How to Get More Energy

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As human beings, we influence our energy levels through what we put in our bodies and how we live our lives. There are plenty of things you can do to boost your energy levels throughout the day. Whether you want to feel more energetic and productive at work or perk up for a workout, you can do it naturally — there’s no need for any “miracle” energy boosting pills or supplements. Check out all the tips and tricks we’ve got for you on this list and give some a try!

1

Sleep 7-8 hours a night.

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  1. Pick a bedtime that allows you to get at least 7 hours of sleep. Go to bed at the same time every night and get up at the same time every morning to create a healthy sleep routine that makes you feel more energized during the day.
    • Sleep in a cool room, such as a room with opened windows, if possible. Cool environments help the body get better sleep. [1] That's because cool temperatures help bring on the drop in core temperature that signals sleepiness.
    • Avoid napping during the day so you’re more tired at night.
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2

Open your curtains or blinds.

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  1. Whether you’re at work or at home, let in as much natural light as possible to help boost your energy levels. If you can, move your desk closer to a window or into a different room where there are more windows and light [2] .
    • Artificial light can also make you feel more energetic at night when there’s no natural light. Try using fluorescent light bulbs labeled something like “cool white” or “daylight,” which emit a white light that’s more similar to natural light than standard yellow light bulbs [3] .
3

Try a simple deep breathing exercise.

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  1. Slowly breathe in through your nose for a count of 4 seconds. Hold your breath for a count of 7 seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth for a count of 8 seconds. Repeat this 4 times. [4]
    • You can do this simple breathing exercise twice a day to improve your energy levels [5] .
    • This is also a good exercise to do whenever you’re feeling stressed [6] .
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4

Eat a carb-rich breakfast.

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  1. Don’t skip a morning meal or you won’t get the valuable energy you need to start your day! Eat breakfasts that include healthy carbs like cereals and whole-grain breads. [7]
    • A bowl of oatmeal with some healthy toppings like fruits, berries, or nuts is a great energy-boosting breakfast.
    • Lean proteins like eggs and yogurt are another good choice for breakfast.
    • If you prefer drinking your breakfast, try blending fruit, juice, yogurt, and other healthy ingredients together for a delicious and nutritious breakfast smoothie.
    • Reader Poll: We asked 1070 wikiHow readers what they found most helpful for establishing a morning routine, and 54% of them said Setting an alarm. [Take Poll] So, set the alarm early enough to give you time for a nutritious breakfast.
5

Drink caffeine early in the day.

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  1. A cup of coffee can certainly make you feel more alert in the morning, but try to avoid having caffeine after about 2 p.m. Drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages late in the day can mess up your sleep, leading to more fatigue the next day. [8]
    • Too much caffeine can make you crash later on and feel less energetic. [9]
    • If you feel tired all the time and you consume caffeine regularly, try cutting it out all together. Gradually stop having all caffeinated drinks over a 3-week period, then stay off it for 1 month and see if you feel like you have more energy.
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6

Have small meals every 3 to 4 hours.

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  1. Do this instead of only eating a few large meals. Bring portable snacks with you to work or school so you always have something ready to give you a little energy boost [10] .
7

Include healthy foods from all food groups in meals.

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  1. Eat whole foods, especially fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, low-fat dairy, and whole grains. Reduce the amount of high-fat, high-sugar, and high-salt foods you eat, which aren’t very nutritious and can cause your energy levels to crash.
    • Examples of energizing, healthful snacks include nuts, olives, yogurt, fresh fruit, and legumes.
    • Leafy greens, broccoli, and orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes are great nutrient-dense vegetables to include in your meals.
    • Fish and legumes are good options for healthy proteins.
    • Aim to eat 3 oz (85 g) of whole-grain cereals, pasta, rice, or bread every day.
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8

Alternate between sitting and standing.

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  1. Stand up and move around every 30 minutes to get your blood flowing and refresh your energy levels. Reduce sitting-based activities like watching TV and using a computer. [12]
    • If you sit at a desk at work, take 2- to 5-minute active breaks every hour. An active break could be a walk around the office, some stretching in the hallway, or going to get some coffee in the lunchroom [13] .
    • If you work on a computer at home or at an office, consider getting a standing desk or an adjustable desk. Alternate between sitting and standing throughout the day.
9

Take a multivitamin with your lunch.

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  1. Choose a multivitamin that has B vitamins like vitamin B12. Magnesium and iron are other good ingredients to look for that help supplement your energy levels. [14]
    • Note that a multivitamin is not a replacement for a healthy, balanced meal.
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10

Drink lots of water.

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  1. Drink water throughout the day to stay hydrated, especially before, during, and after physical activity. Keep a glass of water at your desk or carry a bottle of water with you when you’re on the go. [15]
    • Doctors and scientists alike believe that drinking water is a key component to being healthier and feeling more energized during the day, although there is some disagreement about exactly how much is needed. [16]
    • The U.S. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine says that women should drink 11.5 cups (2.7 L) and men should drink 15.5 cups (3.7 L) of water per day. [17]
    • The Institute of Health says that children and teens should drink 7.2 (1.7 L) to 13.9 (3.3 L) of water per day. [18]
    • A good rule of thumb you can follow is to drink at least 8 full glasses of water a day.
    • Other ways to stay hydrated are to eat fruit and vegetables, drink fruit or vegetable juices, and sip on herbal teas.
    • You can tell if you’re dehydrated by looking at your urine. If it is colorless or light yellow, you’re probably drinking enough water. If it is bright or dark yellow, drink more water [19] .
11

Exercise regularly.

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  1. Start by walking for at least 15 minutes a day. Try to build up your physical activity levels over weeks or months until you’re doing 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week. [20]
    • Moderate-intensity aerobic activities you can do include brisk walking, cycling, and swimming [21] .
    • Yoga is another good exercise you can try to boost your energy levels.
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12

Spend time with positive people.

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  1. Hang out with positive people who motivate and excite you whenever possible. Limit the amount of time you spend around negative people who drain your energy.
    • Find people you can relate to and who have similar interests to spend time with. For example, if you like to hike, you could join or form a hiking club.
    • Stay away from people who make poor choices or constantly complain.
13

Do stress-relieving activities to relax.

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  1. Do things that make you relax like listening to music or reading. Try to let go of all your stress while you do these types of activities to conserve your energy. [22]
    • If you have major stress in your life, consider seeing a therapist or joining a support group. Or, try talking through your emotions with a friend or a relative.
    • If you’re stressed out because of feeling overworked, ask for more help from co-workers to lighten your load.
    • It’s okay to say no to social invitations in order to give yourself some time to relax on your own. Trying to squeeze in every professional, family, and social obligation and activity can be exhausting!
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14

Limit your alcohol consumption.

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  1. Avoid drinking alcohol at lunch to prevent an afternoon slump. Skip that 5 o’clock cocktail if you want to have more energy in the evening. [23]
    • Alcohol also dehydrates you, which is another cause of low energy levels [24] .
    • Avoid drinking before bed in order to get a good night’s sleep. If you want to have some drinks at dinner or in the evening, stop drinking 3 hours before bed and switch to water [25] .
15

Do something you enjoy every day.

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  1. Make time to do something that you feel passionate about or practice a special talent you have every day. Try to have fun and give yourself this time to stop worrying about other commitments and pressures.
    • This doesn’t have to be something big or complicated. It can be as simple as cooking a nice meal or dancing around your living room.
    • If you can’t think of something you’re passionate about to do, try something new! A new activity or hobby can really rejuvenate your energy levels. For example, start learning Spanish or take up skateboarding.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    How can I have more energy all day?
    Sari Eitches, MBE, MD
    Integrative Internist
    Dr. Sari Eitches is an Integrative Internist who runs Tower Integrative Health and Wellness, based in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in plant-based nutrition, weight management, women's health, preventative medicine, and depression. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She received a BS from the University of California, Berkeley, an MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and an MBE from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY and served as an attending internist at the University of Pennsylvania.
    Sari Eitches, MBE, MD
    Integrative Internist
    Expert Answer
    Eat the same amount of food every 3 to 4 hours or go for healthful snacks in between smaller meals.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
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    Not Helpful 2 Helpful 10
  • Question
    What drink is good for energy?
    Sari Eitches, MBE, MD
    Integrative Internist
    Dr. Sari Eitches is an Integrative Internist who runs Tower Integrative Health and Wellness, based in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in plant-based nutrition, weight management, women's health, preventative medicine, and depression. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She received a BS from the University of California, Berkeley, an MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and an MBE from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY and served as an attending internist at the University of Pennsylvania.
    Sari Eitches, MBE, MD
    Integrative Internist
    Expert Answer
    Doctors and scientists alike believe that drinking water is a key component to being healthier and feeling more energized during the day, although there is some disagreement about exactly how much is needed.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 10
  • Question
    What should I eat when I'm tired?
    Sari Eitches, MBE, MD
    Integrative Internist
    Dr. Sari Eitches is an Integrative Internist who runs Tower Integrative Health and Wellness, based in Los Angeles, California. She specializes in plant-based nutrition, weight management, women's health, preventative medicine, and depression. She is a Diplomate of the American Board of Internal Medicine and the American Board of Integrative and Holistic Medicine. She received a BS from the University of California, Berkeley, an MD from SUNY Upstate Medical University, and an MBE from the University of Pennsylvania. She completed her residency at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, NY and served as an attending internist at the University of Pennsylvania.
    Sari Eitches, MBE, MD
    Integrative Internist
    Expert Answer
    Try to have some whole foods that have good sources of fiber, protein, carbs, and fats. Just be sure to avoid processed sugary foods.
    Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
    Thank you for your feedback.
    If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
    Yes No
    Not Helpful 0 Helpful 11
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      References

      1. ↑ Sari Eitches, MBE, MD. Integrative Internist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
      2. ↑ https://www.sleephealthsolutionsohio.com/blog/10-ways-stay-energized-throughout-day/
      3. ↑ https://onlinemba.unc.edu/news/how-lighting-affects-productivity/
      4. ↑ https://uhs.berkeley.edu/sites/default/files/breathing_exercises_0.pdf
      5. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-relief-breathing-techniques
      6. ↑ https://www.webmd.com/balance/stress-management/stress-relief-breathing-techniques
      7. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fatigue-fighting-tips
      8. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/energy-and-fatigue/9-tips-to-boost-your-energy-naturally
      9. ↑ Sari Eitches, MBE, MD. Integrative Internist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
      1. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/healthbeat/eating-to-boost-energy
      2. ↑ Sari Eitches, MBE, MD. Integrative Internist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
      3. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/conditionsandtreatments/fatigue-fighting-tips
      4. ↑ https://www.hse.gov.uk/msd/dse/work-routine.htm
      5. ↑ https://www.health.com/mind-body/how-to-get-more-energy-from-morning-to-night?slide=265eda8e-3a84-4c13-8667-a98a91e2a877#265eda8e-3a84-4c13-8667-a98a91e2a877
      6. ↑ https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/fitness/staying-motivated/how-to-get-energy-when-youre-too-tired-to-workout
      7. ↑ Sari Eitches, MBE, MD. Integrative Internist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
      8. ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256
      9. ↑ https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2015/06/11/413674246/got-water-most-kids-teens-dont-drink-enough
      10. ↑ https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20354092
      11. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/self-help-tips-to-fight-fatigue/
      12. ↑ https://www.nhsinform.scot/healthy-living/keeping-active/getting-started/types-of-exercise
      13. ↑ https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sleep-and-tiredness/self-help-tips-to-fight-fatigue/
      14. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/energy-and-fatigue/9-tips-to-boost-your-energy-naturally
      15. ↑ https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/alcohol-and-fatigue
      16. ↑ https://medicine.umich.edu/dept/psychiatry/news/archive/202012/when-stop-drinking-alcohol-water-or-caffeine-bed-better-sleep

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      If you need to get more energy during the day, start out by eating a nutritious breakfast, then eat about every 4 hours to prevent a crash in your blood sugar, which can leave you feeling tired. Dehydration can make you feel drained, so drink about 2.2 liters of water a day if you’re a woman, and 3 liters a day if you’re a man. When it’s time for bed, turn off all the lights and electronics in your room so you can get more restful sleep. Keep reading to learn how to make yourself feel awake quickly, like splashing cold water on your face!

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