To be in a place where we are full of vitality, we need to be aware of how things are affecting us in every aspect of our lives.

We can be really good at depleting ourselves, and when we are in this state it can be difficult to find the motivation to pull ourselves out of it. However, no matter the challenge, don’t we all want to feel our best? Have a more positive mind set? Have more motivation and energy to do what it is that we want to do?

If this is the case, then it is time to look at the world around us, take responsibility for our lives and start paying attention to all of the factors that influence it.

What foods are we putting in our bodies? Fresh fruits and vegetables, herbs, and whole foods that are clean and simple provide us with all sorts of vital nutrients and they boost us energetically. Drinking water on a regular basis helps keep us hydrated, and our bodies need it to feel their best.

How are we treating our bodies? Are we moving on a daily basis, are we getting outside in nature where we can breathe in fresh air and sunshine? Movement creates flow, being sedentary creates stagnation. Being outside and breathing in the good stuff elevates our energy levels, boosts our immune system, and creates all sorts of amazing things to happen in our body and our brain!

Are we sleeping and allowing ourselves to rest and to reset? In order to recharge we have to allow our bodies, the time to do so!

Who are we surrounding ourselves with? This is more important than we even realize. When we surround ourselves with people who are healthy, people who make us feel good, then chances are more likely that we may be motivated to be a similar way. Another beautiful piece is if you are around people who make you laugh, who make you feel love, they are two of the best medicines that exist. Choose your friends and your partners wisely.

In addition to who we choose to be around, getting out and being social in itself is another huge way to boost your vitality. Research is starting to show that having a sense of community, a feeling of connection, can be a huge factor when it comes to our health.

What is our home environment like? When we walk in can we take our armor off? Does it feel open and inviting or does it feel suffocating? Is there clutter everywhere or is it clean? Clutter creates chaos, it creates distraction. When our home environment feels good, it helps us to feel good.

Are we experiencing joy? It really is one of the most powerful emotions that exists. When we experience joy, our stress levels decrease and our body actually releases endorphins and serotonin, which is the happiness hormone. Happiness is one of the keys to living a life full of vitality.

There are so many ways to boost ourselves energetically, and we all need a starting point. If we can remember that everything in our life matters and start taking the small steps to honor how we feel and what is true for us; we are taking the steps in the right direction.

Jennifer Roe is a master level Red Hat Qigong practitioner, an integrative nutritional health and wellness coach, a facilitator of women’s circles, programs and more. Her office is at Pura Vida in Durango. For more information, visit www. puravidahealthcare.com and/or www.thehealingroe.com.