Photo: Supplied.
BY CHEREE SHELDON, QUALIFIED NATUROPATH, FLANNERYS ORGANIC WHOLEFOOD MARKET, VICTORIA POINT HOMECO CENTRE
As the year draws to a close, many of us feel our energy waning and our sleep less restorative. The demands of daily life can leave us feeling run down and longing for a break. But what if you could naturally boost your energy and improve your sleep, without relying on quick fixes?
Foundations of Wellness
The journey to better sleep and sustained energy starts with the basics.
1. Hydration is key: drink plenty of clean, filtered water, ideally with added electrolytes and minerals to replenish your body. It’s simple advice, and colloidal minerals are an effective way to hydrate at a cellular level.
2. Nutrition is another cornerstone. Focus on a whole-food diet
rich in organic, local, and regenerative foods. Healthy fats, nutrients, and superfoods can supercharge your meals and support both body and mind.
3. Sleep is the backbone of energy and health. It restores the brain, clears metabolic waste, and supports overall wellbeing. The glymphatic system, which helps detoxify the brain, works best during deep sleep.
To optimise sleep, stick to a consistent routine and aim for seven to nine hours of sleep nightly. Switch off devices at least two hours before bed to reduce blue light exposure and support melatonin production. Supportive tools like mouth tape, nasal strips, eye masks, and earplugs can help you drift into deeper sleep.
4. Medicinal Mushrooms are nature’s adaptogenic powerhouses. Revered in traditional Chinese medicine for over 2,000 years, they offer remarkable benefits for sleep, energy, and overall resilience.
Jing is our top pick for relieving fatigue and helping the body adapt to stress. When your Jing is strong and stocked, your body is resilient, your libido is alive, your motivation flows, and you feel connected and present. When depleted, you can experience fatigue, burnout, hormonal imbalance, and feel out of step with the rhythms of life.
Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) is often called the “mushroom of immortality” due to its ability to cultivate a calm spirit, enhance deep sleep, and support healthy heart function. It works by modulating the body’s stress response, supporting the nervous system, and promoting relaxation.
Cordyceps is another standout adaptogen, traditionally used to boost stamina, endurance, and core energy reserves. It can help restore resilience, especially during periods of high stress or burnout.
How Mushrooms Support Sleep and Energy
Medicinal mushrooms are adaptogens, meaning they help the body adapt to stress and restore balance. They can be consumed as teas, tinctures, powders, or capsules. Look for high-quality, wood-grown, full-spectrum extracts for maximum potency. Incorporate them into your daily routine – add to smoothies, coffee alternatives, or evening teas – to experience their gentle, cumulative benefits.
Mastering Your Circadian Rhythm
Supporting your sleep-wake cycle is a daily balancing act. Mastering your internal clock can be challenging, but returning to basics and utilising plant medicine can make a significant difference. If your energy feels depleted, consider reducing your caffeine intake. While it offers a temporary boost, long-term reliance can disrupt cortisol levels and vitality. Swap coffee for herbal teas like Tulsi or decaf. Try a morning ritual of a cacao, superfood, and nut smoothie bowl or a collagen matcha latte for a gentle lift.
Consult with a naturopath to determine the best options tailored to your unique needs. Quality supplements and a whole-food diet can make a real difference in your energy and sleep.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting any supplements to ensure they’re appropriate for your individual needs.
