Best energy boosters (that aren't energy drinks!)

[HighLaurel]

I've been feeling quite low on energy lately and am wondering what are the best ways to increase overall energy levels. Also if anyone else has felt this way and improved, how long did it take to start to feel better?

I saw my GP who did some blood tests and I'm not anaemic or anything, but am feeling quite run down and - well- blah.

Overall nutrition has been poor lately so will try to work on it but not even sure what's best to eat that will help. Just eating healthier I suppose?

Are you breathing properly? It seems a really silly question, but I know I've got a tendency to shallow breathe, and stopping to take a few slow, deep breaths really helps me.

What about sleep? Is your sleep okay, or are you tossing and turning?

Green tea gives me a boost...I think that's the caffeine though so maybe not what you're looking for!

I agree that looking at whether you are getting enough sleep, it’s so important.

Otherwise I find that eating 3 square meals a day really helps. Sometimes when I’m really busy I have a tendency to replace meals with a cup of tea and half a packet of biscuits, which (unsurprisingly, really) leads to me feeling like shit a couple hours later when my blood sugars dip again. If I eat properly (which to me means as unprocessed as possible, wholegrain grains rather than white, lots of vegetables) even if it’s something really quick like beans on toast, I feel so much better.

Bloom, I've been very stressed and I think I've been shallow breathing as a result. I'll try to focus on breathing properly. Also sleep - no it's been terrible for about 6 months. I've tried everything, ensuring the bedroom is dark and quiet as well as cool enough. Cut down caffeine drastically and so on. Nothing has helped.

formerbabe yes, you're right, I'm trying to avoid caffeine hits (see above!).

More exercise? I run When I can as it helps me unwind and makes me tired so I sleep better.

Less internet time. MORE WATER. And turning the water to cold (proper proper cold) for the last few minutes of every shower. Horrible the first few times, then strangely addictive

HighLaurel can I ask how old you are?

I'm sleeping less well doe to my age (50). I'm on the Mirena coil so it's not menopause exactly, but it IS definitely hormonal.

I have a fairly strict nighttime routine and that has helped a lot. For me, I switch to peppermint tea after 8pm, I have a shower before bed (not wetting my hair) and then my bedtime reading is sudoku puzzles. If I get into a book, I'd read till the small hours, but the sudoku really relaxes my brain. Oh, and I switch off my tablet no later than 10pm (but earlier is better).

If I change from this routine, I don't sleep as well (and even with it, it's not guaranteed). There's something about the ritual of the steps that just tells my body and brain that it's bed time. It takes a while to establish, and your routine will be different from mine, but it does help, at least some of the time.

The breathing thing is a revelation. I had no idea I breathed so poorly till I had a minor operation and my oxygen levels were ridiculous after it. They kept having to tell me to breathe. Since them, I'm really conscious of trying to be aware of it. Yoga has helped me a lot with breathing.

I have MS and fatigue is a huge problem. Brown rice and dark poultry meat are good. Vitamin B12 improves your ability to get energy out of the food you eat. Ask your GP to check your Vit B levels.
Boring stuff like eating well, drinking plenty of water, doing moderate regular exercise.

Berocca?