I want more energy

I didn’t realize what I was craving until I said it out loud.

I was doing a phone interview with a mental health expert about making New Year’s resolutions: whether or not to make them, tips for making helpful resolutions, and other such information.

We had veered off course a bit, talking about resolutions we had made in the past and what we might want for 2014.

“I want to have more energy,” I said.

It was one of those unplanned statements you make that you realize right away is so true.

Yes, I want more energy.

I’ll need energy for the things I want to do, for the adventures, for service to others.

Right now, I’m sitting at my home laptop after a long day at work.

We laid out the paper a day early because of the upcoming holiday, and we had an earlier than usual deadline.

On days like this, I come home feeling so tired. My bones and muscles ache. I pour down the caffeine, but I can’t seem to catch a second wind.

I have too many evenings like that and too many mornings when I’m already tired before I get started.

I get my work done. But how can I do it while feeling better, more energetic?

Better nutrition and exercise come to mind. So do following more of a routine and taking short breaks during the day.

It’s going to be an exploration for me in 2014, and I expect beyond, to find ways to feel more energetic, to feel less tired. I’m sure multiple things go into making me tired, and it will take multiple things to give me more energy.

I think all creatures have their rhythms of energy.

Sometimes Chase Bird wants to play.

He has his toy!

Sometimes Chase Bird is so sleepy.

I need to find ways to channel my energy more effectively.

How do you keep up your energy?

I’ll be back tomorrow, but in case I miss you then, I want to wish you a peaceful and joyful 2014. Happy New Year!

I’ve got some energy!

The last remnants of a day that was busier than usual.

The other day over lunch, I asked Larry if he had noticed any difference in me over the past two weeks or so.

He laughed.

“You vacuumed,” he said. “And you put away the dishes that were in the dishwasher.”

It’s embarrassing to admit that my doing those things would make seem different. But he was right.

I’ve been doing more just within the last several days. I feel more energetic and motivated.

What gives?

I’m not sure. But I’m hoping it’s a new supplement routine I’m on.

Almost three weeks ago I saw my psychiatrist for a regular visit. I’m on an antidepressant that has worked really well in lifting me out of the depths of depression.

But as I told my doctor, I’ve had a lot of trouble with energy and motivation. It’s hard for me to summon the energy and desire to do much activity beyond what I have to do: go to work, take care of the surface things at home, do some writing, sleep.

I haven’t been doing my share of the housework. I haven’t wanted to do anything extra. I’ve felt blah.

The doctor told me we could try adding another medication, something we’ve tried with two medications already. Or we could change the medication I’m currently on.

Neither of those choices appealed to me. This antidepressant I’m on has worked well. It’s just the stubborn lack of energy that bothers me.

Then the doctor suggested that I try taking a B complex supplement. He said he didn’t know if it would help, but lack of B vitamins could be affecting me.

For over two years, I didn’t eat any meat. Lately I’ve added back some seafood and chicken. But I could still be lacking in vitamins such as B12.

He was almost apologetic in suggesting the supplement. But I was willing to try it.

He ordered some blood work to check my thyroid and my vitamin levels, among other things. But he said wanted me to go ahead and take the B complex.

I still haven’t gotten the results from the blood work yet. (That’s another story. I’m not happy about that.)

I started taking a B complex supplement about two-and-a-half weeks ago.

It contains a large dose of B12, vitamin C, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, B6, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid.

I also take a multivitamin, per my doctor’s advice, and flax seed oil pills for the omega-3.

I’ve been religious about taking the supplements every day. And by golly, I’m feeling more energy. I take on tasks instead of just looking at things and walking away. I feel better.

If it’s the vitamins that are helping, that’s great. If it’s not—well, what does it matter if I’m feeling better?

Please note that I am not advising anyone else to take supplements of any kind. I am not a medical doctor. I am not an expert. Each person should consult his or her physician and make the decision about what to take, if anything.

All I can report is what I’m doing. I’m happy with the results so far.

Depression can be a stubborn illness. But I’m pleased that a variety of treatments, including in my case an antidepressant, monitored by my doctor, can help.

Do you take any supplements? Do they make a noticeable difference in how you feel?