We’ve all been there. Whether you’ve had a bad night’s sleep or have been having a rough time over the past several days or months, you might feel like you need an extreme amount of sleep. Whatever the case, there are a few things that can help you boost your energy and get through the day.

Now, these are not permanent fixes, so you’ll still need to give yourself a bit of downtime and actually rest. In fact, foregoing self-care and sleep can put you at risk of getting sick. This is because the lack of rest puts stress on your body and lowers your body’s ability to function, reducing your immune system’s capacity to deal with threats like viruses and other problems. 

However, in a pinch, here is what you need to know: 

Eat a Good Breakfast

Whoever said that breakfast was the most important meal of the day had a point. Eating a light but significant breakfast can help you convince your body to keep working. Sugar can also help, though, if you have diabetes, you will want to balance your sugar intake with your existing blood sugar carefully. 

Exercise

 Exercising can help you get your muscles pumping, your blood flowing, and ultimately, it can help your body feel better just because moving around and meditating can help you fight off fatigue. 

Hydrate

This means drinking water, not coffee or a high sugar juice. While most liquids can help you a little in terms of hydration, your best bet is to make sure that you are drinking copious amounts of water in addition to other beverages.

Note that caffeinated drinks are often also diuretics, which means that you’ll be prompted to go to the restroom more often, negating the hydrating effect of said beverage. Even if you’re not a fan of drinking water in general, make sure to drink plenty of fluids as this will help you keep up your energy.

Sing Your Favorite Song

Singing is not only fun, but it will help you reduce stress and even give you an emotional high. This could be singing in the shower, your car, or your room. Wherever you feel comfortable, take a few moments, and sing out loud to your favorite tune. You can sing along or even throw on your favorite musical- depending on your time frame. 

Chat With An Upbeat Friend

Let a friend know that you’re having a tough time, and many times, they’ll want to help. Also, if you have a generally positive and energetic friend, they can help inspire you to do the same.

Talking to someone who is typically cheerful and willing and able to help lift your spirits can be a great asset. Now, remember that your “always positive” friend may also be dealing with things of their own, which leads us to the next tip.

Brighten Someone Else’s Day

Doing something good for another person gives many people a rush of happiness. This is probably built-in to our biology as a survival mechanism. After all, humans are naturally inclined towards family and pack units. 

This doesn’t have to be a big deal. You can make sure to thank someone who has helped you or compliment someone on something fun like their wardrobe, makeup, or jewelry. On the other hand, you can also go as big as reaching out to someone struggling at this time and offering to help. Whatever you do, making others feel better can help you redirect your thoughts from how tired you are to whatever that person needs right now, and it can help. 

Grab Those Nuts

Nuts, such as almonds and peanuts, are high in magnesium and folic acid, which are great at helping you feel energized. Said nutrients are also great in assisting cell production. In fact, if you’re feeling tired despite getting enough rest, you might just be missing nuts in your diet. 

Herbs Can Help

Cinnamon is excellent for helping you feel energized and comfortable, which means that it can give you the power to get through your day without throwing you into stress mode. Peppermint and several other herbs can also be helpful. You’ll want to choose an herb with a scent that makes you feel invigorated and, or calm. 

While herbal medicine is still being examined through the lens of traditional science, certain herbs can be helpful, especially when a comforting scent is involved. After all, the sense of smell can strongly be linked to memory. This means that merely smelling something that makes you feel happy and rejuvenated may also help you feel more energetic. 

Sunshine Is Great

Natural light can help us reset our circadian rhythms, which generally govern our sleep cycles. Being exposed to bright natural light can help your brain reset itself into “morning mode” instead of “sleepy mode.” Of course, exposure to natural light does not, in the long term, substitute sleep. 

However, if you’re working on minimal sleep, or need to reset your sleep schedule due to a flight or a long night, exposing yourself to light, especially natural light, will do the trick. 

Just Keep Snacking

Snacking tells your body that you are still awake while also providing your brain with fuel. Plus, eating regular meals can help your blood sugar from dropping, which puts additional stress on your already tired body. For best results, opt for healthy snacks, such as granola or fruit, to help your body keep going even if you feel tired. 

When to See a Doctor

If you’re eating well, sleeping well, exercising, and, overall, just generally leading a healthy lifestyle, but still feel tired, it is probably time to see your doctor to ensure there is no medical reason behind your fatigue. 

Takeaways

• The best remedy for exhaustion is sleep and a break. 
• If your symptoms don’t resolve with adequate hydration, diet, rest, and mental health, make sure to see a doctor.
• Drink water, not coffee or energy drinks. 
• A balanced diet, especially in the morning, can help you retain energy.

The information being presented in this blog is intended to be used as educational or resource information only. It is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from your healthcare provider. This content should not be used for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please contact your healthcare provider. You should call 911 for all medical emergencies. Revive MD is not liable for any advice or information provided on this blog, which advice or information is provided on an “as-is” basis, and assumes no liability for diagnosis, treatment, decisions, or actions made in reliance upon any advice or information contained on this blog. No warranties, express or implied, are made on the information that is provided.