Maximising Your Vitality Each Day

The term “vitality” implies quite a lot of different things.

For one thing, it conjures up the idea of having a lot of physical energy — of being ready to run around the block at a moment’s notice.

For another thing, it often means something similar to “zest for life.” Someone who seems “full of vitality” isn’t just someone who seems physically energetic, but also someone who is enthusiastic, who is driven, and who has a sense of excitement and purpose.

There are, obviously, a huge number of different things that could potentially contribute to feelings of enthusiasm, interest, and vitality in everyday life, ranging from the food you’re eating to the kind of work you’re doing, to the interpersonal relationships you have with others.

Here, though, are a few good basic tips to get started with when it comes to maximising your vitality in everyday life.

Practice regularly learning new things

In the book “The Brain That Changes Itself,” by the psychiatrist Norman Doidge, the author looks at many incredible cases of individuals recovering from serious brain trauma, and overcoming perceived limitations, through activities that help to encourage neuroplasticity — in other words, the ability of the brain to reshape itself.

One very interesting point that was made in the book, however, was with regards to older individuals who have a variety of different hobbies and projects they’re working on, versus those who don’t.

In short, those individuals who are always deeply invested in some hobby or other — for a year or two at a stretch before picking up a new one — experience significantly less cognitive decline, and more energy, enthusiasm, and mental acuity than those who have no hobbies.

Regularly learning new things, whether using Flashcards or in a direct hands-on way, and being involved in different projects, seems to be able to significantly aid the development and maintenance of vitality.

Base your days around consistent sleep and meal routines

To a significant degree, your energy levels and sense of enthusiasm on a day-to-day basis are going to be influenced by your sleep and meal routines — and not just how much you sleep, or what you eat, but also when you sleep and eat.

A consistent sleep routine appears to be crucially important in ensuring that the body’s circadian rhythm is kept in check. This, in turn, dramatically influences the quality of your sleep and how energetic or tired you are likely to feel at any given time.

When it comes to mealtimes, consistent meal times appear to prime the body for more efficient digestion, and — assuming you’re eating a healthy whole-foods diet — eating small meals every 2-3 hours (but stopping eating a few hours before bed) may lead to higher and more stable and consistent energy levels.

Practice bringing your attention to the present moment more consistently

A big part of the ability to savour everyday life, and to meet each day with a high degree of vitality, may be connected to the ability to be mindfully present in each moment.

The more you can consistently centre your attention on the present moment, the more you will tend to be in a position to engage with the present moment with a sense of enthusiasm.