We all have days when the energy we thought we’d wake up with seems elusive, like you’re arduously dragging yourself through the motions all while waiting for that magical burst of motivation to light you up. The good news is that with just a few tricks, gaining more energy doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. When you add self care practices into your routine, you can reconnect with your energy reserves naturally. So today in the journal, we are sharing some simple yet powerful techniques to help you learn how to gain more energy right now.
What is a body scan? A body scan is one of the easiest ways to reconnect with yourself and release tension you might not even realize you're holding. This simple practice is a mindfulness technique where you mentally scan your body from head to toe, noticing any areas of tightness, discomfort, or fatigue. Find a quiet place where you won’t be disturbed, and sit or lie down in your most comfortable kimono robe. Let the silky texture lull you towards relaxation. Then, close your eyes and start by taking a few deep breaths. Slowly bring your attention to the top of your head and mentally check in with each part of your body, working your way down to your toes. If you find any tension, breathe deeply into that area and visualize the stress melting away. A body scan only takes a few minutes, yet it can leave you feeling grounded and refreshed, as if you've pressed a reset button on your body. Slipping into a luxury silk robe and checking in with your body as a morning routine is a great way to set the tone for a day full of energy.
If your mind feels like it’s buzzing with too many thoughts, meditation can help quiet the noise and restore focus. All you need is 5-10 minutes of uninterrupted time. For our team at KIM+ONO, slipping into a favorite silky floral robe is a beautiful way to create an environment for meditation. Find a comfortable seated position, and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out, or use a simple mantra like “I am energized” to keep your mind from wandering. Meditation doesn’t have to be tricky — just a few minutes of intentional stillness can help clear mental clutter, allowing you to access more energy throughout the day. Even if you don’t have time for a lengthy session, a brief pause can work wonders for your mental clarity and focus.
Recently there’s been buzz in the news about sitting all day being equivalent to smoking cigarettes. We all know it’s important to get up and walk throughout the day, but an intuitive walk takes it a (literal) step further. Instead of planning a route to check off your list, or speed-walking to burn calories and break a sweat, intuitive walking invites you to move at your own pace while paying attention to what your body needs and what the environment tells you. Do you want to walk faster or slower? Are you drawn to certain paths or sights? This kind of mindful movement helps you reconnect with your body and the world around you, providing a gentle energy boost. Before heading out, slip into a women’s silk robe to remind yourself that a little stroll is a lot of self care. Especially on the days you don’t want to do it. While you walk, focus on how your feet feel against the ground, the air against your skin, and the natural sounds around you. This practice can transform a simple walk into a deeply energizing experience, helping you feel more present and alive.
Shaking is a somatic practice that’s surprisingly effective at releasing stress and stuck energy. It’s exactly what it sounds like—standing in place and shaking your body from head to toe. Start with your arms, then your legs, and work your way up to shaking your whole body in whatever way feels good to you. This technique helps your body let go of tension and stagnant energy, leaving you feeling lighter and more energized. It’s a quick and fun way to shake off stress, especially if you’re feeling overwhelmed or sluggish. Plus, it doesn’t take more than a couple of minutes to feel the effects. End the practice by slipping into a luxury silk robe that feels like a hug for a fully sensory experience.
Tapping, or EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), combines acupressure with psychology to release emotional and physical tension. By gently tapping on specific points on your face and body while focusing on any stress or fatigue you're feeling, you can activate your body’s energy pathways and release blocked energy. This practice is simple yet powerful. You can tap on points like the side of your hand, your collarbone, or just under your eyes while repeating affirmations such as “I am full of energy” or “I release any tension I’m holding.” If you’re in need of a quick pick-me-up, tapping can help revitalize you within minutes.
Breathwork is also an excellent way to gain some extra energy very quickly. It involves intentionally controlling your breath to influence your physical, emotional, and mental state. One effective technique for gaining energy is the “breath of fire,” where you take short, rapid breaths in and out through your nose while keeping your mouth closed. You might be familiar with this from your yoga practice. Find a quiet space, and, if it helps, get comfortable in a silky floral robe to relax into the practice. Start with 1-2 minutes of breath of fire, and notice how your body heats up and your mind clears. This burst of oxygen can leave you feeling alert and revitalized in no time.
When self care becomes intentional, it becomes quite easy. By tapping into these self care practices, you can quickly reconnect to your energy source. Energy is always available to you; sometimes, you just need a new way to access it. So the next time you’re feeling drained, try one of these practices, slip into your favorite kimono robe, and reconnect to your beautiful, powerful energy.
