As mentioned, certain foods can be problematic —both for digestion and energy. Foods such as Those High In Sugar Can Cause A Crash In Energy Levels , and incredibly heavy foods that take a long time to digest can make you feel fatigued.

Additionally, Food Sensitivities Can Contribute To Fatigue , and cause discomfort that may affect your mood. You can do an Elimination Diet to test for sensitivities, or visit an allergist.

Alcohol Is A Depressant And Affects Sleep Quality and overall energy levels. Alcohol may make you feel drowsy or irritable — both during and after consumption.

Increased alcohol intake can also make you dehydrated, additionally contributing to unwanted side effects.

Drinking in moderation can help you avoid unwanted side effects of alcohol, including fatigue. The Centers for Disease Control Prevention CDC define Moderate Drinking As Two Or Fewer Drinks In A Day. Additionally, the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism NIAA defines Heavy Drinking As More Than 14 Drinks Per Week.

Limiting your drinking can help you avoid the Negative Long-Term Effects Caused By Alcohol Use , as well as help improve your energy levels.

There are several benefits of exercise for general health and wellness, including weight management, Mood Regulation , and Mobility.

 However, regular physical activity can also increase energy levels over time, Especially When It Comes To Work-Related Fatigue. Mayo Clinic recommends that you should be getting in At Least 30 Minutes Of Moderate Exercise Every Day.

This could be:. Depending on your fitness goals and ability, you may need more or less heavy exercise. Exercise is a great tool for stress relief, which also helps improve fatigue. Stress can cause feelings of tiredness, particularly when it comes to work. Â This Stress Can Sometimes Be Subconscious , and hard to identify.

Practicing stress relief daily is important for both your mental and physical health. Easy, at-home stress relieving techniques include:. Check in with yourself — this is the fastest way to get the most out of self-care.

These tools can help you reduce daily fatigue, and improve your overall quality of life. If none of these tips work for you, talk to your doctor about underlying medical conditions that could be causing prolonged fatigue.

Strategies to increase your energy levels in the moment include taking some time for yourself to relax, reading, or going for a walk.

You could also try mindfulness or meditation techniques , which may reduce anxiety 8 , 9 , Read this article for more information on finding mental health care. High levels of stress can make you feel tired and drained. Finding ways to minimize lifestyle-related stress can help keep up your energy levels.

Regular exercise is important for reducing your risk of chronic diseases, including heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and obesity According to one small study, university students who participated in a low intensity running program 3 times per week for 6 weeks experienced significant improvements in fatigue and sleep quality, compared with a control group Another study in employees with high levels of work-related fatigue showed that participating in a 6-week exercise program improved the following factors 15 :.

To incorporate exercise into your day, try getting away from your desk and going for a walk on your lunch break, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or walking to work or school instead of driving.

If you live a sedentary lifestyle and feel low on energy, participating in regular exercises, like walking, running, or cycling, can boost your energy levels. Smoking can negatively affect multiple health aspects and may increase the risk of numerous chronic conditions Over time, this can reduce the amount of oxygen transported throughout your body, making you feel tired If you regularly smoke, quitting may be associated with many health benefits, including increased energy levels Some people find it helpful to switch cigarettes for a nicotine replacement, like gum, patches, or lozenges They can point you in the direction of the support services that will suit you best.

Smoking can reduce the efficiency of your lungs and make you feel tired. Quitting smoking is great for both your energy levels and your overall health. Drinking alcohol can have a sedative effect and may make you feel drowsy and relaxed However, regularly drinking alcohol before bed can reduce the quality of your sleep 20 , Alcohol can also act as a diuretic, meaning that it increases the production of urine.

Therefore, if you have a few drinks right before bed, it could interrupt your sleep by causing you to wake up in the middle of the night The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC defines moderation as one drink per day for women and two per day for men If you have a hard time limiting your intake of alcohol or would like additional support, consider reaching out to a healthcare professional for more guidance.

This article also provides detailed tips and resources. Alcohol can make you feel drowsy, but it can also interfere with the quality of your sleep. If you drink regularly, limiting the amount of alcohol you consume could help increase your energy levels.

Following a well-rounded diet can not only reduce your risk of several chronic conditions but also significantly affect your energy levels 24 , Choosing whole, nutritious foods can provide your body with the vitamins and minerals it needs to function at its best.

On the other hand, eating lots of processed foods that are high in sugar and fat can negatively affect both your energy levels and your overall health 26 , Additionally, some studies show that skipping meals may be linked to fatigue, anxiety, and poor attention 28 , 29 , This is because severe dietary restrictions can result in a lack of both calories and essential nutrients, such as iron, which could take a toll on your energy levels 31 , Following a healthy diet can benefit both your health and your energy levels.

When you feel tired, it can be easy to reach for a sweet, sugar-filled snack. However, although sugar can give you a short-term energy boost, it also wears off very quickly and can leave you feeling more tired than before.

This is because high sugar foods cause a sharp spike in blood sugar levels, followed by a crash as the body releases a large amount of insulin to transport sugar from the bloodstream to the cells 33 , Eating large amounts of added sugar may also increase your risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease, so limiting your intake of added sugar can benefit both your energy levels and your health 36 , If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth while keeping your energy levels more stable and reducing fatigue, try trading foods high in added sugar for:.

Eating foods high in sugar may lead to chronic diseases, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, and heart disease. Consider minimizing your intake and focusing on eating whole foods instead. Drinking enough water is incredibly important for several aspects of health.

In particular, dehydration can have a huge effect on your brain function, mood, energy levels, and more 38 , For example, one small study found that acute dehydration significantly increased the perception of fatigue and impaired muscular performance in athletes As a general rule, try drinking water whenever you feel thirsty to ensure that you stay hydrated.

Additionally, keep in mind that older adults may not always feel thirsty when they need water. As such, they may need to make a conscious effort to drink more throughout the day to stay hydrated Dehydration can make you feel tired.

In fact, social isolation can cause low mood and tiredness, especially as you age Some research even indicates that having stronger social support could be associated with improvements in physical and mental health as you age 43 , 44 , 45 , If you feel tired and in low spirits, it can be helpful to try socializing with friends, joining a club or class, volunteering, or finding a new hobby that gets you out and about.

Getting out of the house and mingling with other people is beneficial for both your energy levels and your health. Try organizing social activities with your friends, volunteering, or starting a new activity by joining a club or class.

However, drinking enough water, following a balanced diet, getting enough sleep and exercise, and being sociable can benefit both your energy levels and your overall health. Reach out to a trusted healthcare professional for additional guidance and advice to help increase your energy levels.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. VIEW ALL HISTORY. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

If you are following a vegan or vegetarian diet, you may find you are lacking in this energy boosting nutrient. For those concerned about their B12 levels, you can take an at-home test kit to discover if you need to increase your intake.

If you find you do have low levels, taking a Vitamin B supplement could be a solution on how to boost energy naturally. It is well known that fruit and vegetables offer a whole host of vitamins, including Vitamin C.

Vitamin C works to support your immune system, fighting off common illnesses. When our levels of this vital nutrient are low, we may find our immune response does not work as effectively.

To ensure you are receiving enough of this infamous nutrient, you could try taking a daily Vitamin C supplement , or a multivitamin that contains this along with a wealth of other vitamins.

Keeping our bodies at their healthiest is a major factor in how to get energy naturally and taking part in regular exercise is essential to this.

This could be as simple as taking a daily walk around your neighbourhood, or for those who adore reaching new peaks it could be doing your reps in the gym. When taking part in exercise our muscles need more oxygen, and red blood cells are a vital part of moving this element around the body.

Iron is used by the body to create red blood cells, and so if we are lacking in iron we may find our muscles become fatigued very quickly during exercise. Lifestyle is often the cause of iron deficiency , again as this mineral is often found in red meat, meat-free diets could lead to a lack.

If you do have a dietary gap, iron supplements can be an effective solution. There are vegan supplements and vegetarian supplements that contain this energy boosting ingredient. Those who partake in sport and athletics frequently may find that they want to recover their muscles.

Magnesium helps to relax muscles after a hard workout, as well as aiding in their recovery. Transdermal magnesium supplements are a great way to up your magnesium levels. Using magnesium bath salts , or a lotion can help in getting energy naturally by reducing your tiredness and fatigue.

For those looking for how to get energy naturally for workouts, incorporating natural energy supplements into your daily routine could help you feel prepared for a tough gym session ahead.

Everyone loves a sunny day, and even more so because of its positive effect on our bodies. Sunshine helps our bodies in producing Vitamin D.

This important vitamin contributes to numerous functions, including supporting the immune system and normal muscle function. Keeping our immune system as healthy as possible can help us fight off the fatigue often caused by common colds.

Resting is what allows us to recuperate our energy levels. To minimize fatigue—and very likely feel more energized immediately—she suggests indulging in a venting sesh.

Want to be more private about your feelings? Journaling can help, too, reports the University of Rochester Medical Center. Doing so can help improve alertness and performance while lowering your stress levels, says Conor Heneghan, director of research and algorithms at Fitbit whose team analyzes the sleep data logged by more than nine billion users.

The timing of your nap matters, too. It may sound like the most unpleasant thing to do when you first wake up, but Nikola Djordjevic , MD, says showering in cold water is an easy way to get more energy quickly.

Those chilly temps can even strengthen your immune system in the long run, he adds. Take a whiff of stimulating oils like eucalyptus, peppermint, and cinnamon to help relieve fatigue and potentially boost brain function, alertness, and memory, she continues.

Crunchy foods are ideal afternoon snacks for helping you stay more alert, says Michele Sidorenkov , registered dietitian nutritionist. Another smart idea: incorporating citrus. Fun fact: The average child laughs times a day, according to Psychology Today. A measly four. And another study found that a workout like that can increase energy by 20 percent.

Sure, it may not be a super direct connection, but honestly—are you going to say no to a good chuckle? This particular breathing style focuses on a forceful exhale and passive inhale, and its rapid, rhythmic practice helps boost blood flow and circulation for energy when you need it most, says Naz Beheshti , executive wellness coach and CEO of Prananaz.

To try it, start in a comfortable upright seated position, resting your hands on your lower belly or knees, palms facing down. Repeat 10 times. Start slow and gradually increase the pace and number of cycles. Side note: Stop if you feel dizzy or faint, and refrain if you're pregnant or have your period.

It's also best to talk with a doctor before doing this if you have preexisting medical conditions, like hypertension or heart problems. A study in the journal Antioxidants notes that young adult male students who have higher levels of vitamin C may also have better mood and may be less likely to experience confusion, anger, or depression.

Berries, including blueberries , raspberries, and blackberries, may be a good energy boosting food when the body is craving something sweet. Dark berries tend to be higher in natural antioxidants than lighter-colored ones, which may reduce inflammation and fatigue in the body.

They also tend to have less sugar than sweeter fruits, while still satisfying a craving for a sweet taste. Fish, in general, is an excellent and light source of protein and B vitamins that may give the body sustained energy throughout the day. Fatty cold-water fish, such as salmon, sardines, and tuna, tend to be higher in omega-3 fatty acids.

As a study in the journal Nutrients notes, omega-3 fatty acids may improve brain function and reduce inflammation in the body, which may be a cause of fatigue in some people.

Beef liver may be one of the best meat sources for vitamin B, which keeps the body feeling full of energy. While many cuts of meat contain vitamin B, the difference is that beef liver has a large amount.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture USDA , a 3-ounce cut of beef flank steak contains about 1. The same cut of beef liver contains 60 mcg of vitamin B, according to the USDA. Yogurt may also be a source of energy. As the USDA show, natural yogurt is rich in protein, fats, and simple carbohydrates, which provide energy to the body.

Yogurt is also very easy to eat on the go, which makes it a great alternative to vending machine food. Eggs provide the body with plenty of protein and nutrients for sustainable energy. As the USDA note, one large hard-boiled egg contains about 6 grams g of protein and 5 g of fat , as well as vitamins and minerals to help keep the body energized and feeling full for longer than other snacks.

Yams and sweet potatoes are beneficial sources of carbohydrates, which provide energy. This may make them a good option for sustained energy throughout the day.

As a study in the journal Food Science and Biotechnology notes, beets may provide the body with a great source of antioxidants and nutrients that help improve blood flow and energy.

People can consume beets as dried beetroot chips, cooked beets or as a bottle of beetroot juice. Dark, leafy greens such as kale , spinach, and collard greens are nutrient dense and contain filling proteins, as well as nutrients and antioxidants.

Greens may be difficult to digest raw for some people, so breaking them down by cooking them with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice may help. Dark chocolate may be an easy way to increase energy. Rich, dark chocolate usually has much less sugar than milk chocolate.

Less sugar means less immediate energy, but more cocoa content means more of the benefits of cocoa, including helpful antioxidants such as flavonoids. A study in the journal Archives of the Turkish Society of Cardiology notes that dark chocolate may benefit the cardiovascular system by helping more blood pump around the body.

This blood carries fresh oxygen, which may also make a person feel more awake and alert. A bowl of whole-grain oatmeal may be a great way to provide the body with energy. Oats are rich in fiber, and they may enable the body to feel fuller for longer than other breakfast choices.

As a study in The Journal of Nutrition notes, whole-grain oats are also a source of essential minerals, vitamins, and phenolic compounds, all of which may help energize the body.

Popcorn is rich in carbohydrates. However, it also contains fiber to help slow the digestion. Popcorn may make a person feel full for longer than other carbohydrates. As a study in Nutrition Journal notes, people who ate popcorn rather than potato chips felt fuller from the snack.

This may be helpful for dieters, as popcorn usually contains fewer calories than potato chips. Quinoa is a seed, but most people treat it as a grain.

Quinoa is high in protein, carbohydrates, and fiber. The combination of amino acids and slow-release carbohydrates may make for sustainable energy rather than a short burst of glucose from other grains. One of the benefits of brown rice may be that it retains much of the fiber from the husk.

The husk is not there in white rice, which may cause the body to absorb the carbohydrate content quickly. This may lead to a spike and then a crash in energy levels. By having the husk, brown rice may help slow the digestion of these carbohydrates, therefore, releasing energy more slowly.

Whether roasted soybeans or young edamame beans in the pod, soybeans contain protein with a wide variety of amino acids, as well as magnesium and potassium , according to the USDA. Lentils are a relatively cheap form of protein and fiber, which may make them a great option for people on a budget.

The USDA note that 1 cup of lentils contains about 18 g of protein, 40 g of carbs, 15 g of fiber, and less than 4 g of sugar.

The fiber may help to manage the digestion of the carbs, keeping the body full and providing a source of sustained energy.