Boost Your Energy Level in 11 Steps

Everyone feels tired now and then, but are your energy stores totally depleted? Think of it this way: If you blow a fuse in your house, you can't expect to get power back by lighting a few candles and searching for food with a flashlight. You've got to find the bad fuse, replace it, and reset the system. Same goes for your energy. Before you reach for the big Cs to snap out of your sluggishness (you know . . . cookies, candy, carbs, and caffeine concoctions), we've got an 11-step plan to pep you up.

It's pretty basic, but you need to get your ZZZs. Sleep loss is a major energy drain. Our bodies and brains need 6 to 9 hours of sleep to restore good brain-cell functioning (i.e., the ability to perform physically as well as mentally, since both coordination and thinking require those brain cells to work well). Getting on a regular bedtime schedule will help set your internal clock so your body knows when to sleep and when to wake.

Tell your body you want to watch Glee reruns all night and—thanks to mechanisms called feedback loops—you downshift energy production. This explains why you can feel too tired to move even though you’ve been sitting around all day. Tell your body to move and it responds by giving you the energy to get moving. Your body teaches your brain. That's how healthy behaviors become automatic habits. This may be tough the first few times you try, but it gets easier.

Getting to the point where you're just starting to feel thirsty (a mere 2.6% drop in hydration levels) is one of the quickest ways to take the spring out of your step. In fact, being even just a little dehydrated can lead to unpleasant feelings, such as fatigue, crankiness, and foggy thinking. When you feel yourself dragging, grab a tall glass of water. Another plus of H20: people who drink water throughout the day consume a whopping 9 percent fewer daily calories. Discover how much water you should drink each day.

A sugar-filled diet gives you about a birthday candle's worth of energy, while a healthy diet is more like an eternal flame. Work on limiting simple sugars (they end in -ose, such as glucose, sucrose, maltose, and dextrose—ribose is OK), syrups, and any grain that's not 100% whole. Ribose is the exception because it's a special sugar made in your body. It doesn't come from food, but does come in supplement form and can help build the energy factories of your body. It's not for everyone, so talk to your doctor first. Here's how to make cutting sweets easier.

No time to exercise, but plenty of time to watch TV? Exercise can do a world of good to boost your energy, so even on days when you don't feel up to it, try to do some kind of physical activity, such as walking, strength training, or cardio to kick your feel-good endorphins into high gear. Still uninspired? Try the 10-minute rule. Make a deal with yourself to get moving for at least 10 minutes. Chances are, once you start, you'll feel so much better that you'll keep going. Try this energy-boosting workout.

Short days can cause seasonal affective disorder (SAD) -- neurochemical changes in your brain due to lack of sunlight. From late fall until spring, people with SAD become depressed, sleep too much, withdraw from friends, and battle low energy and relentless carb cravings. To prevent SAD and get energized, try to spend some time in the sunshine. If there isn’t any, ask your doctor about light therapy, which involves sitting in front of a special box that shines ultrabright lights.

Black, green, and white teas all contain the energizing amino acid L-theanine, which isn't found in coffee. Green tea contains free-radical-fighting compounds that help you stay younger and avoid the aging and decrease in energy that accompany chronic disease. Although green tea has one-third the caffeine of black tea, it's been shown to yield the same level of energy and attentiveness. Tired of drinking hot tea? Try these cool green tea recipes.

For a little extra get-through-the-day energy, top your veggies with toasted sesame seeds. They're loaded with magnesium -- a mineral that cells need in order to convert food to energy. Other magnesium-rich foods include: whole grains, dark leafy greens, pumpkin seeds, and cashews. Magnesium not only boosts your energy, it also helps strengthen your bones and keep your heart, nerves, muscles, and immune system functioning well. Use this tool to see how much magnesium you need.

Close your office door or slip out to your car for a quick snooze. Power naps, or "cat naps," can boost your mood, memory, and productivity. They also increase your alertness and energy while lowering your blood pressure. To get the most out of your siesta, keep it short (10 to 30 minutes), aim for midafternoon, and get comfy (kick of your shoes, loosen tight clothing and darken the room). Can't take a nap? Opt for an afternoon walk or office-gym workout.

To stay energized all day, you have to eat often. That means shifting away from three big meals toward five to six balanced mini meals. To maintain steady energy levels, pair complex carbs that are high in fiber (e.g., beans, peas, and whole grains) with unsaturated fats (e.g., avocado, walnuts, or mixed greens with olive oil). Add protein, such as lean meat, nuts, fish, and edamame, as an accent rather than as a main dish. Discover how much protein your body really needs.

If you've tried everything under the sun to boost your energy but still feel tired, it's probably time to make an appointment with your doctor. Share how you've been feeling, when your fatigue began, and what factors may be causing it. Don't be afraid to ask questions and to find out what treatment options may be available to you. Here's how to make the most of your time with your doctor.