off our discussion about enhancing energy with a look at some other key critical areas that can have a long-lasting and moving impact on the levels of energy you experience throughout your day:

Regular exercise is the Key to Long Lasting Energy

Exercise will be discussed in detail in a future Mind Map. However, for the purpose of this discussion it is important to understand that even though exercise is somewhat tiring, it does however have a long-term effect on our energy levels. By partaking in sports, jogging, cycling or swimming, you are enhancing your levels of fitness which will provide you with better stamina to deal stress and other daily activities that you must manage on a weekly basis. There are also lower impact exercises that can introduce you to a wide variety of movements that naturally enhance energy and allow for a greater flow of oxygen into your lungs. These types of exercises include:

• Tai Chi
• Yoga
• Chi Gong
• Simple Stretching

Finally, a great energy boosting exercise that is oftentimes overlooked is Trampoline Rebounding. Trampoline Rebounding has many side benefits that primarily help in removing the build up of toxins that accumulate within the body. It also builds strength, cardiovascular capacity, balance, is supposedly 68% more efficient than jogging, increases metabolism, lowers elevated cholesterol and triglyceride levels, while increasing the performance of the heart and circulatory system. All you need is a small circular Rebound Trampoline and you can workout from any room of your home.

Periods of Relaxation will Reinvigorate Your Body

For some people life is all about work, work, and more work! However, for most of these people life is also about emotional burnouts and extended periods of fatigue. We all go through periods in our life where we find our passions, our true callings, and we move forward without rest or give a second thought to our actions. These are no doubt exciting moments in our lives. However, we must always be watchful of our body’s limitations and longings. Holidays, regular breaks, spending time in nature, indulging in a relaxing massage, a bubble bath, or meditating within a peaceful and quiet setting can dramatically increase your body’s energy levels for the long-term. You should essentially incorporate these activities into your daily routine and schedule, so that you effectively balance out your lifestyle between work, play and simple relaxation.

Set Goals to Create Motivation and Inspiration

Goals are the carrots that drive and propel us forward no matter how difficult the journey becomes. They are also the energizing force behind our passions, visions and dreams. By setting inspiring and motivating goals, you will be propelled forward with a greater sense of energy and passion towards the things you value most in life.

Detoxify the Body through Colonics and Fasting

Earlier on we touched upon Colon Hydrotherapy and how it is important to experience regular bowl movements each and every day for increased health and improved energy. Fasting in a lot of ways goes hand-in-hand with the process of detoxifying the colon. Our digestive system works around the clock in an attempt to keep up with our eating indulgences. Because of stress and improper dietary consumption habits, we do place added pressure on our digestive tract that can lead to irregular bowel movements.

Simple detoxification strategies such as juice fasting one day a week or 3 to 5 consecutive days each month, can assist to regulate bowel movements and thusly enhance your energy levels. Coupled together with Colon Hydrotherapy, detoxification through fasting can be one of the most effective strategies that will go a long way towards enhancing your energy levels. Again, please speak with your Colon Hydrotherapy Practitioner for further information, guidelines and suggestions.

Diaphragmatic Breathing for Improving Energy

It is becoming a well known fact that incorrect breathing can leads to increased levels of fatigue and sluggishness throughout the day. Have you ever noticed the breathing pattern of a new born baby? A baby will almost always breath from deep within their diaphragm (stomach region). However, as we grow older, we become a little too conscious about the size of our stomachs and too infatuated with our chest area And so we tend to move our breathing pattern from our diaphragm into our upper chest in order to accentuate this aspect of our body. By doing this we are significantly reducing the amount of oxygen we ingest into our body with every breath we take. This in turn provides our cells with less nourishment, which therefore leads to lower levels of energy.

From this moment on, begin by breathing once again - as you did when you were a baby - from your diaphragm. At first you will need to be consciously aware of this process, however with a little diligence and effort this will once again become second nature for you, and you will be rewarded with an increased sense of invigoration and energy.

Empower Your Physiology

Earlier we touched upon the power and impact that our physiology has on our energy levels. To make this work for you, enhance your physiology by improving your posture, by adding a little zip to your step, and by undertaking tasks with a sense of purpose and enthusiasm. Very simple suggestions that could very well have a considerable impact on the levels of energy you experience throughout your day.

Enhance the Air that You Breathe

Our air is riddled with pollutants, dust mites, bacteria and other unhealthy particles that drain our energy and bring about bouts of fatigue. To improve the air quality of your home or bedroom, look into purchasing a good quality air purifier. A negative particle ionizer is also an effective means for promoting a greater sense of energy and well-being.

Light Up Your Nights & Days with Full Spectrum Lighting

If you have ever spent a long enough period of time walking through the isles of a supermarket, than you probably understand how draining the lighting can be on the body. Most supermarkets do not utilize full spectrum lighting. Only full spectrum lighting covers the entire electromagnetic spectrum that is comparable to the sun. In order for our bodies to be at peak energy and conditioning, we need to be exposed to full spectrum lighting each and every day.

If however you work all day within an office that doesn’t have full spectrum lighting, than you are very likely suffering the consequences of working within this type of environment. If you cannot expose yourself to the sun for short bursts throughout your day, than you might like to consider purchasing a Light Box which can assist in improving your energy levels.

Learn More About the Practices of Ayurveda

The ancient Ayurvedic practices are well known for their energy enhancing abilities. Dr. Deepak Chopra is probably the most well known Ayurvedic spokesperson in the world. If you would like to learn more about Ayurveda and its benefits, simply do a Google search or visit Amazon.

Laugh & be Social

Laughter naturally triggers the release of chemicals within the body that enhance mental alertness and energy. Through the simple act of laughing more often, and associating with positive and uplifting individuals, you will find that your energy levels will improve in many unexpected ways.

Seek the Company of Positive & Inspiring People

Have you ever known someone who just had this amazing and uncanny ability to uplift you in moments when you thought that the whole world was literally falling apart? These are the people you should be associating with each and every day. They are the energy builders, the ones who will provide you with an energy boost when you need it most, make you smile when all you want to do is cry, and make everything okay when no matter the time or day. Cultivate these friendships at every moment and opportunity you get. They can very well be your lifeblood when all other strategies fail.

Final Thoughts

Building abundant amounts of energy throughout your day is as simple as following a recipe for your favorite home cooked meal. Just take the ingredients presented within this Mind Map and mix them into an energy cocktail that will bring more happiness and fulfillment into your life. Just make sure not to add that extra dash of sugar, as it could ruin the taste

I hope you enjoyed this post, and if you have any further thoughts, ideas, reflections or suggestions about this topic, than please feel free to comment below.

Spotlight on the MasterMind Matrix

The process of Creating Abundant Energy is an important and indispensable component of the MasterMind Matrix.

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The MasterMind Matrix is a Psychological Chart of Personal Success and Achievement. It is used as an effective Self-Coaching tool that will help guide you through the personal obstacles, setbacks and limitations that may stand in your way as you progress towards the attainment of your goals and objectives in the field of academics, business, career, sports, or life in general.

Each IQ Matrix Mind Map that is available through this website represents a single cell fragment of the MasterMind Matrix. For more information and images, visit the MasterMind Matrix page.

Free Articles and Online Resources

Here are a number of highly recommended free articles and online resources that will further help expand your understanding about this topic:

• The Energy In All of Us - Part 2 @ Change Your Thoughts
• Re-Energize - How to Get Past Your Midday Slump @ Ririan Project
• 10 Ways to Improve Your Energy @ Scott H Young
• Energize Your Mornings @ Scott H Young
• Top 5 Ways to Double Your Energy Without Caffeine @ Lifehack
• 25 Fun Ways to Pamper Your Body and Increase Vitality @ We the Change
• 22 Ways to Never Feel Tired Again @ Cultivate Greatness
• How to Cope with Low Energy Levels @ Sri Chinmoy Inspiration
• Detoxify Yourself: 101 Tips to Remove the Poison from Your Body and Your Life @ Cultivate Greatness
• 50 Ways to Boost Your Energy Without Caffeine @ NOEDb
• Alternative Energy: 7 Herbs to Boost Your Energy @ Ego Development
• 69 Natural Ways to Increase Your Energy Levels @ Organic Coupons
• Weight Management & Fitness Forum @ Weight Master
• The 4 Worst Energy Zappers in Your Life @ The Change Blog

Recommended Books

• Living Foods for Optimum Health: Staying Healthy in an Unhealthy World by Theresa Foy Digeronimo & Brian R. Clement
• Positive Energy: 10 Extraordinary Prescriptions for Transforming Fatigue, Stress, and Fear into Vibrance, Strength & Love by Judith Orloff

If you would like to download a copy of this IQ Matrix, it is available from the IQ Matrix Shop.