The prevalence of burnout, leading to fatigue, has increased in recent years. You yourself have probably experienced some of the many symptoms of fatigue, or low energy levels, and nearly half of you are likely to be experiencing fatigue at this very moment.
Acute, low-levels of fatigue are a good thing – signals that your body has expended energy, is tired and needs rest. Chronic fatigue – or a profound tiredness that persists regardless of rest – is serious and can be a sign of complicated health issues. From an Ayurvedic viewpoint, chronic fatigue is a sign of very low ojas, or strength, vitality and immunity. When ojas remain low for an extended period of time, disease is almost certain.
The symptoms of chronic fatigue include excessive tiredness, headache, dizziness, sore muscles, weak muscles, slow reflexes/responses, dull mind, brain fog, irritability, poor concentration, appetite loss, reduced immunity and low motivation. Needless to say, low energy levels affect your overall wellbeing.
This article focuses on energy and vitality from an Ayurvedic perspective to help you to gain insight into and tools for optimal energy levels for your personal constitution.
Balanced Energy
In a society where productivity is worn as a badge of honor, it only makes sense that we all wish we had endless energy. “Just think of how much more I could get done if I just had the energy for it?”
Even though we all know that over-working and over-exertion can result in fatigue and poor health, we can still feel driven by the false promises of “If I just work a little harder THEN there will be more space for relaxation.” This can create a vicious cycle of always delaying our wellbeing in favor of productivity, distraction and – ultimately – depletion. This can create chronic fatigue.
As someone who has lived with Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis – an autoimmune condition that depletes your energy – since childhood, I know all too well how hard it is to navigate energy crashes while also trying not to fall behind. Luckily, with the wisdom of Ayurveda and the tools I have gained over the years, I know what I need to do to sustain my energy levels or bounce back from overexertion when needed. I don’t have endless energy, I have knowledge, practices and tools to optimize my energy!
Energy, or bala in Sanskrit, is defined as the strength and vitality required for sustained physical or mental activity. When our energy is optimized, mood and general physiological health also improve. We are able to connect with our work, with others and with our environments. We experience increased motivation and have the mental clarity to shape and define our goals.
When energy levels are low, even just by a small amount, everything becomes cloudy. It is harder to connect to ourselves and the space around us and the motivation to make positive changes dissipates.
In Ayurveda, decreased energy looks and feels different for each person. Understanding your unique constitution and unique needs will help you to understand how to manage your energy.
Ayurvedic Causes of Fatigue
Vata/Air-Type
Vatas enjoy movement and activity, but also need to balance this natural energy with rest. Too much activity, interaction, talking, etc. drains vata energy. Distracted vata energy makes it easy to forget to eat and eating irregularly does not give the body the sustenance it needs. Vatas can seem to have a lot of energy for short spurts, but then crash later on to the point where they are too tired to sleep. This is called “tired but wired”.
Pitta/Fire-Type
Fire energy is driven by action and transformation, leading pittas toward overdoing. This can be intense exercise, over-working in a professional setting or overthinking and planning. Pittas may initially get energy and excitement from everything on their “to-do” lists, but with an unattainable amount of activities and a lack of true rest, burnout results. Burnout fatigue can also come with irritability, frustration and potential bursts of anger.
Kapha/Earth-Type
Earth energy being stagnant and stable can sustain itself for a longer period of time relative to vata and pitta. However, inactivity itself can be a root cause of low energy or lack of motivation. Lethargy and melancholy are common symptoms of kapha imbalances. Although food can be a source of energy, sluggish digestion can result in heaviness.
Balancing Energy Levels for Each Dosha
Vata/Air-Type
- Spend some time each day in stillness and silence (combatting the excess motion of air).
- Eat regular meals of warm, cooked foods with warming spices like cumin, ginger or black pepper to kindle your internal digestive fire.
- Wind down for sleep early in the evening and learn good sleep hygiene practices.
Pitta/Fire-Type
- Learn to incorporate True Rest into your day and take short breaks between meetings or activities. Try our new Calming and Cooling Meditation.
- Drink CCF Tea or Pitta Tea throughout the day to kindle your inner fire without overheating.
- Alternate strength and cardio exercises with gentle body movements; yoga, tai chi, walking in nature, nature bathing, etc.
Kapha/Earth-Type
- Wake up early, to combat the heavy earth energy of the morning.
- Drink warm teas throughout the day with spices like ginger, cloves, and cinnamon to keep your digestion and metabolism fired up.
- Increase your heart rate with exercise: vigorous walking, biking, jogging, etc.
Optimizing your energy includes finding creative outlets that allow energy to flow through you in a way that actually recharges you. Healing with Ayurveda brings you closer to your true nature so you can learn to structure your time around your energy levels, and not the other way around.
Having clear boundaries about what you need and when you need it enables you to work with the rhythms of nature to find harmony. One can learn the best time for planning and goal setting, errands and physical tasks and – most importantly – the best ways to recharge your energy. Working with a trained clinical practitioner is the best way to implement the most appropriate and specific recommendations for your unique you.
Article authored by Chloe Chaput, who is dedicated to her role as a Clinical Ayurvedic Specialist (CAS) to work with women’s health, male and female fertility challenges, parents/caregivers, and children to address a variety of clinical health concerns at the root of their cause. Contact Path Wellbeing today to set up your appointment with Chloe Chaput, CAS.
The information contained within this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace the direct advice of a doctor or other qualified healthcare professional. Always consult a medical or other professional healthcare provider when considering a new health regime.
