If you constantly feel like you’re out of energy, you’re not alone. And it’s not just how early (or late) you go to bed or how much coffee you drink before noon. Decreased energy can also be a sign of aging, says clinically certified Dr. Tyrrell de Ganne. Psychologist. “When we were younger, the structure of school and home, as well as the lack of responsibility and control, made it easier to eat well and be active,” he says. “As we age, we make choices that become habits and lead to a loss of energy.”
It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what to do when trying to boost your energy levels, especially if you’re not into artificial methods (coffee, sugar, etc.). That’s why we’ve compiled psychologist-approved ways to boost your energy levels naturally. All of them are things you can start right away.
Dr. Tyrrell de Ganne is a licensed clinical psychologist and Regional Clinical Coordinator for the Thriving Center of Psychology.
What depletes our energy?
Not to mention, eating certain foods like processed foods, high sugar, and fast foods can have a negative impact on your energy levels. And while almost everything can be enjoyed in moderation, choosing convenience over quality is something people often struggle with, Dr. Gannu explains. “Examples include calling a rideshare instead of walking 15 minutes, buying food instead of cooking, texting instead of meeting someone, and using social media as a distraction instead of physical labor.” What we do, including things we like to do like doomscrolling on TikTok, has a huge impact on our overall energy levels. Additionally, Dr. Ngannou suggests another simple solution to maintain your energy levels. That means drinking enough water. “Being well-hydrated on a regular basis can do wonders for how much better you feel,” he says.
5 ways to boost your energy naturally
Emphasis on proper nutrition
Everything you put into your body can increase or decrease your energy levels (but it’s not as scary as you might think!). Dr. Gans says, “Eating foods that are filling but not dense will give you more energy throughout the day, such as eggs, yogurt, fish, legumes, and even popcorn.” are mentioned.
Get enough sleep
It’s so easy to lose track of time when you’re lying in bed scrolling through social media, but it’s also the reason you feel tired when you wake up. “If you live from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., go to bed earlier. If you sleep from 11 a.m. to 1 a.m., go to bed later,” says Dr. Gans. “The more your schedule is in sync with your natural rhythm, the more energized you’ll feel. Also, take a nap.” Sleeping effectively can help you start your day off right.
stand in the sun for a while
On days when the sun is shining through your window, go outside and feel the sunlight on your face. “Natural sunlight provides (essential) vitamins and can elicit positive emotions,” says Dr. Gans. Whether it’s a quick walk in the morning or just opening your front door and feeling some fresh air, standing in the sunlight has many unique benefits.
Move anywhere
Do you enjoy your alone time because you can sing, dance, and move around freely? It’s also great for boosting your energy levels, Dr. Gans explains. “Our bodies are normally sedentary, so by cleaning, dancing, walking, or doing anything you can do multiple times a day, the more you do it, the more your overall energy will increase.”
Spend time with people who make you happy
The people you surround yourself with have a direct impact on how you feel, even when they’re not around. That’s why it’s so important to spend time with people who uplift you, and even friends you’ve just met. “Even if you don’t know it well, positive vibes can actually have a big impact on your energy levels,” says Dr. Gans.