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Dr. Mao's Wellness Living: Fun Ways To Boost Energy And Feel Great

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Dr. Mao Shing Ni

Posted Sep. 29, 2012, 11:00 pm

Dr. Mao Shing Ni / Mirror Columnist

It’s time to give yourself permission to have some fun! We know “all work and no play” leads to serious burn-out, so give your energy a boost and try these simple tips.

Energy-Boosting Habit: Take a 15-minute daily bliss break.

Part of what makes summer so fun, especially for children, is waking up with the feeling that the whole day is wide open to be enjoyed in any way at your leisure. The foremost cause of low energy is the stress of living in our fast-paced modern world. Coping with stress on a daily basis requires a lot of energy, which leave the average person completely drained. Guard your energy level from stress with a daily bliss break! Research tells us that joy boosts immune functions, and also increases the release of endorphins, the chemicals that give you a sense of well-being and energize your spirit.

While taking a whole day off from duties is not usually possible, give yourself just 15 minutes or a half hour during the day to do something fun. Surprise yourself! Take a picnic lunch at break, walk somewhere new to you, sing your favorite song, watch a funny video, play with a furry friend, doodle a picture, or read a poem -- whatever grabs you in the moment!

Energy-Boosting Habit: Spend three hours a week in the company of friends.

Summer’s longer days also mean more free time after work and on weekends that can be spent with family and friends. Try to block out three hours of free time in your schedule once a week. Then spontaneously decide with your family or friends what you will do -- go on a hike, pick fruit together, play games, make a themed dinner together, or any other positive, creative, or outdoor activity that lets you enjoy each other’s company.

Energy-Boosting Habit: Try drinking a daily “pick-me-up” tea every day.

Ginseng has been considered the king of energy tonics for several thousand years in Chinese medicine. Unlike coffee, which stimulates the central nervous system, ginseng elevates energy gently. Ginseng has also been associated with a stronger immune system and an overall sense of well-being. Try a daily cup of ginseng tea and see if it doesn’t power up your day!

Another tea option is to take advantage of the plentiful herbs that are freshly growing in the summer season. Make a tea from these herbs in any combination for a quick lift: bay, chives, cilantro, cinnamon, dill, garlic, ginger, leek, onion, oregano, parsley, peppermint, rosemary, and sage. All of these herbs and spices contain volatile oils that stimulate your senses and promote alertness.

Energy-Boosting Habit: Practice the Dao-In foot rub every day.

An ancient set of gentle exercises called Dao-In Qi Gong, or sometimes Chinese yoga, has an excellent reviving technique for low energy. Simply take one of your heels and rub it against the sole of your other foot until you feel heat in the massaged foot, then reverse the feet and repeat with the other heel. This rubbing massage activates a significant acupressure point for energy and vitality called Gushing Spring. Practice for five minutes with each foot – just not right before bedtime!

For more tips on ways to boost your energy and longevity read my book, "Secrets of Longevity: Dr. Mao’s Eight Week Program;" an interactive workbook full of insightful quizzes, satisfying checklists, and delicious recipes all designed to unlock the secrets to a longer, healthier, and happier life.

May you live long, live strong, and live happy!

Dr. Mao Shing Ni, best known as Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board certified anti-aging expert. He has appeared regularly on “Dr. Oz,” “The Doctors,” and “EXTRA.” Dr. Mao practices acupuncture, nutrition and Chinese medicine with his associates at the Tao of Wellness in Santa Monica and Newport Beach. Dr. Mao and his brother, Dr. Daoshing Ni founded Tao of Wellness more than 25 years ago in addition to also founding Yo San University in Marina del Rey. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter please visit www.taoofwellness.com. To make an appointment for evaluation and treatment please call 310.917.2200 or you can email Dr. Mao at contact@taoofwellness.com.