By Dr. Mao
Have the demands of the holidays got you down? Are you so tired that you don’t know which way to turn?
As humans, we are hardwired to enjoy sweets and many of us turn to them when we are tired or
stressed. Sweets cause our brains to manufacture serotonin which elevates our mood and increases our
sense of well-being. Sweet, sugary foods also release opioids, natural chemicals that lead to feelings of
pleasure and happiness. On the flip side, when we eat sugary snacks, our blood sugar spikes and then
our energy sinks even lower than it was before.
Well then, how about a little caffeine as an energy boost? One or two cups of coffee, black tea or hot
chocolate in the morning can jump start our day and improve our memory, mood, and energy, but too
much caffeine in the late afternoon or evening can make it difficult for us to fall asleep. That's the
perfect time to switch to Infinichi's delightful, naturally decaffeinated Ancient Treasures herbal tea, an
all-natural, cleansing, circulation-boosting and relaxing brew.
Okay, so sweets make us feel worse and too much caffeine can leave us sleepless, but how about naps?
A catnap is a pleasant luxury and an easy way to relax and rejuvenate. It is best to nap before 4 pm or
we may be too wide awake to fall asleep at night. A 20-minute early afternoon nap can provide a nice
power boost, but if we nap much longer than that, we drift into the deeper stages of sleep, our brain
waves slow down and we feel groggy or dazed when we wake up.
Another way to increase energy and relieve stress is to take a brisk morning stroll — it invigorates us and
gives us a natural energy boost that will last the entire day. Walking increases blood circulation and our
supply of oxygen; it increases the protein that boosts mental acuity and helps us sleep well at night. The
morning sun and cool air refreshes us and elevates our mood, and gives us a little extra time to plan our
day.
Chi gong is another healthy option. In traditional Chinese medicine, chi is the dynamic force that keeps
us alive, and gong refers to the cultivation of robust life-force energy. Some people practice chi gong for
exercise and physical well-being while others practice it for emotional balance. Either way, chi gong
requires that we focus on the present which creates distance from stress and helps us enter a calm, non-
thinking and peaceful state of mind.
We hope that you are taking time to take care of yourself during the busy holiday season; goodness
knows you deserve it!
May you Live Long, Live Strong, and Live Happy!
— Dr. Mao is a bestselling author, doctor of Oriental Medicine and board
certified anti-aging expert. He has recently appeared on Dr. Oz, and contributes to Yahoo Health and
The Huffington Post. To subscribe to his tip-filled newsletter please visit www.infinichi.com. To learn
more about your Core Element or to take the Element Quiz, visit Infinich.com.
