Increase energy for better concentration -
Thankfully, there are things you can do to enhance your own natural energy levels. Here are nine tips:. Stress-induced emotions consume huge amounts of energy. Talking with a friend or relative, joining a support group, or seeing a psychotherapist can all help diffuse stress.
Relaxation therapies like meditation, self-hypnosis, yoga , and tai chi are also effective tools for reducing stress. One of the main reasons for fatigue is overwork.
Overwork can include professional, family, and social obligations. Try to streamline your list of "must-do" activities. Set your priorities in terms of the most important tasks.
Pare down those that are less important. Consider asking for extra help at work, if necessary. Exercise almost guarantees that you'll sleep more soundly.
It also gives your cells more energy to burn and circulates oxygen. And exercising can lead to higher brain dopamine levels, which helps elevate mood. When walking, pick up the pace periodically to get extra health benefits. You know smoking threatens your health. But you may not know that smoking actually siphons off your energy by causing insomnia.
The nicotine in tobacco is a stimulant, so it speeds the heart rate, raises blood pressure, and stimulates brain-wave activity associated with wakefulness, making it harder to fall asleep.
And once you do fall asleep, its addictive power can kick in and awaken you with cravings. If you think you may be sleep-deprived, try getting less sleep. This advice may sound odd but determining how much sleep you actually need can reduce the time you spend in bed not sleeping.
This process makes it easier to fall asleep and promotes more restful sleep in the long run. Here's how to do it:. Eating foods with a low glycemic index — whose sugars are absorbed slowly — may help you avoid the lag in energy that typically occurs after eating quickly absorbed sugars or refined starches.
Foods with a low glycemic index include whole grains, high-fiber vegetables, nuts, and healthy oils such as olive oil. In general, high-carbohydrate foods have the highest glycemic indexes. Proteins and fats have glycemic indexes that are close to zero.
Caffeine does help increase alertness, so having a cup of coffee can help sharpen your mind. But to get the energizing effects of caffeine, you have to use it judiciously. It can cause insomnia, especially when consumed in large amounts or after 2 p.
One of the best hedges against the midafternoon slump is to avoid drinking alcohol at lunch. The sedative effect of alcohol is especially strong at midday. Similarly, avoid a five o'clock cocktail if you want to have energy in the evening.
If you're going to drink, do so in moderation at a time when you don't mind having your energy wind down. What's the only nutrient that has been shown to enhance performance for all but the most demanding endurance activities?
It's not some pricey sports drink. It's water. If your body is short of fluids, one of the first signs is a feeling of fatigue. For more information on the many things you can do to increase your natural energy, order our Special Health Report, Boosting Your Energy.
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Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss 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. Brain fog is a symptom of another medical condition.
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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?
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