Yoga Is For… Energy
Less caffeine, more exercise: how we work alongside the latest free class from SKY TING yoga studio to combat fatigue and boost energy levels.
Fatigue is a common issue, affecting up to 20% of the population, and can impact us at any time for various reasons including dehydration, poor nutrition including excessive refined carbohydrates and inadequate protein intake, lack of good quality sleep and stress. Fatigue can be defined as an overwhelming feeling of tiredness and lack of energy that is linked to both physical and mental states, and when it’s severe enough to interfere with your daily activities long-term, it’s classified as Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).
Less obvious perhaps, but another one of the most common reasons for low energy is not getting enough B12, particularly for vegetarians and vegans since B12 only occurs in animal protein and products and not plants. The human body needs vitamin B12 to make red blood cells, nerves, DNA, and carry out other vital functions, but deficiency is common since some people don’t consume enough vitamin B12 to meet their needs while others are simply unable to absorb enough.
We formulated ENERGY FOOD + PREBIOTIC (available in single-serve packets or a jar) with 100% of your daily vitamin B12 dosage to boost and stabilize energy levels, reduce cortisol, support healthy adrenal function and immunity. The formula is also caffeine-free, which is particularly beneficial since caffeine has been found to actually cause fatigue—so it’s worth thinking twice before sleepily reaching for your cafetière.
Resting might also feel like the natural thing to do when you’re tired and are naturally lacking motivation to exercise, but having a sedentary lifestyle—where much time is spent seated—can actually make fatigue worse, creating a cycle that can feel difficult to break. Of course, sedentary behaviour is also more common now for so many of us during the COVID-19 pandemic while gyms and offices are closed and a commute is non-existent.
Studies indicate “an association between physical activity and a reduced risk of experiencing feelings of low energy and fatigue when active adults were compared with sedentary peers” while Mental Health America advocates for exercise’s benefits including an increase in energy levels. So although it may seem counterintuitive, trying exercise to boost your energy levels may be the solution you’ve been looking for.
Our yoga class from New York studio SKY TING features a rhythmic class of sun salutations, inversions, backbends and activating breathwork to energize the system, guided by co-founders Krissy Jones and Chloe Kernaghan. “Sun Salutations are a great way to start a yoga practice,” they explain. “They get you warm, focused, and ready for longer hold standing poses. The single breath per movement variations of poses in Sun Sals gets a lot of current pumping in our body, making us feel energized and ready for anything.”
Alongside bhastika breath which they also used in the Yoga Is For Bloating class, they advise Dancer's Pose to “open up” since it requires balance, energy, and creates space in the body, while handstands are used as “the epitome of an energizing pose”, using strength, balance and attention. “Going upside down is amazing for circulation, stamina, and your lungs.”
So what time of day should yoga be practised for an energy boost? “We think it's great to take a break from your normal work schedule at that afternoon time when you might want to reach for another coffee or a sugary treat”, suggest Krissy and Chloe. “Instead, try a little yoga: drop into the breath, move your body around, and give yourself a natural energy boost to refresh.”
Try the Yoga Is For Energy class here.