Sources Of Vital Energy For Human Life

What truly fuels our bodies? While most of us immediately think of food as the primary source of energy, it’s important to recognise that other vital elements significantly contribute to our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being. These elements are crucial for achieving a holistic and balanced life, allowing us to blossom in all aspects of our existence.

The three primary sources of energy for the human life are food (including water), beath and sleep.

Food is the cornerstone of our physical energy, providing the essential nutrients required to build and maintain our body mass. It plays a vital role in supporting our overall well-being. The phrase “you are what you eat” highlights the profound impact of our dietetic choices on both body and mind. According to ancient Vedic scriptures, the food we consume influences us on multiple levels—physically, mentally, and spiritually. Therefore, it’s important to be mindful of not only the taste but also the health benefits, digestibility, and timing of our meals.

In today’s fast-paced world, people often eat for taste and easy prepration, disregarding whether the food is beneficial for their health or meets their body’s nutritional needs. Moreover, the way food is prepared and the time it is consumed can significantly impact our well-being. Ayurveda, the ancient system of medicine, classifies foods into three categories: Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic, to guide us in making healthier food choices.

Sattvic foods: These are light, pure, and nourishing foods that promote physical and mental well-being. Sattvic foods are balanced and moderate, neither too sweet, salty, nor spicy. They purify the body and calm the mind, providing sustained energy. Examples include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains like rice and wheat, legumes such as moong dal, and dairy products like fresh milk, curd, and ghee. To retain their Sattvic qualities, these foods should ideally be consumed within three to four hours of preparation.

Rajasic foods: Rajasic foods are stimulating and can lead to hyperactivity, restlessness, and irritability. These foods are often overly spicy, salty, or sour, stimulate the body and mind, prompting action and activity. While beneficial in moderation, excessive consumption can disrupt mental and physical balance, leading to increased toxin levels in the body. Rajasic foods include meat, fish, spicy vegetables, fried and processed foods, and caffeinated beverages like coffee.

Tamasic foods: Tamasic foods dull the mind and create lethargy and confusion. These foods are typically stale, overly processed, or reheated, foods including meat, fish, alcohol, packed foods, foods preserved with salt or other additives. The consumption of Tamasic foods can lead to lethargy, a buildup of toxins, and even aggressive tendencies. Moreover, even Sattvic foods can become Tamasic after preparation of 3-4 hours and if they are prepared in a negative environment, such as when in unhygienic conditions. The right time to eat food are-- heavy food in the morning, moderate food at day time and light food as dinner preferably before sunset.

By choosing the right types of food and being mindful of how and when we eat, we can optimise our physical energy and support our overall well-being.

Breath: The life force

Breathing is the most fundamental life function, even more vital than food or water. While we can survive for weeks without food and days without water, we can only last a few minutes without breathing. Despite its critical role, the quality of our breathing is often neglected. Oxygen, which we take in through breathing, is the life force that powers every bodily process, and it is essential for converting nutrients into energy, directly influencing our energy.

The connection between breathing and energy is profound. Oxygen is utilised in cellular respiration, a process that generates energy and produces carbon dioxide as a byproduct, which we then exhale. The effectiveness of this process—how well we breathe—determines our energy levels and overall well-being. Oxygen is crucial for growth, reproduction, and energy production in all organisms. Humans obtain oxygen by breathing through the nose and mouth into the lungs, enabling our cells to break down food and release the energy necessary for survival. It is believed that 90 per cent of our biochemical and metabolic activities rely on oxygen. The brain alone consumes about 20 per cent of our total oxygen intake.

In today’s world, many people develop low breathing habits, which contribute to various diseases and illnesses. Proper breathing, especially through the nose, is highly recommended as it filters and cleans the air before it reaches the lungs. Maintaining adequate oxygen levels is essential for living a life full of energy. 

Oxygen deficiency can lead to numerous health issues, but breath-work techniques can enhance energy levels by improving oxygen level and breathing efficiency. Conscious breathing exercises, such as Pranayama (a yoga practice of breath control), can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, slow the heart rate, and increase oxygenation, promoting a sense of calm and balance. These practices not only boost physical energy but also improve mental clarity, emotional stability, and spiritual growth. In our busy lives, even if we can't set aside dedicated time for breathing exercises, taking a few minutes every hour or two to practice deep breathing can still help boost oxygen levels and energy.

Sleep for body’s rejuvenation

Sleep is a vital function that allows the body and mind to recharge, repair, and renew themselves. Research shows that human beings cannot alive without sleeping more than 264 hours (11 days). During sleep, the body engages in crucial processes such as removing waste products from the brain, repairing tissues, and releasing essential hormones. Without sufficient sleep, our physical and mental capacities are weakened, leading to various health issues.

Several key processes occur during sleep:

Memory consolidation and brain detoxification: The brain consolidates memories, processes new information, and clears out toxins that accumulate during the day.

Neural communication and reorganisation: Nerve cells communicate and reorganise, which is essential for maintaining healthy brain function.

Cell Repair and energy restoration: The body repairs cells, restores energy, and produces vital molecules like hormones and proteins that regulate numerous bodily functions.

Immune system strengthening: The immune system is enhanced, with the production of cytokines and antibodies that help combat infections and inflammation.

Sleep also plays a crucial role in emotional well-being. Brain activity in areas that regulate emotions increases during sleep, supporting emotional stability and resilience. This enables us to manage stress and other challenges more effectively.

The quality and quantity of sleep directly influence our energy levels. According to the energy conservation theory, sleep helps conserve energy by lowering the body’s metabolic rate. The restorative theory, meanwhile, says that sleep is essential for the body to repair and regenerate tissues, synthesise proteins, and release growth hormones.

Interestingly, meditation can complement sleep by providing similar or even greater healing benefits. Experienced meditators often need fewer hours of sleep, as meditation offers a form of conscious rest that revitalises the mind and body similarly to sleep or better. Meditation is sometimes referred to as "conscious sleep," while deep sleep is considered "unconscious meditation." Research suggests that 20 minutes of meditation can equate to 4-5 hours of sleep. 

Like quality food and breath, the quality of sleep is equally essential. To achieve quality sleep, one must be mindful of diet, breathing, and sleep patterns. The saying "early to bed, early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise" emphasises the importance of going to bed no later than 10 p.m. and waking up early. Early sleep is associated with higher sleep quality and requires fewer hours to achieve full rest. Conversely, late sleep necessitates longer sleep hours to attain the same level of rest.

According to Vedic Shastra, waking up during Brahma Muhurta—a time between 3:30 a.m. and 5:30 a.m.—opens life to various dimensions. Brahma Muhurta is believed to be a period of immense spiritual energy, making spiritual practices performed at this time more effective and powerful.

In conclusion, food, breath, and sleep are the three pillars of our energy and well-being. By paying close attention to each of these aspects, we can ensure that our body, mind, and spirit are nourished and balanced, leading to a healthier and more vibrant life.

(The author is a branch manager at Nabil Bank.)