Energizing Techniques for Moms
With constant diaper duties, baby-soothing duties, homework-helping duties, cooking chores, cleaning tasks, and everyday work to deal with, it’s no wonder many mothers struggle to keep their energy levels up throughout the day. Motherhood can be absolutely exhausting, no matter how good at it you are. In this chapter, you’ll learn some simple exercises and discover stones, scents, colors, and charms to help you recharge your batteries whenever you’re slumping.
Energizing Rituals and Visualizations
We mothers know that just because we need a break doesn’t mean we can always take one. Sometimes there are pressing demands that require our effort and attention, regardless of whether we have the energy to do a proper job of it. Whenever you find yourself struggling to ward off exhaustion or apathy and conjure up some motivation, try any of these fast and easy rituals or visualizations to increase your energy. Each can be completed in less than five minutes, and you’ll be able to return to your day with a renewed sense of power and purpose.
Smiling Visualization for Energy
This visualization is super quick and easy and can be performed almost anywhere. Sit or stand comfortably, close your eyes, and simply smile. Let your feelings carry you, and allow images to form naturally in your mind. Do not stop smiling. This is the key to tapping into the energy reserves inside you. Smiling triggers a sense of gratitude and fills your mind with images of people and things you love, which in turn helps you feel genuinely happy and energized. Let these images of the people and things you love develop as fully and clearly as possible in your mind and heart, and allow those loving feelings to expand throughout your body. Grin even bigger for a moment as these feelings and images flow through you. Open your eyes and let the warmth in your soul carry you throughout the rest of the day.
Animal Power Energizing Visualization
Think of an animal you admire, something fast, fierce, strong, or courageous. You might imagine a lion, an eagle, or any other animal you feel drawn to at the moment. Visualize yourself transforming into this animal. Imagine your body changing, your mind becoming primal and animalistic. See yourself traveling easily through the wilderness, racing along the forest floor, or soaring high above in the sky. Imagine that you’re looking through the animal’s eyes. What does the world look like from this new perspective? If the animal you have chosen makes sound, make this sound now—roar, bark, hoot, whatever it is. If your animal is silent, take a moment to move your body like that animal. You might imagine that you are extending sharp claws, that you are spreading wide wings, that your limbs are strong and supple. Come out of your animal visualization gently. Envision yourself slowly changing back into human form. Look at the ground at your feet and see a small stone statue of the animal whose form you just took. Pick up this statue, place it in your pocket, and return to reality. By stirring up your animal instincts, this ritual will have you feeling powerful and energetic in no time.
Tree Dance Energizing Ritual
Go outside and place your hands around the trunk of a tree. Try to clear your mind and focus on feeling the energies pulsating within the tree. Get in tune with this power; feel it, listen to it, mimic its vibration with your own energy that flows from your hands. Envision a circuit of power, your energy flowing into the tree and the tree’s energies flowing back into you. Absorb this energy through your hands and feel it travel up your arms and spread throughout your body, bringing a feeling of warmth, strength, renewal, and power. When you feel like your energy levels have been restored, release your grip and dance around the tree for a moment. Clap your hands together a few times while feeling the energy within you rise even further. When you feel your whole body pulsating with energy, envision your goals for the rest of the day being met with ease. Raise your arms up to the sky and wiggle your fingertips to release your wishes into the universe. Take a moment to appreciate the tree as well as the surrounding environment and express your gratitude, then return to your day with renewed power.
Energizing Water Ritual
Pour a glass of fresh, cool water. Use a clear or blue glass if possible so it’s more in tune with the water element, or choose an orange or a red cup to symbolize energy. Hold the glass in your hands and envision a raging river, a rushing waterfall, or crashing waves. Call into the glass the energies of this raging water. Think of the strength and power of water, how it can cut a path through solid rock or erode away a mountainside. Imagine the water in your glass sharing this same strength and power; visualize it pulsating with a bright, clear, purifying energy. Drink the water and let this new energy flow through your body to revitalize and refresh you.
Energizing Ritual Bath
When you have a little more time to spend, try this energizing ritual bath. Cut a small circle of lace or other gauzy fabric, about three inches in diameter. If you don’t have such a fabric, you can snip off the toe from a pair of old pantyhose and use that. Place on the fabric one piece of citrine, one clear quartz crystal, and a few pieces of orange peel. Gather up the sides of the fabric and tie it securely at the top to make a little bundle that will keep the stones and the orange from slipping out into the bathtub. Fill the tub and place the fabric bundle in the warm water. As you begin your bath, think of the energies of the stones and the orange blending with the energies of the bathwater. Visualize the water glowing with a bright, hot light. Think about the energy in the water and imagine this energy flowing into your body, absorbed through your skin. Trust in your abilities and pull this energy into your core. Finish your bath with a quick rinse in cool water.
Top Ten Stones for Energy
These stones can be utilized to gain a quick burst of energy when you need it most or to keep your power levels up consistently throughout the day.
Amesite: This stone increases physical energy while infusing the mind and spirit with a blast of optimism and positive power.
Aragonite: This stone increases mental confidence, replenishes physical energy, and empowers the spirit to take effective action.
Azurite: This stone is useful in bringing strength, increasing tenacity, and activating the unused power of your mind, body, and spirit.
Citrine: This stone has a strong, vibrant energy associated with the sun. Use it to lift your spirits and energize your body and mind.
Clear Quartz: A natural amplifier and storehouse of energy, clear quartz can be used to activate your hidden energy reserves and give you a boost of power when you’re feeling worn out.
Kyanite: This stone activates your body’s energy centers and improves the flow of energy throughout the body.
Red Jasper: This stone will help fortify and strengthen your tenacity while replenishing your energy reserves.
Tiger’s Eye: This stone increases physical energy while bolstering courage and boosting confidence.
Tourmaline: This stone increases physical energy and boosts mental alertness.
Zincite: This stone activates the chakras and restores your body’s natural energy.
Using Stones for Energy
There are many ways to utilize stones to help increase and maintain your energy. Try placing your energizing stones in areas of the home where you find yourself feeling the most worn out. You might place them near the washer and dryer or other chore areas, or place them near your favorite resting spot—perhaps near that big, squishy chair you tend to collapse in whenever exhaustion gets the better of you. You might also carry some energizing stones in your pockets or purse or incorporate them into jewelry so they’ll be near your body at all times. You might decide to keep your energizing stones in a special box and just take them out when you need them. For most of us, our energy levels tend to fluctuate throughout the day, and there are certain times when we’re nearly always tired. This might be early morning for some people, evening for others, late night after the children finally fall asleep, or any time in between. You might try pulling out your energizing stones during these down times to give yourself a boost of power.
To activate your energizing stones, simply hold the stone in your hand and close your fingers around it. You might even lie down for a moment and place the energizing stones on your chest, right on top of your solar plexus, or breastbone. Feel the way the stone pulsates with energy, and envision this power being drawn into your body, filling your being with invigorating vibrations. Once you’ve absorbed all the energy you can from the stone, seal the deal with a positive affirmation: “I am energized, alive, awake, and great!”
Top Ten Scents for Energy
The magick of scent can help increase your energy and restore your vigor whenever exhaustion strikes. You can use scents in the form of essential oils, fresh or dried herbs, potpourri, or scented products like lotions or soaps. Remember to use essential oils sparingly and never take them internally while pregnant (and even if you’re not pregnant, you must still exercise great caution to make sure what you’re taking is safe). If you’re using essential oil on the skin, make sure it’s an oil that’s safe to use that way, and be sure to dilute it first in a carrier such as jojoba or coconut oil using a proportion of no more than 1 to 3 percent essential oil. For safest use, combine a few drops of essential oil with about two ounces of water, and use it as a room spray to add a light fragrance, or simply place a drop of the oil onto a cotton ball and take a quick whiff.
The following scents can be used to provide a burst of energy whenever you need it.
Basil: Fresh and earthy, basil improves the mood and increases stamina. Attuned with the planet Mars, it works well for bolstering willpower and encouraging optimism whenever your energy level or general outlook hits a downward slump.
Bergamot: This sweet citrus scent associated with the planet Mercury and the air element has floral notes to help elevate your spirit and invigorate and recharge your mind. Do not apply directly to the skin, as it can cause photosensitivity.
Cinnamon: Rich, earthy, and spicy, the scent of cinnamon boosts energy and magnifies passion. Attuned with the fiery sun, it’s a good scent to use to help you meet the day with enthusiasm and courage. Do not apply directly on the skin, as it can cause irritation.
Frankincense: This exotic, heady scent will leave you feeling strong, fortified, and spiritually attuned. Corresponding to the sun and the fire element, it’s filled with powerful energies that pack a punch.
Grapefruit: The light citrus scent of grapefruit increases optimism and uplifts the spirit. Attuned with the sun, it can be used to restore good feelings and high energy when you’re feeling low on power. Do not apply directly to the skin, as it can cause photosensitivity.
Lemon: Light and fresh, this scent invigorates and purifies the aura. It’s attuned with both the sun and the moon and can be used to increase your energy and refresh your spirit night or day. Do not apply directly to the skin, as it can cause photosensitivity.
Marigold: This distinctive floral scent has an intensity that amplifies magickal power and replenishes an exhausted psyche. Attuned with solar energies, marigold can be used to promote happiness and recharge your inner charisma whenever you’re feeling mentally drained.
Orange: Powerful and refreshing, this scent increases energy and awakens inner strength and confidence. It’s attuned with the sun and is beneficial for improving stamina and encouraging cheerfulness. Do not apply directly to the skin, as it can cause photosensitivity.
Patchouli: Rich and heady, this scent magnifies passion and fortifies the spirit. Attuned with the earth element and the planet Saturn, it’s a good scent to choose for grounding and centering your energies when you feel weary or scattered.
Tangerine: This rich citrus scent enlivens and cheers. Attuned with solar energies, it’s a good scent to use to bring energy and improve your mood. Do not apply directly to the skin, as it can cause photosensitivity.
Colors for Energy
Incorporate these colors into clothing, jewelry, décor, and magickal charms to increase your energy throughout the day. You might try a simple color meditation, focusing on any one of the colors listed here. You can gaze at a small square of paper in the chosen color or simply close your eyes and imagine the color. Let the color flood your mind, and allow your feelings to flow naturally. How does this color make you feel? What thoughts and emotions does it inspire? Try a few different colors to find your best energizing shades. Once you have your best match, it’s easy to conjure up this color in your mind whenever your energy levels could use a boost.
Gold: Spiritual strength, faith, enthusiasm, and the power of the stars.
Orange: Willpower, desire, energy, and the powers of the fire element and the sun.
Red: Passion, power, strength, and the power of the fire element.
White: Purity, energy, power, and the renewing force of nature.
Yellow: Action, swiftness, mental alertness, and the powers of the air element and the sun.
Energizing Exercises
Getting the body moving is one of the best ways to stimulate blood flow and increase your energy. Try these quick and easy exercises anytime you need to wake up a bit. These exercises are good throughout pregnancy and beyond. You might want to try doing all of these first thing in the morning to help you start the day alert and ready to go. Throughout all these exercises, keep your knees soft and keep your breath deep, full, and even.
Hip Energizer
Wake up the hips. Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and place your hands on your hips. Move your hips around in a wide, full circle, ten times in one direction and then ten times in the other direction.
Knee Energizer
Place your hands above your knees, with legs bent. Keeping your feet stationary and your legs bent throughout the exercise, move your knees around in a full circle. Go ten times in one direction and then ten times in the other direction.
Ankle Energizer
Hold on to the back of a chair or another sturdy object to help you keep your balance. Lift one foot off the ground and move your ankle around in a complete circle. Do this for ten rotations, then switch feet and do ten more circles with the other ankle.
Shoulder and Chest Energizer
Start by reaching out in front of you, holding your arms straight and spreading your fingers wide (Figure 16a). Keep your knees soft; don’t lock them. Pull back as if you’re trying to touch your shoulder blades together, bending your elbows as far back as they will go (Figure 16b). Next, swing the arms back up in front, and this time, cross one arm over the other (Figure 16c). From there, swing the arms straight back (Figure 16d). Now repeat, but when you cross the arms, change which arm is on top. This is all done with a smooth, swinging motion. Do this at least ten times to open up the chest, lungs, and upper back.
Stimulating the Chi
This exercise stimulates the chi, or energy, of the entire body. Chi is our vital life force. Doing this exercise is highly effective for stimulating the chi and activating the entire energy of the body. Begin with your knees soft and your arms held loosely by your sides. After that, it’s all swinging motions. To begin, swing both arms to the left side and look over the left shoulder. Next, swing your arms around to the right side, and turn your torso so that you’re now looking over your right shoulder. Each time you repeat this, swing the arms a little bit higher, first level with the waist, then the ribs, then the chest, and then the shoulders (Figure 17a), then returning back to the waist in descending order (Figure 17b). Repeat this pattern until you achieve a steady flow of energy as you swing the arms from side to side. Keep your arms heavy and swing them like you would swing the arms of a rag doll.
If you’re doing this exercise while pregnant, you’ll find that the baby loves this movement. Be soft with your body and let the energy lead the way. Finish this off by placing your hands on your chest and taking some deep breaths. As you exhale, rub your hands down the front of your chest and stomach, visualizing any tired, weary energies being wiped away off the body. Repeat this at least three times, then return to your day. This exercise is sure to deliver anytime you need a quick pick-me-up.
Energy Every Day
You’ve explored many techniques throughout this chapter for increasing your energy, from simple physical exercises to stimulating scents, colors, stones, and visualizations. The only keys you need to activate these tools are sleep and adequate nutrition. If you’re not sleeping well or eating right, your body has no chance of being at its best. Give yourself the rest you need and choose wisely what you eat. Combined with the tips in this chapter, you’ll have a winning system to help you meet each day head-on and full of energy.