Just Ask Terry

Terry is happy to provide his opinion on diet and nutrition, supplements and lifestyle choices. This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to replace the advice of your physician and is not to be considered medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Should you have any concerns please contact your physician directly.

Q. Dear Terry, “What would you recommend for a complete lack of motivation? I work 40 hours a week and have zero get up and go after working an 8 hour day. There are so many things I would like to do but just can’t seem to make myself be productive.” — Rhonda C., Decatur, AL

A. Dear Rhonda, There are many reasons you may be lacking motivation and energy. The first thing to do is to check with your healthcare practitioner. This could be anemia, thyroid dysfunction, adrenal problems, high blood sugar, chronic fatigue, depression, a chronic infection—these are just a few of the health concerns that can present with reduced energy. Now, assuming you have this checked out to make sure there are no underlying disorders, there are a few things I can suggest to increase your energy so you have some motivation left over after work. Your body gives you what you ask for. You need to ask for more energy. How do you do that? By exercising. When you spend physical energy, your body makes more physical energy to replace it. I know that you are tired and this is the last thing you want to hear, but I guarantee you that even a modest increase in activity—say, 15 minutes of walking a day, will yield excellent results. As you have more energy, you can move on to more advanced exercise. I think the most effective, least time-consuming form of exercise is interval training and you can learn more about it in my article on exercise. There are two dietary supplement formulas I would also recommend. The first is a blend of four of the best adaptogenic herbs on the planet. Adaptogens increase strength, stamina, and energy without being stimulants. The four herbs are rhodiola, eleuthero, ashwagandha and schisandra, and a good dosage is around 750 mg of the blend. Take this formula twice a day. Once you have your energy levels back to where you want them, you may be able to reduce to one a day. The next product for energy is a blend of concentrated essential plant oils: Scots pine, black spruce and thyme, about 125 mg of the blend. Make sure the oil formula is encapsulated and approved for ingestion. These plant oils are very powerful and can be taken as 2 capsules each morning. While you may notice changes in the first few days of using these two formulas, stick with this regimen for at least 2 to 3 months and then re-evaluate your energy at that time. If you are not exactly where you want to be, write to me again, as you will need to have more adrenal and potentially thyroid support. Lastly, a word about diet. Eliminating carbohydrates and sugar will definitely help boost your energy. Try to incorporate lots of healthy protein, fruits and vegetables. Get rid of the grains, and you will feel a difference very quickly. Rhonda, I’d also like to offer you a copy of my recently updated book, Seven Keys to Unlimited Personal Achievement. In this book, I outline my program on goal-setting and achieving your dreams. So often our thoughts and everyday language are self defeating. We really do become what we focus on. My book has helped others to change their lives by changing their thoughts and the words they use to describe their world. Just send me your street address, and I will be glad to send you a free copy.

Healthy regards!

Terry . . . Naturally