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. As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.

Please note the date of last review or update on all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

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Stress uses up a lot of energy. Try to introduce relaxing activities into your day. This could be:. Read more about how to relieve stress. There's some evidence that talking therapies such as counselling or cognitive behavioural therapy CBT might help to fight fatigue, or tiredness caused by stress, anxiety or low mood.

See a GP for a referral for talking treatment on the NHS, or for advice on seeing a private therapist. Caffeine is a stimulant which means it makes you feel more awake. But it can also disrupt your usual sleep rhythms, leading to problems sleeping and then daytime tiredness. The effects of caffeine on the body can last up to 7 hours, so you may want to avoid it in the evening if you are having trouble sleeping.

If you do want to cut caffeine out of your diet completely then the charity The Sleep Charity recommends you reduce your intake gradually. Trying to suddenly stop can lead to insomnia and headaches. Although a couple of glasses of wine in the evening can help you fall asleep, you sleep less deeply after drinking alcohol.

The next day you'll be tired, even if you sleep a full 8 hours. Cut down on alcohol before bedtime. You'll get a better night's rest and have more energy. The NHS recommends that men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units a week and should try to have several alcohol-free days each week.

Read more about how to cut down on alcohol. Sometimes you feel tired simply because you're mildly dehydrated. A glass of water will do the trick, especially after exercise. Read more about water, drinks and hydration. Page last reviewed: 8 November Next review due: 8 November Home Live Well Sleep and tiredness Back to Sleep and tiredness.

Self-help tips to fight tiredness. Eat often to beat tiredness A good way to keep up your energy through the day is to eat regular meals and healthy snacks every 3 to 4 hours, rather than a large meal less often.

Read more about healthy eating. Get moving You might feel that exercise is the last thing on your mind. Lose weight to gain energy If your body is carrying excess weight, it can be exhausting.

Some drinks can help you boost your energy in a pinch. But remember to try to get a little more sleep tonight, too, OK? Pictured Recipe: You'll Want to Drink This Anti-Inflammatory Beet Smoothie Every Day.

Feeling a little sluggish? You might need water—not coffee. How come? You might be dehydrated. This affects the cells in your muscles and brain, and you might feel that as brain fog or lethargy.

If there's not enough water in your body, this means that every cell is going to be deprived of this, and—although it might still function with the little water it does have—it's going to do so less optimally," says Samantha Cochrane, RD , a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

In a study on male Chinese students published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , dehydration led people to feel less energetic, and they had lower moods, along with problems with memory and attention.

In terms of how much water you should drink , females should aim for 91 ounces of total liquid from food and drink per day; for males, that's ounces. Cochrane advises drinking water when you're thirsty. She says that having a water bottle by your side, choosing a bottle that keeps your water at your preferred temperature e.

Of course, coffee is on this list. Caffeinated coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that binds to adenosine receptors in the brain. Adenosine makes you feel sleepy, but caffeine blocks that process from happening, which ultimately makes you awake and alert, explains JN Learning a division of the JAMA Network.

Coffee offers many health benefits , from a decreased risk of heart disease to a healthier brain. However, there are a few things to remember if you have a java habit. Cochrane cautions against substituting coffee for breakfast.

In addition, be mindful of how much sugar your cup contains. Sugar, too, can increase your energy temporarily, but you're also more likely to have an energy crash due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Unlike water, coffee or tea, a well-planned smoothie contains macronutrients —carbohydrates, protein, fat—that provide calories to give your body energy.

Plus, a smoothie is also a source of hydration from the added liquid, ice and fruit. The majority of fruit is water. But just because it's a smoothie doesn't make it automatically healthy—some can be added-sugar bombs from juice with added sugar or even sherbet.

Cochrane suggests making sure yours is made with a source of protein e. Stress is such a drag on your energy; it can make you feel depleted fast. If you're entering a stress slump, try a hot or iced matcha.

Healthy adults who consumed 2 grams of matcha about 1 teaspoon every day for two weeks had better cognitive function during and after stressful conditions than placebo groups, found a study in Nutrition Research. Catechins in tea combat the damage free radicals can have on the brain; matcha also has theanine, a compound known to boost attention, and some caffeine for a perk.

Matcha, especially when purchased from a coffee shop as a "matcha drink" rather than tea , may be packed with added sugars. The effects of caffeine on the body can last up to 7 hours, so you may want to avoid it in the evening if you are having trouble sleeping.

If you do want to cut caffeine out of your diet completely then the charity The Sleep Charity recommends you reduce your intake gradually.

Trying to suddenly stop can lead to insomnia and headaches. Although a couple of glasses of wine in the evening can help you fall asleep, you sleep less deeply after drinking alcohol. The next day you'll be tired, even if you sleep a full 8 hours.

Cut down on alcohol before bedtime. You'll get a better night's rest and have more energy. The NHS recommends that men and women should not regularly drink more than 14 units a week and should try to have several alcohol-free days each week.

Read more about how to cut down on alcohol. Sometimes you feel tired simply because you're mildly dehydrated. A glass of water will do the trick, especially after exercise. Read more about water, drinks and hydration.

Page last reviewed: 8 November Next review due: 8 November Home Live Well Sleep and tiredness Back to Sleep and tiredness.

Self-help tips to fight tiredness. Eat often to beat tiredness A good way to keep up your energy through the day is to eat regular meals and healthy snacks every 3 to 4 hours, rather than a large meal less often. Read more about healthy eating. Get moving You might feel that exercise is the last thing on your mind.

Unfortunately, that quick fix is also the quick way to crash. The good news is there are plenty of healthy options to amplify your energy.

Focus on foods with protein, fiber, complex carbohydrates and magnesium that will take longer to digest and therefore extend your energy. Mix and match energizing snacks — like Greek yogurt and berries, or grapefruit and cottage cheese — for a more powerful punch.

Drinking lots of water can also help — even mild dehydration can leave you feeling weary. One eight-ounce cup of coffee in the morning is perfectly fine, but skip the refills and opt for one of these 10 picks for a more nutritious boost of energy.

In addition to energy-extending protein and fiber, nuts are full of additional nutrients to refuel your electrolyte supply. A peanut butter sandwich for lunch or a handful of almonds at snack time can keep you going during a long afternoon. Tip: Choose walnuts for a boost of melatonin, the chemical your body releases at night to regulate your body clock.

Soothe your sweet tooth while also boosting energy with the complex healthy carbs in fruit. Melons are a particularly great choice — their high water content keeps you hydrated, another boost to energy. Complex carbs and protein is one of most nutritious pairings you can find.

Found in Greek yogurt or Icelandic yogurt, they combine to slow digestion for more sustained energy. Healthy spreadable cheeses, cottage cheese or milk can be part of a healthy, energy-boosting snack.

The protein and carbs found in dairy-products is a power combo for replenishing electrolytes and a study suggests that drinking milk at night boosts muscle recovery and growth too. Fiber, protein, complex carbs and healthy fat are all present for a slowly digested, energy-amplifying snack.

To get the most nutrition from your snack, avoid table salt and sodium-packed sauces. Complex carbs, check.

reported emotional exhaustion, while nearly one-half said they were physically fatigued, per data from the American Psychological Association. That all adds up to a whole lot of lagging.

Issues with energy and fatigue typically go deeper than just a quick fix. However, as you work on the underlying cause—be it a health problem, work or life stress, or lifestyle habits that need an adjustment—there are also things you can do in terms of your diet to put a little more pep in your step.

Some drinks can help you boost your energy in a pinch. But remember to try to get a little more sleep tonight, too, OK? Pictured Recipe: You'll Want to Drink This Anti-Inflammatory Beet Smoothie Every Day.

Feeling a little sluggish? You might need water—not coffee. How come? You might be dehydrated. This affects the cells in your muscles and brain, and you might feel that as brain fog or lethargy.

If there's not enough water in your body, this means that every cell is going to be deprived of this, and—although it might still function with the little water it does have—it's going to do so less optimally," says Samantha Cochrane, RD , a registered dietitian at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

In a study on male Chinese students published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health , dehydration led people to feel less energetic, and they had lower moods, along with problems with memory and attention.

In terms of how much water you should drink , females should aim for 91 ounces of total liquid from food and drink per day; for males, that's ounces. Cochrane advises drinking water when you're thirsty. She says that having a water bottle by your side, choosing a bottle that keeps your water at your preferred temperature e.

Of course, coffee is on this list. Caffeinated coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant that binds to adenosine receptors in the brain.

Adenosine makes you feel sleepy, but caffeine blocks that process from happening, which ultimately makes you awake and alert, explains JN Learning a division of the JAMA Network.

Coffee offers many health benefits , from a decreased risk of heart disease to a healthier brain. However, there are a few things to remember if you have a java habit.

Cochrane cautions against substituting coffee for breakfast. In addition, be mindful of how much sugar your cup contains. Sugar, too, can increase your energy temporarily, but you're also more likely to have an energy crash due to fluctuating blood sugar levels. Unlike water, coffee or tea, a well-planned smoothie contains macronutrients —carbohydrates, protein, fat—that provide calories to give your body energy.

Plus, a smoothie is also a source of hydration from the added liquid, ice and fruit. The majority of fruit is water. But just because it's a smoothie doesn't make it automatically healthy—some can be added-sugar bombs from juice with added sugar or even sherbet.

Cochrane suggests making sure yours is made with a source of protein e. Stress is such a drag on your energy; it can make you feel depleted fast. If you're entering a stress slump, try a hot or iced matcha.

Healthy adults who consumed 2 grams of matcha about 1 teaspoon every day for two weeks had better cognitive function during and after stressful conditions than placebo groups, found a study in Nutrition Research. Catechins in tea combat the damage free radicals can have on the brain; matcha also has theanine, a compound known to boost attention, and some caffeine for a perk.

Matcha, especially when purchased from a coffee shop as a "matcha drink" rather than tea , may be packed with added sugars. Look out for those in your favorite matcha, or better yet, brew yours at home with one of these Healthy Matcha Recipes.

According to a study published in PLoS One , people reported that they experienced a boost in vitality—a measurement that captured how energetic and "full of life" they felt—when they were given two additional servings of fruits and veggies to eat, compared to a control group.

Fresh whole fruit and veggies differ from juice, of course. Still, researchers suspect that the variety of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants may affect one's well-being through mechanisms like better blood flow to the brain or changes in the gut microbiome.

One idea? Grab two gold kiwis, puree them in a blender, and then top with sparkling water or coconut water for a kiwi refresher. Eating two kiwifruit per day has been found to improve one's feelings of "vitality," as well as energy and mood, possibly thanks to the fruit's high vitamin C levels, according to a small review in Nutrients.

Beet juice might not be your first choice in a beverage, but it may boost your exercise performance. One systematic review published in in Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition found that beetroot juice helped decrease fatigue during a running sprint test, while other research published in in Nutrients concluded that beet juice improved performance during resistance exercise.

Beets pack nitrates , which are converted into nitric oxide, a molecule that helps dilate blood vessels to improve blood flow, thus increasing oxygen to the muscles and the brain—something that can help you feel as if you're not working as hard and therefore have more energy to tackle physical exercise.

In an energy slump? Here are three lifestyle habits that can make you feel more energetic and on it. Nuts, legumes, sweet potatoes, oats and brown rice are all low-glycemic carbohydrates that provide the body with a steady stream of energy.

If your only experience with chia seeds is the Chia Pet, prepare to be pleasantly surprised. These magic little natural energy foods boost energy levels and provide your body with a lot of nutritional bang for the buck. The ancient Mayans and Aztecs ingested chia seeds to keep up energy and alertness among warriors during war.

For us mere mortals, the essential fatty acids omega-3 and omega-6 found in chia seeds have been shown to enhance sleep quality, boost brain power and combat inflammation, which keeps your body feeling fresh.

Coupled with high levels of protein and fiber, which keep blood sugar stable no afternoon sugar crashes! Did you know that one of the first signs of dehydration is feeling tired or exhausted? Because our bodies are made up of mostly water, even small dips in hydration are enough to affect your metabolism.

The National Academy of Medicine suggests about nine cups of fluids a day for women and 13 cups for men. However, a more accurate amount is found like this: Take your body weight, and divide it in half. Then drink that many ounces per day plus more if you work out, are really active, are pregnant, nursing, or are fighting an illness or disease.

If that sounds like a lot, remember that many foods, like fruits and vegetables, contain water as well, so you can also boost your hydration level by upping your intake. If you have an intense workout, you might want to supplement water with a drink that helps replace the electrolytes your body sweats out.

Forget sports drinks loaded with high fructose corn syrup and additives, and opt for coconut water or water naturally flavored with lemon and honey instead. You can also make your own electrolyte drink. It supports energy production and keeps blood cells happy and healthy.

Sipping on an herbal tea can provide an all-natural temporary boost in energy levels without the risk of scary stimulants or processed ingredients. Two wonderful options are green tea and rooibos tea. Green tea has many benefits for your body, such as anti-aging and free radical-fighting properties.

Rooibos tea is another type of tea that helps fight fatigue. Commonly used in aromatherapy, animal studies have found that this refreshing essential oil may have a stimulating effect on the brain and is even powerful enough to help treat tension headaches.

Try dabbing a few drops on your wrists when you find your energy lagging, add some to your shower to get an early morning energy boost, or add several drops to a steam diffuser to breathe in the benefits throughout the day.

Does a tough workout wipe you out? Take solace in the fact that incorporating regular exercise into your routine will actually boost energy levels and is one of the best methods for how to increase energy and motivation while also enhancing overall health.

Some of the most common causes of decreased energy include the use of certain medications, thyroid issues , depression and anemia. Chronic fatigue may also be a symptom of more serious conditions as well, such as cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, diabetes or kidney problems.

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