Five simple ways to boost your energy

Do you sometimes feel like the Energizer Bunny when his battery runs low? You might start the day strong, but by midafternoon, you can't quite keep going and going.
Fatigue afflicts everyone at one time or another. Assuming your doctor has ruled out serious medical causes, there are a few basic steps you can take to "recharge your batteries."
Fatigue is a symptom, not a disease, and it’s experienced differently by different people. Fatigue from stress or lack of sleep usually subsides after a good night’s rest, while other fatigue is more persistent and may be debilitating even after restful sleep.
Pace yourselfIf you're a go-getter, you probably like to keep going — but don't risk overtaxing yourself. For example, instead of burning through all your "battery life" in two hours, spread it out among morning tasks, afternoon tasks, and evening activities — with rest and meals in between.
Take a walk or a napThere's nothing more satisfying than a short power nap when you're pooped out. However, if you have trouble sleeping at night, know that napping can make insomnia worse. If that's the case for you, get moving instead. Get up and walk around the block, or just get up and move around. If you are not an insomniac, though, enjoy that 20- to 30-minute power nap.
Skip most supplementsYou may have heard about energy-boosting or "anti-aging" supplements. There is no evidence they work.
DHEA. There is no evidence that DHEA offers any real benefits, and the side effects remain a question mark.
Iron. Iron only improves energy if you are clearly deficient, which a doctor can check with a blood test. Otherwise, you don't need to take it — and getting too much iron can be harmful.
B vitamins. It is true that B vitamins (B1, B2, B6, B12) help the body convert food into the form of energy that cells can burn, but taking more B vitamins doesn't supercharge your cells.
Fuel up wiselyA sugary roll from the bakery delivers plenty of calories, but your body tends to metabolize them quickly, and then you can end up with sinking blood sugar — and fatigue. You'll maintain a steadier energy level by eating lean protein and unrefined carbohydrates. Try yogurt with a sprinkling of nuts, raisins, and honey. Your body will take in the carb-fiber-protein mix more gradually. Don't skip meals, either. Your body needs a certain number of calories to get through the day's work. It's better to space your meals out so your body gets the nourishment it needs all through the day.
Drink for energy? As a stimulant, caffeine can definitely increase your energy level. Did you know it can decrease it, too? It all depends on how sensitive you are to caffeine, and when and how much you consume.
Caffeine does help increase alertness, so having a cup of coffee before going to a meeting or starting on a project can help sharpen your mind. What about energy drinks? While increasingly popular, there's really no magic formula here. What gives these drinks their jolt is good old-fashioned caffeine. Caffeine content varies widely among energy drinks. Many contain as much or more caffeine as a cup of coffee, along with loads of sugar.
But to get the energizing effects of caffeine, you have to use it judiciously. It can cause insomnia, especially when consumed in large amounts or after 2 p.m. (or noon if you're caffeine sensitive).
For more advice on ways to feel energized, read Boosting Your Energy from Harvard Medical School.
Source: Harvard Medical School: health.harvard.edu