5 Natural Ways To Boost Your Energy That Are Better Than Energy Drinks

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Sure, sometimes it seems easier to reach for that can of Red Bull, but when it comes to boosting your energy in a healthy and sustainable way, shortcuts just won’t do the trick. And often it’s the more natural remedies that link to your daily habits that have the most profound impact on how lively you feel. So if you’ve been feeling more lethargic than usual, make sure you’re addressing these five areas of your weekly routine.

1. Eat for energy.

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Yes, the quality of the food you put in your tank matters when it comes to the energy-boosting effects you feel from it. Magnesium specifically is a micronutrient that helps your body break glucose down into energy, so make sure your diet is stocked with magnesium-rich foods like almonds and cashews, dark leafy greens, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, fish, bananas and dark chocolate.

2. Go for a brisk walk.

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Movement is your friend, and even if you don’t love exercise, logging a brief power walk each day isn’t asking much of your body (or your mind). According to a study published in Personality and Social Psychology, a 10-minute walk can give you an energy boost that lasts up to two hours. That’s a major payoff! Plus, you can do it anywhere and at any skill level without any equipment or gym membership.

3. Catch more rays.

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This one can be tricky depending on the time of year, but sometimes just being outside and exposed to the sun can give you a clear, natural boost. Your brain produces more serotonin, your circadian rhythms (which play a major role in your sleep cycle) recalibrate, and the flush of vitamin D gives you a natural supply of energy. So get out of your dark cave of an apartment and into the sunshine already.

4. Avoid oversleeping.

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Yes, too much sleep can leave you feeling sleepy throughout the day. The National Sleep Foundation recommends logging seven to nine hours of sleep each night for maximum energy and health benefits. So even when you’re tempted to sleep in on the weekends to try to catch up on a deficit from the workweek, set an alarm and sip a cup of coffee or tea instead. You’ll feel much better once the afternoon arrives.

5. Drink plenty of water.

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Feeling tired is one of the primary indicators of dehydration, and you’re probably dehydrated a lot more frequently than you think. So before you reach for an energy drink, down a big glass of H2O instead and see how you feel 30 minutes later. When your body is made up of 60 percent water, staying hydrated has a significant impact on your energy level. Losing just 1.5 percent of the water in your body leaves you mildly dehydrated.