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4. Try a 30-Minute Power Nap
The easiest way to boost your energy is to work in a quick nap during the day. A 30-minute power nap is kind of like resetting your energy levels, as these cat naps are instant boosts that can help you think more clearly and have better motor performance. 30-minute power naps are best in the afternoon, at least 1 hour before dinner.
5. Be Smart About Caffeine
Caffeine might be your obvious choice when it comes to boosting your energy, but the best way to get the most out of your caffeine intake is to be thoughtful about consumption. For example, consuming a large amount of caffeine in the morning might be hindering more than helping. Being smart about your caffeine intake means planning and regulating your consumption. Limit yourself to your morning cup and only one, early-afternoon pick-me-up, which is best taken at least 8 hours before your set sleep time.
6. Try Using B12
B12 is known as a natural energy booster that also helps ramp up your metabolism. Because B12 is a water-soluble vitamin, it’s generally safe for all people to take. However, you might not get a huge boost in energy unless you have some level of B12 deficiency. Still, trying out a daily sublingual B12 vitamin – or a multivitamin that includes B12 – might be worth a try.
7. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise isn’t just good for the health of your body – it’s also good for relieving stress and helps you feel more energized. Why? Simply put, exercise circulates more oxygen through the body, releases feel-good, energy-boosting hormones like norepinephrine, and helps you get better sleep, all of which can lift your overall energy level during the day. Exercise also helps clear the mind!
As a general rule of thumb, 30 minutes of exercise a day, or 3 hours of exercise a week, is enough to qualify as regular exercise. Some exercises you might consider include:
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- Brisk walking
- Dancing
- Jogging
- Yoga or pilates
- Tai Chi
- Bicycling
- Swimming
8. Drink Water
Finally, the simplest thing you can possibly do to boost your energy level is to drink water. Chronic dehydration – that is, not getting enough water you need every day – is one of the hallmarks of fatigue, as well as other health issues. The average adult should be drinking at least 48oz of water a day in addition to other beverages such as coffee, tea, juice, or sports drinks. While it might be tempting to write off a cup of coffee as being part of your daily water consumption, only plain water counts.
After reviewing research studies and the numerous resources at Harvard Medical School, it’s easy to see that there are plenty of healthy, natural methods for boosting your energy. From classic healthy lifestyle advice to exercise and eat well to more cognitive-centered approaches such as the avoidance of burnout for managing stress, you can find a way to top-up your energy levels. To learn more about healthy ways for boosting your energy level, keep up with Aging Healthy Today!
