3 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy

Lack of energy got you down? Instead of reaching for that 4th cup of coffee, try these healthy & natural ways to boost your energy instead.

This time of year, as the days get shorter and the nights get darker and cooler, I often start to feel my energy waning a bit. Before I know it, I’ll feel like holing up somewhere and hibernating for the winter! Unfortunately, with a busy life, that’s not really possible. So instead, I choose natural energy-boosting methods to make it through the colder, darker months.

Many people drink coffee, but drinking lots of caffeinated beverages can actually have the opposite effect, as it can deplete your adrenals over time, cause sleep disturbances, and lead to a dependence on caffeine in order to get the boost you are looking for.

Instead, it is much healthier to find natural ways to boost your energy and keep you going throughout the day. Luckily, there are a number of healthy energy boosters that can keep you from feeling the need to resort to caffeine or sugar-packed junk foods to make it through that afternoon slump.

Here are just 3 to try:

1.) Reduce Your Stress Levels

Believe it or not, the amount of stress in your life can have a large impact on how much energy you have. Emotional stress causes a severe lack of energy. IF you are struggling with stress, try to figure out where it is coming from and avoid those triggers if possible. If you can’t avoid it, look for stress relief methods, such as yoga, meditation, spending time with friends or family, going for a nice walk outside, or taking a soothing bubble bath to relax.

2.) Release Energy-Boosting Chemicals Through Exercise

The list of benefits that physical activity provides never seems to end. Exercise not only helps you lose weight, manage certain illnesses, and increase your metabolism, but it can boost your energy as well. When you exercise, your body starts releasing hormones like epinephrine, which are natural energy boosters. Try to find ways to get more exercise each day, such as taking your dog for a longer walk, using the stairs instead of the elevator, or riding your bicycle to work. (And check out our weekly workouts for fast, fun workouts that are easy to fit into your busy schedule!)

3.) Get More Magnesium

Following a healthy diet and making sure you’re getting enough nutrients is always a good way to increase your energy levels. Getting more magnesium is one of the most important ways to use nutrients to boost your energy. Magnesium deficiency is often a major cause cause of fatigue conditions. Try to find natural ways to get more magnesium into your diet, such as fish, whole grains, and nuts like hazelnuts and almonds. You may also need to take a magnesium supplement, as magnesium is also important for good bone health. Try to get at least 400mg of magnesium per day (for an adult).

While consuming more caffeine and sugar might give you temporary boosts of energy throughout the day, you will end up crashing in the afternoon, as your adrenals become fatigued. This actually makes you feel more tired than if you never had that candy bar in the first place! Try to find more natural ways to boost your energy instead of just having more cups of coffee or sugary treats. Not only will your energy last longer, but it will be much better for your health in general.