How I Got My Energy Back - Elisabeth's Story
In this post, Elisabeth, co-founder of Aarja Health and Brand Manager, shares her personal story and explains how she regained her energy and found balance in her life.
I can easily remember how frustrated and hopeless I felt in my twenties because my health was not functioning as it should. This was a period in life when I should actually have been at my peak – at least I thought so! After three heart surgeries almost back-to-back, I experienced a fatigue I had never felt before. Just taking a shower or going to the store felt like insurmountable tasks. I barely managed to gather enough energy to get through the workday, but after work, I had no energy left. My free time was spent on the couch, and I was ashamed because no one understood that something was wrong – it just looked like I was lazy.
For me, it almost felt like lying in an open coffin. In my head, I wanted to move and do things, but my body did not cooperate. At that time, I didn’t know what to do, and all I experienced was that my health just got worse. I remember a period when I thought I couldn’t handle this anymore, and I asked myself again and again: Is this really how my health is supposed to be for the rest of my life? I had no answers.
It’s not easy to find solutions when you don’t understand how the body works or what causes illness. If I had known what I know today, I’m sure my life in my twenties would have been completely different.
I met my fiancé during this dark period of my life, and he introduced me to running. He was an active and athletic person and was very patient with me. We started slowly, but after just a few times, I noticed that my energy began to return!
I still remember how amazing and surprising it felt. Could it really be that simple?
Gradually, I gained more energy after work and managed small tasks, like tidying a closet. It felt incredibly rewarding. The more I committed to running, the more I got back. I must admit I have never been particularly fond of running, and I still am not. But the amazing health benefits motivate me to get out the door.
The best "medicine" for me today is still running outdoors in nature. It lifts my mood, gives me energy, makes me stronger, and brings peace of mind. I have learned that all movement is important – no matter how small.
It turned out that my fiancé also had serious health problems. Health is taken for granted – until you lose it. We started a health journey together and wanted to learn more about how to improve health, including through alternative methods. We traveled to meet various experts and health enthusiasts around the world who specialized in nutritional treatments.
What surprised us was how many people we met who had similar experiences to ours. We realized that the key to good health does not necessarily lie in prescribed medicines, but in how you live your life. It’s about preventing what can lead to illness, rather than just treating the symptoms afterward.
We discovered a whole new world of alternative health and ways to take care of ourselves. We gathered a lot of knowledge from various sources, and along the way, we made major lifestyle changes – what we eat, how we take care of ourselves, and not least that we prioritize our own well-being. A few years later, we both experienced improvements in our health.
What is important to us today?
For us, it is important to ensure that we get all the necessary vitamins and minerals, either through diet or supplements. A poor diet can lead to a lack of important nutrients the body needs every day and can contribute to illness and low energy.
It took me several years to understand what proper and sufficient nutrition actually means. I used to think supplements were unnecessary because I believed a varied diet was enough. But the food we eat today is not always as nutritious as we think, and it requires planning to cover all needs through diet alone.
Especially here in the north, where we don’t have sunlight for several months, vitamin D is extra important. My winters have become much better thanks to running and supplements. I get sick less often now than before. I truly believe in the power of strengthening the immune system naturally – through proper diet, exercise, and rest. When everything is in balance, you get your energy back to fully enjoy life.
Elisabeth’s best tips for more energy in everyday life
- Move – Exercise gives energy and endorphins that lift your mood.
- Get fresh air – Even if it’s dark outside, fresh air helps your brain function better and gives more energy.
- Drink enough water – Dehydration can make you tired and reduce concentration.
- Vitamin C and D – Important for the immune system and energy, especially during dark periods.
- Use supplements when needed – B vitamins, magnesium, and iron can support energy levels.
- Prioritize sleep – Good sleep is crucial, especially during the dark season when the body needs more rest.
- Eat healthy and varied – Vegetables, berries, and good sources of fat, protein, and carbohydrates provide stable energy.
- Take care of your thoughts – Positive thoughts and less stress affect your energy more than you think.
- Use a daylight lamp – Can help improve mood and energy during the dark season.