The weather is getting warmer and now as the season starts to change it is a good time to reassess and start afresh before the summer season is upon us.

Good strong positive energy is a great feeling. It is a feeling that anything can be accomplished: Our need for energy is not just physical it is but mental too. Mental energy makes you feel you can achieve!

Look at these ways to energize your body:

Spending time alone helps you refuel

If you have had a very busy stressful time it’s a good idea to take some time for yourself and do all the nice things you like to do. I don’t like to be alone very often but I am quite happy to have the odd day with the house to myself. Spending time walking my dog through the woods; enjoying all the spring flowers and listening to the birds is very renewing. Watching an old classic romantic movie on my iPad with my feet up or pottering around my garden. Practicing the lovely Fur Elize by Beethoven on my piano; or eating my favorite salad for lunch followed by a little ice cream with a teaspoon of maple syrup. All of those things work for me to help me regroup and relax and suddenly my problems seem totally solvable and I feel good.

Exercise gives you energy for your day

Make time every morning for a few minutes of exercise; it boosts your circulation, gets your brain working and empowers you for the day ahead. I do just a 10 minute mini-morning workout every single day. Try to fit in some time outdoors because time spent with nature is the best company in the world: always fit in some walking time as that is the exercise your body loves best. Dancing is also good exercise and everyone should dance. City dwellers should always spend time with nature.

Eat for energy

All foods give the body energy but some are better than others. Make sure you get plenty of fresh food; brightly colored fruit and vegetables daily boost your immune system and fight infection. When you eat well you feel full of energy. Make sure you eat balanced meals comprising one quarter protein, one quarter carbohydrate, and half vegetables.

Water is the fountain of life so make water your main drink of the day above all other drinks. Drink water throughout the day especially as the weather gets hotter, it is great for your brain, your skin, and your blood pressure. If you get dehydrated you will have less energy. Cut down on caffeine laden drinks and treat fizzy drinks as occasional treats. Water cleanses the body and water is the drink your body likes best. So drink water to be at your best.

Good quality multivitamins

In the Gulf food has often traveled long distances before it reaches the supermarkets, so it is important to make sure your body is getting everything it needs. I always recommend Permea Plus to those who want a really effective multivitamin. It can be found at most pharmacies or online at ardenhealth.com. A recent report in The Lancet confirms that people taking a multivitamin produce more immune boosting cells.

Sleep time

When you sleep your body repairs and your brain recharges. Sleep keeps you calm and breathes energy into the body. If you are a night-time pacer, don’t accept it. You need your sleep. Sleep is so important but you need a regular wind-down routine for the evening. If the day has left you with ongoing problems write a list to solve the next day and put it away in a drawer before you retire. Most things can be solved with a positive attitude and a bit of goodwill.

Deal with whatever is keeping you awake. Check that it is not the light coming in or maybe it is too cold in your bedroom; if so get an extra blanket. Try a few drops of lavender oil on your pillow, just a little helps you to sleep deeply. Whatever you do, don’t bring work into your bedroom, if you have trouble getting off to sleep think to yourself I have a warm bed; a blanket and a roof over my head. What more do I need?

Enjoy perfect peace

Spending time with nature calms the soul and breathes peace, calm and happiness into the body. Nature is the source of energy, so let your mind be still whilst you enjoy a sunset. Take deep breaths and fill your lungs with fresh air.

Take time to read

Always have a good book on the go because reading helps you to escape from the mundane and inhabit a different world for a few minutes. The more you read the more you know.

Go swimming

Being in the water is very healing and peaceful, and restores energy. Swimming is an excellent toner and a few lengths of the pool during the day ensure a great night’s sleep.

Take time to play

Never lose your inner child or the ability to let go of the grown up and just have fun. Play with a child, the dog, enjoy a game of tennis or football, or take part in a quiz or a game of cards. As adults we spend so much energy being sensible, logical grownups. It really is OK to have fun and the children love it when you play with them. The most important thing is to enjoy life and help others to enjoy it too.

I will be taking a break now from my HealthLines column for a while. Timing, as they say, is everything and I think I have shared all I have to share on healthy living for the moment. Thank you to all my readers and all those of you who have written to me. If you would like to receive my newsletter you can e-mail [email protected]. I will still contribute to Arab News occasionally when I have something exciting and new to say. But for now, thank you for the privilege and I wish you all good health.

— Alva

Email: [email protected]