Regain Your Energy with These 9 Simple Methods

Feeling exhausted all the time? Here’s how to recharge your energy levels and stop feeling so tired.

4 min read

They say you’re only as old as you feel. But what if you feel old, tired, and rundown?

Fatigue is a common complaint, especially as we age. Thankfully, there are plenty of simple ways to boost energy. Some even slow down the aging process.

So, how can you refill your tank when your energy levels sputter?

Fatigue is a common symptom of many illnesses, including diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, anemia, thyroid disease, and sleep apnea. If you feel unusually tired, it’s important to talk to your doctor.

Some medications can also contribute to fatigue. If you start feeling tired after starting a new medication, be sure to tell your doctor.

Even though exercising may be the last thing you want to do when you’re tired, it’s been shown to boost energy levels in many studies.

Physical activity has consistently been linked to improved vigor and overall quality of life, according to Kerry J. Stewart, a professor of medicine at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. He says, “People who become active have a greater sense of self-confidence. But exercise also improves the working efficiency of your heart, lungs, and muscles. That’s the equivalent of improving the fuel efficiency of a car. It gives you more energy for any kind of activity.”

While almost any exercise is good, yoga may be especially effective for boosting energy. A British study found that volunteers who took once-a-week yoga classes reported improvements in clear-mindedness, energy, and confidence after six weeks.

It’s never too late to try, either. A study at the University of Oregon found that after six months, participants ages 65 to 85 reported an increased sense of well-being and a boost in overall energy from practicing yoga.

Dehydration can zap energy and impair physical performance. According to Dan Judelson, PhD, an assistant professor of kinesiology, “Our research shows that dehydration makes it harder for athletes to complete a weight lifting workout. It’s reasonable to think that dehydration causes fatigue even for people who are just doing chores.”

Dehydration has also been shown to decrease alertness and concentration.

So how can you know if you’re drinking enough water? According to Judelson, “Urine should be pale yellow or straw colored. If it’s darker than that, you need to drink water.”

Lack of sleep increases the risk of accidents and is one of the leading causes of daytime fatigue. The solution: Get to bed early enough for a full night’s sleep.

When people in a Stanford University study were allowed to sleep as long as they wanted, they reported more vigor and less fatigue. Good sleep habits may also have important health benefits.

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