It's a strange paradox, that sometimes when we feel tired we need *rest* in order to recover and built our energy, but sometimes we are not depleted, we are stagnant, and in those cases actually moving the body *more* can help us to feel more energetic.

That's why I like to include both stillness *and* movement in my asana practice, and why I like to teach both too.

Ultimately you need to learn about your own body and its signals and needs in order to discern which approach you need, but here are some useful clues.

You may need stillness in order to build energy if:

• you feel overwhelmed
• you have been chronically stressed
• you have been running on little sleep for a long period of time
• you feel "tired but wired" - exhausted but manic and wide-awake at the same time
• you feel "jittery", over-alert, on-edge

You may need to move more in order to build energy if:

• you have been sedentary for a long period of time, for example due to your occupation or an illness, injury or even long-haul travel
• you are feeling "down" without any particular reason
• you feel heavy and sluggish but know that you haven't actually done anything tiring, like stressful work or hard physical activity

Generally you will also know when you have chosen the *right* approach for you because of how you feel afterwards. For example, if stillness and intentional, deep relaxation results in a great sleep or even meditation that leaves you feeling calmer, more clear-headed and less stressed, then this was likely what you needed!

If a vigorous movement practice leaves you feeling bright, refreshed and cheerful, it is likely that this is what you needed.

Your practices shouldn't exacerbate your symptoms - for example, they shouldn't cause you to feel more exhausted, more nervous, or more lethargic, if your goal is to improve your energy and well-being.

If you feel that you'd benefit from moving your body a little bit more, make sure you check out my 30-minute Invigorating Flow class. This is perfect for a morning when you want to move to boost your energy for the day.

I've also decided to start sharing on Youtube. This week's video is a ten-minute warm-up to take you from slow to flow. So if you'd like a free sample of what I do, and a useful tool to help you to get your body and energy moving, and to prepare for exercise, stretching or asana, make sure you check it out and subscribe to see future videos.

TLDR:

New 30-minute Invigorating Flow Class

https://www.yogawithmaelin.com/online_store/30-minute-invigorating-flow

Free 10-minute warm-up for yoga on Youtube

https://youtu.be/7Xjaspkq96M