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. Brain fog is a symptom of another medical condition. Chronic inflammation refers to a response by your immune system that sticks around long after infection or injury.

Learn the common symptoms and…. Inflammation is one way your body fights infection, injury, and disease. Sometimes inflammation can become a painful problem. Your doctor can perform…. What is oxidative stress, and why does it matter? We explain how this imbalance affects your body and ways to prevent it.

A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic? How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 9 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy Levels. Medically reviewed by Kim Rose-Francis RDN, CDCES, LD , Nutrition — By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD and Helen West, RD — Updated on May 9, Get more sleep.

Reduce stress. Move more. If you smoke, consider quitting. Limit alcohol. Eat a nutritious diet. Limit added sugar. Stay hydrated. Connect with people. The bottom line. Was this helpful? How we reviewed this article: History. May 9, Written By Rachael Ajmera, MS, RD, Helen West.

Nov 25, Medically Reviewed By Kimberley Rose-Francis RDN, CDCES, CNSC, LD. Share this article. Evidence Based This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. More in Understanding Inflammation and Aging Your 5-Minute Read on Inflamm-aging and How to Prevent It.

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org and going to a website that is not operated by AARP. A different privacy policy and terms of service will apply. Go to Series Main Page. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 15 percent of women and 10 percent of men in the United States regularly feel tired or exhausted.

AARP Membership. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine. Join Now. If your doctor has ruled out anything serious for your energy slumps, such as a health condition or a medication side effect that could be making you tired, give these eight proven energy boosters a try:.

Instead of reaching for a candy bar or latte to fend off fatigue, try a balanced snack. The best snack, Blatner says, is a combo: a piece of fruit or carrot sticks or other produce plus protein, such as a handful of nuts, Greek yogurt, string cheese, cottage cheese, hard-boiled egg or roasted edamame.

The body uses fruits and vegetables for immediate energy, while the protein provides longer-lasting, steady energy to keep you invigorated until your next meal. Can coffee be a good pick-me-up? Blatner recommends a cup of matcha green tea instead — it has a third of the caffeine, reducing the jitters.

Dehydration is one surprising reason you may be lacking pep. It slows circulation and makes your heart work harder to pump oxygen to the brain and the rest of the body, causing sluggishness and a lack of focus.

The average woman should consume approximately 2. Men should get about 3. Milk, juice, herbal teas, and decaffeinated coffee and tea can also help raise your water quotient. University of Georgia researchers found that sedentary people who complained of fatigue were able to increase their energy levels by 20 percent and decrease their fatigue by 65 percent by engaging in regular, low-intensity exercise like aerobic workouts.

Cycling and resistance training also do the trick. Check out our Staying Fit page for a series of minute workouts.

Study author Patrick J. Need a quick power surge? Privacy Policy. If you feel yourself nodding off after lunch, go ahead and put your head down.

A midday snooze can be an excellent pick-me-up, according to Conroy. The key is to keep it brief, no more than 20 to 30 minutes. Sleeping an hour or longer during the day could have the opposite effect.

Save the deep sleep for nighttime. Target Optical. Dynamic stretching is especially good at getting the job done, Morrow says. Dynamic stretches are movement-based and take your joints through their full range of motion, improving circulation throughout your body. These stretches should get your blood — and energy — flowing.

Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of discounts, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP the Magazine.

The sights and sounds of the natural world can help to restore your get-up-and-go , research shows. People got a second wind when they went outdoors to either rest or exercise in view of green space, trees and a lake. Breitenbecher, a professor of psychological science at Northern Kentucky University.

Erratic rises and drops in blood sugar can leave you feeling tired and drained. Instead, just focus on eating less sugar and fewer refined grains — like white bread and rolls, flour tortillas, etc.

Eating regular, balanced meals also stabilizes blood sugar, Blatner says. And avoid skipping meals. Establishing a regular sleep schedule is one of the most important ways to stave off lethargy later, Conroy says.

Keeping a food journal can help you identify patterns of hunger and dips in energy. There is a lot of confusion about carbohydrates and many people think carbs are the enemy," she says. They may provide a quick jolt of energy, but leave you in a slump shortly thereafter.

Drink up! Dehydration can decrease your mental and physical performance. Aim for at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water each day. Best exercises for more energy Work up a sweat.

Therefore, by exercising on a daily basis, you can have more stamina, a healthier mindset and most importantly, a healthier cardiovascular system. Become a cardio enthusiast.

Research indicates cardiovascular exercise may have the biggest energy-boosting effect. Related Stories. How trans fat affects brain function.

How to manage pain at home. How much water is enough water? View all related stories.

Get the energy boost you need without relying on coffee. Valerie Cacho, MD, is a board-certified sleep medicine specialist with additional board certifications in internal medicine and integrative medicine. If you are trying to cut down on your coffee or soda intake but still need a boost each day, you may wonder, "How can I increase my energy level quickly?

Caffeine or a sugary snack can be a quick fix to that mid-day energy slump if you are struggling to keep your eyes open halfway through the day. Caffeine stimulates your nervous system to give you an energy boost and makes you feel more awake.

Still, relying on caffeine can cause heartburn or an upset stomach and increase your blood pressure. Read on to learn about 15 other ways to get energy without relying on caffeine. Research has shown that using electronics before bedtime disrupts your sleep.

As a result, you might feel more tired and less cognitively sharp. A study published in found that people who read e-books before falling asleep were less alert in the morning compared to those who read a printed book.

Reading e-books before bed also made it more difficult for readers to fall asleep. Try these tips to minimize your electronics use before bedtime:.

Some evidence suggests that chewing gum increases alertness and helps you focus on the task at hand. In a study published in , researchers found that participants who chewed gum while studying a minute physiology lesson were more alert than those who did not.

Try drinking water if you are trying to replace caffeine, especially because dehydration can make you tired. Other dehydration symptoms include dizziness, dry mouth and skin, and irritability.

Dehydration has been shown to negatively affect attention and short-term memory. In contrast, drinking water has the opposite effect. Aim to drink 91— fluid ounces of water per day. Keep in mind that you might need more water than that, depending on your activity level, age, environment, health conditions, and weight.

Here are some ways to increase your water intake:. A balanced diet can give you all of the energy you need throughout the day.

Aim to eat regularly, or about every three to four hours. Research has shown that eating frequent helps increase alertness. Snacks that create lasting energy contain lean protein and fiber-rich carbs.

Here are some examples:. Keep in mind that drinks with added sugar, such as energy drinks and soda, can give you short-term energy. You may have a drop in energy after an hour or so and feel more tired than before. Yoga breathing techniques, called pranayama, can affect your mind and increase energy.

Research has found that fast and forceful exhales improve reaction time. At the same time, slow and mindful breathing alleviates anxiety. Try a fast breathing technique known as " kapalabhati," or the breath of fire:.

When possible, try waking up and going to bed at the same time each day. Humans are creatures of habit, so a routine can help keep your energy up during the day and wind down at bedtime. Routines have been shown to increase energy and support efficiency when completing tasks. Here are other habits to add to your routine to help maximize your energy:.

It might be time to take a small break if you have lost your focus staring at a computer. Try getting up and walking around to boost your energy if you spend most of your day sitting.

Research has shown that short periods of moderate-intensity exercise throughout the day can improve your mood and decrease fatigue without negatively affecting work performance. Here are some ways to incorporate more exercise into your day:.

A short massage could aid brain function. A study published in found that 20 minutes of brain massage significantly decreased mental fatigue.

The researchers also noted increases in attention and memory. Try applying pressure to the "kiss point," or GV in acupressure:. Vitamin D, which comes from sunlight, is an essential vitamin that supports strong bones.

Low vitamin D levels can cause fatigue and weakness. Increasing your vitamin D intake helps reduce muscle fatigue and keeps your muscle cells healthy.

You can increase your vitamin D intake by:. Talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting a supplement if you suspect you have a vitamin D deficiency. The Food and Drug Administration minimally regulates supplements. The effects of supplements vary from person to person and depend on many variables, including type, dosage, frequency of use, and interactions with current medications.

Stress can affect your health in many ways. For example, long-term stress may cause difficulty sleeping and contribute to fatigue.

You are also more likely to start work fatigued and become more tired during the day if you are stressed. Relieving that stress can ease your fatigue and give you more energy. Here are a few ways you can reduce stress:. Reach out to a healthcare provider if you have severe stress symptoms for more than two weeks.

They can help you figure out how to cope with stress. Vitamin B12 helps keep your blood and nerve cells healthy. Most adults need 2. A B12 deficiency can cause fatigue and weakness.

You can try eating more Brich foods to boost energy. Sources include:. People who eat a vegetarian or vegan diet might have trouble getting enough B Animal foods make up the most natural sources of the vitamin. Talk to a healthcare provider if you suspect you may be low on B They might recommend a supplement to help meet your intake goal.

Research has shown that naps of any length help improve cognitive function and how alert you feel. Still, experts only advise long naps i. Napping for long periods makes it hard to fall asleep at night. Here are some tips for napping:. Some evidence suggests that musical activity helps boost energy levels.

A study published in found that participants who actively made music through singing, keyboard playing, or rhythm tapping felt more energetic than others. In contrast, the researchers noted that listening to music or a story might decrease your energy.

The next time you listen to a song, try singing along to feel more awake. Your body responds to lightness and darkness as signals to be awake and to fall asleep. Your circadian rhythm —the physical, mental, and behavioral changes that follow a hour cycle—takes those light and dark signals so that your body knows when to rest and when to be awake.

Here are a few ways you can use sunlight to regulate your circadian rhythm:. Aromatherapy involves applying essential oils, such as those from flowers, herbs, or trees, to your skin or inhaling them. A study published in found that a blend of clove bud, frankincense, orange, and thyme helped decrease fatigue in women with post-acute COVID, or long COVID.

Other essential oils that you might try using include:. There are many other ways to get energy without resorting to a cup of coffee if you are trying to cut back on your caffeine intake.

However you decide to get more energy, there are plenty of alternatives to that cup of coffee. For example, eat regularly throughout the day with lean proteins and fiber-rich carbohydrates since you get energy from food.

You can also substitute caffeine with water to avoid dehydration and the fatigue that comes with it. Try relieving stress with exercise or meditation.

Chang AM, Aeschbach D, Duffy JF, et al. Evening use of light-emitting eReaders negatively affects sleep, circadian timing, and next-morning alertness. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. Pham HT, Chuang HL, Kuo CP, et al. Electronic device use before bedtime and sleep quality among university students.

Healthcare Basel. Ginns P, Kim T, Zervos E. Chewing gum while studying: Effects on alertness and test performance. As a study in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition notes, these fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, which may also reduce fatigue.

Peanut butter is typically rich in protein, fats, and fiber, and may help a person feel full for longer after eating it. This may cut the need for constant snacking, which may also leave a person feeling drained as their body has to digest continuously.

Many seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds, are rich sources of fatty acids and fiber, which may translate to more energy. Seeds are also easy to carry and make a great addition to a quick trail mix. Water is the most crucial energizing ingredient on this list.

Water is vital for every cell in the body to work correctly. While most people think of dehydration as an extreme scenario, the body may become partially dehydrated if a person goes all morning without water. Maintaining energy can be as simple as carrying a water bottle around and sipping it throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.

Coffee is a recognizable energy booster. The caffeine in coffee makes the body and mind feel alert and may make people more productive. Coffee also contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which may reduce oxidative stress in the cells and help the body function better.

Coffee is a stimulant, however, so people should consume it in moderation. Too much coffee may lead to energy loss as the body withdraws from the caffeine. Green tea still contains small amounts of caffeine, but it also has compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

The result may be a smoother transition than coffee to a more awake and energetic state. Yerba maté is a drink native to South America. Drinking the herb as a tea provides the body with similar stimulating effects as tea or coffee.

Yerba maté contains many active nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids. People who drink yerba maté say it provides a much smoother form of energy by comparison to the jolt of energy from coffee.

As a study in the journal Nutrients notes, yerba maté may also improve mood and help people feel full, even after exercise, which may be helpful for those looking to lose weight while maintaining their energy levels. While most foods provide energy, the ones above focus on sustained energy.

Foods to try to avoid may include:. While this list is not exhaustive, the idea behind finding energy boosting foods is to consume a varied, balanced diet.

Vitamins, fiber, fats, and proteins are all essential for energy, but it is crucial to find a balance between them. People should try to choose a varied diet containing many different, nutritious foods that give the body sustained energy.

Some foods can benefit a person's liver health. Learn more about the best food and drink options here and what options to avoid to benefit the liver. Some research suggests that certain dietary changes could help some people with diverticulitis. Find out what foods to eat and avoid.

There are many ways to improve cardiac health, and watching what we eat is one of the most important. Here, we provide details of 16 heart-healthy…. Recent research suggests that following the Atlantic diet, which is similar to the Mediterranean diet, may help prevent metabolic syndrome and other….

A new study showed that a Mediterranean or MIND diet improved women's cognitive health during midlife. The study of twins found that those…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health?

Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. What are the best foods to eat for energy? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R.

Fruits Animal products Vegetables Grains Beans and legumes Drinks Foods to avoid Takeaway All foods give a person energy, but how they affect the body can vary greatly. Share on Pinterest Bananas are rich in potassium. Animal products. Share on Pinterest Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve brain function and reduce fatigue.

Beans and legumes. Share on Pinterest Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber. Foods to avoid.

How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause.

RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried? How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. How exactly does a healthy lifestyle help prevent dementia?

Related Coverage. What foods protect the liver? READ MORE. What are the best foods for diverticulitis? Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD. What are the best foods for heart health? Here, we provide details of 16 heart-healthy… READ MORE. Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome Recent research suggests that following the Atlantic diet, which is similar to the Mediterranean diet, may help prevent metabolic syndrome and other… READ MORE.

How Mediterranean and MIND diets could improve cognitive health A new study showed that a Mediterranean or MIND diet improved women's cognitive health during midlife. The study of twins found that those… READ MORE.

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.

Many nuts contain a blend of protein, fats, and some carbohydrates to provide energy throughout the day. Nuts are typically also rich sources of vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, calcium , or phosphorous. Nuts are usually high in essential fatty acids.

As a study in the Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition notes, these fatty acids may help reduce inflammation, which may also reduce fatigue. Peanut butter is typically rich in protein, fats, and fiber, and may help a person feel full for longer after eating it.

This may cut the need for constant snacking, which may also leave a person feeling drained as their body has to digest continuously. Many seeds, such as pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, and flax seeds, are rich sources of fatty acids and fiber, which may translate to more energy.

Seeds are also easy to carry and make a great addition to a quick trail mix. Water is the most crucial energizing ingredient on this list.

Water is vital for every cell in the body to work correctly. While most people think of dehydration as an extreme scenario, the body may become partially dehydrated if a person goes all morning without water. Maintaining energy can be as simple as carrying a water bottle around and sipping it throughout the day to stay properly hydrated.

Coffee is a recognizable energy booster. The caffeine in coffee makes the body and mind feel alert and may make people more productive. Coffee also contains antioxidants called polyphenols, which may reduce oxidative stress in the cells and help the body function better.

Coffee is a stimulant, however, so people should consume it in moderation. Too much coffee may lead to energy loss as the body withdraws from the caffeine. Green tea still contains small amounts of caffeine, but it also has compounds that may help reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in the body.

The result may be a smoother transition than coffee to a more awake and energetic state. Yerba maté is a drink native to South America.

Drinking the herb as a tea provides the body with similar stimulating effects as tea or coffee. Yerba maté contains many active nutrients, antioxidants, and amino acids. People who drink yerba maté say it provides a much smoother form of energy by comparison to the jolt of energy from coffee.

As a study in the journal Nutrients notes, yerba maté may also improve mood and help people feel full, even after exercise, which may be helpful for those looking to lose weight while maintaining their energy levels.

While most foods provide energy, the ones above focus on sustained energy. Foods to try to avoid may include:. While this list is not exhaustive, the idea behind finding energy boosting foods is to consume a varied, balanced diet. Vitamins, fiber, fats, and proteins are all essential for energy, but it is crucial to find a balance between them.

People should try to choose a varied diet containing many different, nutritious foods that give the body sustained energy.

Some foods can benefit a person's liver health. Learn more about the best food and drink options here and what options to avoid to benefit the liver. Some research suggests that certain dietary changes could help some people with diverticulitis.

Find out what foods to eat and avoid. There are many ways to improve cardiac health, and watching what we eat is one of the most important. Here, we provide details of 16 heart-healthy…. Recent research suggests that following the Atlantic diet, which is similar to the Mediterranean diet, may help prevent metabolic syndrome and other….

A new study showed that a Mediterranean or MIND diet improved women's cognitive health during midlife. The study of twins found that those…. My podcast changed me Can 'biological race' explain disparities in health? Why Parkinson's research is zooming in on the gut Tools General Health Drugs A-Z Health Hubs Health Tools Find a Doctor BMI Calculators and Charts Blood Pressure Chart: Ranges and Guide Breast Cancer: Self-Examination Guide Sleep Calculator Quizzes RA Myths vs Facts Type 2 Diabetes: Managing Blood Sugar Ankylosing Spondylitis Pain: Fact or Fiction Connect About Medical News Today Who We Are Our Editorial Process Content Integrity Conscious Language Newsletters Sign Up Follow Us.

Medical News Today. Health Conditions Health Products Discover Tools Connect. What are the best foods to eat for energy? Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo LDN, R. Fruits Animal products Vegetables Grains Beans and legumes Drinks Foods to avoid Takeaway All foods give a person energy, but how they affect the body can vary greatly.

Share on Pinterest Bananas are rich in potassium. Animal products. Share on Pinterest Salmon contains omega-3 fatty acids, which may improve brain function and reduce fatigue. Beans and legumes. Share on Pinterest Lentils are an excellent source of protein and fiber.

Foods to avoid. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Medical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles.

You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Share this article. Latest news Ovarian tissue freezing may help delay, and even prevent menopause. RSV vaccine errors in babies, pregnant people: Should you be worried? How gastric bypass surgery can help with type 2 diabetes remission.

Atlantic diet may help prevent metabolic syndrome. How exactly does a healthy lifestyle help prevent dementia? Related Coverage. What foods protect the liver? READ MORE. What are the best foods for diverticulitis?

Have you ever asked yourself, “ Why am I tired in the morning but more energetic at night? Being Over-Caffeinated Can Make You More Tired , and cause inconsistent energy throughout the day.

 While It Is A Myth That Caffeine Has Any Significant Diuretics Or Dehydrating Properties, cutting back on it over time can help regulate your energy levels.

Caffeine can come from a variety of places, including:. Ingesting too much of any of these foods in one day can cause energy spikes and crashes, which can increase daytime sleepiness. A healthy diet has several benefits, including more consistent energy.

Certain Foods Can Boost Your Mood, Health, And Energy , while Others Can Make You Feel Fatigued. Eating highly nutritious meals daily helps improve your overall health, boost your immune system, and improve digestion. All of these factors have an impact on your energy levels throughout the day.

Certain foods help boost your energy, more than others. These include:. Being properly hydrated alongside eating well is a healthy habit to get into when looking to boost your overall energy levels. 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.