4 minThis blog was written by Kari - De Groene Mama - in collaboration with VitaminFit. In this blog, Kari writes about the important topic of “energy”. Read on to find out more!
When I heard that it was Energy Month at VitaminFit, I immediately wanted to think about this theme. Because what does energy actually mean to me? And what gives me energy? When do I run out of energy? Who or what demands more energy than it provides? These are questions I don't ask myself every day, but as soon as I think about them, a lot comes to mind. So it's a fascinating topic! In this blog, I'm going to explore this topic. Will you join me?
Energy, like health, is something we often take for granted. When we have it, we think it's normal, but when we don't have it, we realise how essential it is for a happy life. So it's worth thinking about your energy regularly. Even, or perhaps especially, when you seem to have enough. Because if you analyse which factors contribute to sufficient energy during those energy-rich phases of your life, you can draw inspiration from them during more difficult periods. When you have little energy, it is more difficult to think clearly about the things that give you energy. So whatever your energy level is at the moment, I hope this energy blog will help you.
What is energy, anyway?
Of course, there are all kinds of physical processes behind your energy management. Numerous vitamins, minerals, compounds and processes influence how much energy you have. I'm not a doctor or a biologist, so I mainly look at it from a different perspective: what does energy mean to you?
For me, energy means more than just having a powerful body. For me, energy is having a zest for life. Feeling the energy to do fun things with my children, in my work, in my relationship and in my free time. It's waking up in good spirits and (perhaps after your first cup of coffee) feeling that whatever is on the agenda, you can handle it. For me, that doesn't mean that everything always has to work out, or that I don't fail every now and then. But it does mean that I feel joy in life. I feel like playing, working, living: loving. Some days this means I can reach new heights – in parenting, in work assignments, in the climbing gym – and other days a good start or making a little progress is more than enough. But whatever I do, when my energy management is in order, I feel joy. Then I feel energised to tackle my life as a green mum.
Where do I get my energy from?
Grab a piece of paper and a pen and just start writing freely: write down everything that comes to mind when you think of energy. For me, that includes: the children, bouldering, art and museums, being in the woods and on the beach, lovely, inspiring people and conversations, green companies with a heart for the planet that I get to work with, creating creative content and writing blogs, a cosy, clean and tidy house, good food, vegan cooking, working in the garden, doing yoga, trying new things, such as cold dipping, discovering and listening to beautiful music, going to concerts.
The list just got longer and longer, and I think if I keep going, I can think of many more things. There are so many things, activities and people that give me energy. That list can help me rebuild my energy levels on days, moments or periods when I have less energy.
A little help
Last year, I got divorced and moved with my daughters. It was an intense period of DIY, moving, decorating, grieving and, of course, continuing to work and take care of the children. After a few months, my body said: hey, I'm still here. As a vegan, I take dietary supplements every day, but then I decided to go for a little extra support. A multivitamin with vitamin D is always nice, because I know it supports a number of essential processes related to energy and health. I also choose specific supplements that are indispensable in my plant-based diet, such as vitamin B12 and omega 3. And because I exercise a lot, I also take magnesium.
I never see supplements as a magic solution for health and energy. I really see them as a supplement. A supplement to healthy food and the things I mentioned above, which give me energy. And also a support to be able to continue doing all the fun and necessary things!
