Rev it Up: Energy Boosters (2024)

All guys feeltheir energy fizzle once in a while. Maybe you stayed up late to watch the game. Or you pulled an all-nighter at work. Or woke up every couple of hours with a newborn. It's normal to be tired after something like that.

But if you lean on the coffee or soda every day to rev your engine and still feel wiped out, it’s time to troubleshoot.

What Are the Symptoms of Fatigue?

Frequent fatigue is more than just being tired. It’s a constant run-down feeling that steals your strength and causes a mental fog.

You feel:

  • Slow or sluggish
  • Constantly tired
  • Weak all over
  • Like everything is an effort, or harder to do
  • Moody

How Can You Stay Powered Up?

It depends on what's causing your fatigue. Sometimes you might need medical treatment. But start with these lifestyle changes and see if they help.

Toss the technology at bedtime. Cell phones, tablets, and other gadgets that keep you plugged into the world mess with your body's natural sleep-wake cycle.

Boosters can be busters. The caffeine in coffee and energy drinks gives you a short-term jolt, but you might crash when the buzz wears off. Also, switch to decaf in the afternoon and evening. That way you won't spend the night counting sheep.

Skip the vending machine. Junk food is full of "empty" calories. You might feel jazzed for a few minutes, but sugary treats set you up for a nosedive. Pick smart snacks like whole-grain pretzels or tortilla chips, a handful of unsalted nuts, apple or celery slices with peanut butter, or whole-grain crackers with low-fat cheese.

Get frisky. Exercise, including sex, fights disease, boosts your mood, keeps your mind sharp, and so much more. Some men have trouble getting in the mood due to dips in testosterone or other health problems.

If that’s you, do another hobby you enjoy. The idea is to get your blood pumping. Adults need about 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week -- that’s 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. You can do it just 10 minutes at a time. Little things can make a big difference in your energy level.

What’s to Blame?

One way to get your energy back up is to find out what’s draining it. Here are a few common causes.

Lack of exercise. It’s simple: Move more, and you get more energy. Sit more, and the opposite happens. If you take it too easy too often, you’re more likely to get long-term health problems that cause fatigue.

Too little sleep. Men under 65 need 7-9 hours of shut-eye each night. You can get by with less as you get older.

Depression and stress. If you’re upset, sad, or worried, that can drain your mind and spirit.

Could It Be More Serious?

Talk to your doctor if you can’t tie your fatigue to one of the culprits above, or if it lasts for more than 2 weeks. Your doc may need to dig deeper to find the cause. One of these could be to blame:

Anemia. This condition tends to happen when your body doesn't have enough healthy red blood cells. Fatigue is the most common symptom. You may also feel short of breath, dizzy, and have cold hands or feet. Some guys get chest pain and headaches. Anemia can also stem from an ulcer or bleeding in your colon. Signs would include vomiting and stools that are dark and tarry, or spotted with bright-red blood. A simple blood test can tell you if you have the condition.

Low testosterone. This is the hormone that makes you a man. It helps you produce sperm and body hair. It also fuels your sex drive. Your body normally starts to make less of it around age 40. Some people call this "manopause." Too little testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction and loss of interest in sex. You might also get mood swings.

Low thyroid hormone. This condition is also called hypothyroidism, and it happens when your thyroid gland doesn’t work like it should. It can make you gain weight, get constipated, slow your heart rate, and dry out your skin. Blood tests can also check for this health problem.

Medication side effects. Drugs that treat allergies, depression, blood pressure, cancer, and other health conditions can zap your energy and leave you feeling more tired than usual. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks of all your medications.

Chronic fatigue. If you’re tired all the time for 6 months or more, this could be why. It usually affects women, but guys can get it, too. Other symptoms include muscle aches, trouble with your memory, headaches, and sore lymph nodes.

Major illness. These conditions and others, or their treatments, can be linked with fatigue: cancer, chronic pain, diabetes, and heart disease.

Rev it Up: Energy Boosters (2024)

FAQs

What can I take to boost my energy instantly? ›

  1. Have a drink of water. Dehydration can leave you feeling drained and fatigued. ...
  2. Go nuts. Eat a handful of almonds or peanuts, which are high in magnesium and folate (folic acid). ...
  3. Grab a cinnamon stick. ...
  4. Get moving. ...
  5. Let the sunshine in. ...
  6. Have a bite. ...
  7. Hang out with upbeat friends.
5 Mar 2022

How can I boost my energy when tired? ›

Self-help tips to fight tiredness
  1. Eat often to beat tiredness. ...
  2. Get moving. ...
  3. Lose weight to gain energy. ...
  4. Sleep well. ...
  5. Reduce stress to boost energy. ...
  6. Talking therapy beats fatigue. ...
  7. Cut out caffeine. ...
  8. Drink less alcohol.

How can I boost my energy after 50? ›

Here are some tips on increasing energy after 50.
  1. Exercise and nutrition. Try hiking, kayaking, biking, swimming or taking an exercise class. ...
  2. Mental stimulation. Keep your mind sharp with puzzles like sudoku and crosswords. ...
  3. Mental health. If you can't shrug off feeling sluggish, check in on your mental health.
9 Jul 2021

What can I drink to give me lots of energy? ›

Healthy Energy Drinks: Delicious and Nutritious
  • Yerba Mate. Yerba mate is a drink that is fast gaining popularity around the world. ...
  • Green Tea. ...
  • Black Coffee. ...
  • Banana, Peanut Butter, and Protein Smoothie. ...
  • Coconut Water. ...
  • 100% Natural Fruit Juice. ...
  • Dark Chocolate Shake. ...
  • Apple Lemon Ginger Juice.
16 Jul 2021

What is the strongest vitamin for energy? ›

What vitamin provides the most energy? The eight B vitamins (thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, B6, biotin, folate and B12) provide the most energy, as they aid in cell metabolism, help the body transform carbohydrates and fats into energy and carry energy-nutrients around the body.

What is the pill that gives you energy? ›

Developed by a doctor, Energize gives you the energy you need to get you through your busy day. A two-tablet serving of Energize has more caffeine than a serving of most other energy products, but the patented time-released technology releases it slowly shown in a clinical study to last up to eight hours.

What vitamin will give you instant energy? ›

Vitamin B12 is necessary for cells to produce energy

Vitamin B12 is responsible for forming red blood cells, which transport oxygen in the blood throughout the body. Once the oxygen arrives to your body's cells, it is utilized for energy production.

Does B12 give you energy? ›

So does vitamin B12 give you energy? While B12 doesn't directly provide energy, it does give the body the tools it needs to convert food molecules into energy. Getting the recommended daily amount of B12 can therefore help ensure that the body is able to make the energy it needs to do everything you need it to do.

Why do I have no energy to do anything? ›

Lack of energy is a typical symptom for most major diseases, like heart disease, many types of cancer, autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis, and anemia (too few red blood cells). Fatigue also is a common sign of depression and anxiety. And fatigue is a side effect of some medications.

Why do I have no energy and motivation? ›

A lack of energy and motivation can be a sign of depression. Reach out to a mental health professional if you need help. They may be able to tell you if something else is causing your low mood.

What causes lack of energy? ›

Most of the time fatigue can be traced to one or more of your habits or routines, particularly lack of exercise. It's also commonly related to depression. On occasion, fatigue is a symptom of other underlying conditions that require medical treatment.

What gives older people more energy? ›

Drinking enough fluids is important to help fight fatigue and get a good night's sleep. Liquids that are energy boosters for seniors are water, green tea, and the water found in fruits and veggies.

What is the best energy supplement for seniors? ›

If you're wondering what is the best energy booster for seniors, iron tops the list. In fact, low iron levels are one of the biggest precipitators of weakness and fatigue. The body needs enough iron to make hemoglobin, the necessary protein in red blood cells that transports oxygen throughout your body.

How do I regain energy at 60? ›

Six ways to have more energy after 60:
  1. Get Enough Sleep.
  2. Drink More Water.
  3. Do Strength Training.
  4. Take Your Vitamins.
  5. Eat Smaller, More Often.
  6. Snack on Protein.

What vitamin stop you feeling tired? ›

If you lead an active lifestyle, or you just need an energy boost, both Vitamin B12 and Iron can help reduce feelings of tiredness and fatigue.

How much B12 should I take daily for energy? ›

Left untreated, a vitamin B-12 deficiency can lead to anemia, fatigue, muscle weakness, intestinal problems, nerve damage and mood disturbances. The recommended daily amount of vitamin B-12 for adults is 2.4 micrograms.

What deficiencies cause fatigue? ›

One possible reason for feeling tired, anxious, and weak is having low levels of iron, vitamin D, or B12. Many experts believe that a significant percentage of the U.S. population is deficient in vitamin D.

What drug makes you happy and energetic? ›

When amphetamines are injected or smoked, they reach the brain quickly and produce a “rush,” or surge of euphoria, immediately. The effects of amphetamines are often different from person to person. Amphetamines can make people: alert, confident and energetic.

Should I take B12 for fatigue? ›

Vitamin B12 is often used to improve cognitive function, depressive symptoms, and fatigue. In most cases, such complaints are not associated with overt vitamin B12 deficiency or advanced neurological disorders and the effectiveness of vitamin B12 supplementation in such cases is uncertain.

Should I take B12 in the morning or at night? ›

Vitamin B12

As a general rule of thumb, take your B vitamins in the morning or with a meal. Vitamin B12, for example, should definitely be taken in the morning. This is because it is important for energy metabolism, which may interrupt your sleep if taken at night.

Should I take B12 or B complex? ›

When it comes to the issue of vitamin B12 vs B complex, both types of vitamins are crucial. If you're lacking B12, consume more of it via supplements or food. If you're lacking vitamin B in general, consider B complex vitamins instead. Overall, both vitamins are essential nutrients.

Why do I feel so old and tired? ›

There are plenty of potential culprits. Medications for blood pressure, sleep problems, pain and gastrointestinal reflux can induce fatigue, as can infections, conditions such as arthritis, an underactive thyroid, poor nutrition and alcohol use. All can be addressed, doctors say.

Why do I stay in bed all day? ›

Depression, stress, anxiety, or lack of sleep can make staying in bed tempting. However, staying in bed can worsen some symptoms of depression and insomnia. Where possible, it is best to try to get up at the same time each day.

Why do I just want to sleep all the time? ›

Hypersomnia means excessive sleepiness. There are many different causes, the most common in our society being inadequate sleep. This may be due to shiftwork, family demands (such as a new baby), study or social life. Other causes include sleep disorders, medication, and medical and psychiatric illnesses.

What foods give you motivation? ›

20 Foods That Make You Motivated
  • Tuna. Tuna—and we don't mean "Chicken of the Sea"—contains 69% of your daily dose of vitamin B6, which is backed by endless research linking it to motivation. ...
  • Spinach. ...
  • Whole Grains. ...
  • Blueberries. ...
  • Pecans. ...
  • Sunflower Seeds. ...
  • Greek Yogurt. ...
  • Flaxseed.
8 Jun 2016

What are signs of low energy? ›

Symptoms of fatigue
  • chronic tiredness or sleepiness.
  • headache.
  • dizziness.
  • sore or aching muscles.
  • muscle weakness.
  • slowed reflexes and responses.
  • impaired decision-making and judgement.
  • moodiness, such as irritability.

Why am I tired 2 hours after waking up? ›

This sleep inertia, or transition from sleep to wake that comes with temporary grogginess, is part of the natural sleep-wake cycle. Sleep inertia typically lasts for 60-90 minutes. Natural light, exercise, coffee, and low sleep debt can help reduce its length and severity.

How do I regain energy at 70? ›

How Seniors Can Boost Energy Levels
  1. Exercise your mind. Staying mentally active will not only keep you sharp, but also can help with mental health. ...
  2. Exercise your brain to boost your energy. ...
  3. Don't Smoke. ...
  4. Eat Foods High in Protein. ...
  5. Get Lots of Sleep. ...
  6. Do things that are meaningful activities. ...
  7. Manage Stress. ...
  8. Stay Hydrated.

How many hours sleep does a 70 year old need? ›

Older adults need about the same amount of sleep as all adults—7 to 9 hours each night. But, older people tend to go to sleep earlier and get up earlier than they did when they were younger. There are many reasons why older people may not get enough sleep at night.

How can I boost my energy naturally? ›

Keep focused on getting lots of water in each day. Avoid smoking and limit alcohol consumption. Yoga and mindfulness practices – this can help reduce stress, improve sleep and promote relaxation. Be social – get out and spend time with family and friends.

What fruit gives you energy in the morning? ›

10 Fruits for an Extra Energy Boost in Your Morning Smoothie
  • 10 Fruits for an Extra Energy Boost in Your Morning Smoothie. Brain fog and a lack of energy is all too common in the morning. ...
  • Banana. Bananas are high in natural, complex sugars and rich in fiber. ...
  • Goji Berries. ...
  • Avocados. ...
  • Oranges. ...
  • Watermelon. ...
  • Dates. ...
  • Black Sapote.

Does B12 give you energy or make you sleepy? ›

Vitamin B-12 has a big role in stabilizing your energy levels. It actually helps give you more energy, rather than making you tired. If you do notice feeling a little fatigued, even though you're regularly taking a B-12 supplement, it's likely a sign of something else that is out of the norm in your body.

What are the symptoms of low B12? ›

Symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency
  • a pale yellow tinge to your skin.
  • a sore and red tongue (glossitis)
  • mouth ulcers.
  • pins and needles (paraesthesia)
  • changes in the way that you walk and move around.
  • disturbed vision.
  • irritability.
  • depression.

How do you feel after taking B12? ›

Though this vitamin is naturally produced in your body, the injection of additional B12 may cause some internal side effects you should know about. It is common to experience headaches, dizziness, and weakness immediately after the injection. These should fade fairly quickly.

How long does it take to feel energy from a B12 shot? ›

Since B12 shots are injected intramuscularly bypassing the digestive process, they start to work immediately. Typically, our patients experience positive effects between 24-72 hours after the treatment.

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