I rarely meet someone who doesn’t struggle with energy. We are always on the hunt for ways to increase our energy or stamina. With increasing demands on us physically and mentally we just can’t seem to keep up. At least not without a little help and I’m not referring to a pot of coffee.

Not too many years ago that was exactly how I made it through the day, everyday. I would drink at least a pot of coffee by myself. Oh and we’re not talking about those cute little small carafe coffee makers. It was a full 12 cups. I had given up soda many years prior, but held onto my constant need to be caffeinated. Little did I realize how detrimental that could be over time.

Since kicking the caffeine habit I’ve come up with many more ways to sustain energy and stamina. It has been a battle in recent due to dealing with adrenal fatigue and sub-clinical hypothyroidism, but I’ve managed to make it with minimal additional caffeine and none from coffee.

In this article I’ll cover some of the things that have helped me most along with other natural energy boosters.

12 Natural Energy Boosters

1. Hydration – One of the main signs that you are dehydrated is tiredness. Our bodies are mainly made of water and when we are not hydrated it becomes difficult for our bodies to perform all the functions it needs to. It’s best to drink at least 1/2 your body weight in ounces of water a day to remain hydrated. If you are doing a more strenuous workout, if you have an active job, are fighting an illness or disease, or if you’re pregnant you need to increase the minimum amount of water as your body requires more.
2. Matcha – (Japanese Green Tea) While all green teas are energy boosting Matcha is particularly a good source of energy because of all it’s other beneficial nutrients that aid with memory and concentration. The L-Theanine helps to prouce dopamine and serotonin, and unlike coffee the energy that one cup of Matcha can provide will last up to 6 hours. Matcha has been shown to boost the metabolism, increase a sense of calm, and is full of antioxidants.
3. Adaptogen Herbs – These herbs help to balance and aid the body in it’s ability to handle stress, cope with fatigue and anxiety. This is very helpful when we have a million things we need to attend to on a daily basis, and can’t seem to remove ourselves from daily stress. Some of the adaptogenic herbs are Maca, Ginseng, Ashwagandha, Schizandra, Holy Basil, Astragalus, Spirulina, Reishi Mushroom, and Rhodiola.  Adding adaptogen herbs into your daily life will help increase your focus, energy and help you to feel calmer. For specific amounts of the herbs to use contact an herbalist or physician that deals with these herbs. I use a SuperFood blend daily that incorporates many of these adaptogens.
4. Exercise – It may sound crazy to think when you’re dealing with fatigue exerting yourself more could help reduce tiredness. Sometimes when you’re leading a sedentary lifestyle increasing your movement improves energy for the day. Increasing your physical activity send nutrients and oxygen to your blood stream which helps your heart and lungs work more efficiently.
5. Good Sleep – Your body needs a good nights sleep to rest and repair daily. When we’re struggling to get a good nights sleep we aren’t going to feel well rested. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep at night. If you struggle to get to sleep check out out these tips on Natural Remedies that aid in sleep.
6. Whole Foods – Eat whole food nutrition and not foods that are high in unhealthy fats, sugar and are highly processed. Food is our fuel. While in a lot of cultures, especially America, we use food for a lot more than fuel. We need to remember that what we feed our body is helping to build new cells everyday. If we are choosing to eat those unhealthy fast and convenient options our bodies will respond accordingly in a not so favorable fashion.
7. Apple Cider Vinegar – It helps to alkalize the body which boosts energy levels.  Also apple cider vinegar is full of electrolytes that help boost stamina. For the most benefit go with an Organic Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. Add 1 tbsp ACV and 1 tsp raw honey to a warm cup of water and sprinkle with cinnamon for an energy boost two times a day.
8. Kick Simple Carbs – What are simple carbs? They are the sugary treats, cakes, cookies, breads, pastas, and snack foods full of enriched flours and added sugars. We crave foods like this when we are tired, because our body sees them as a quick source of energy. Unfortunately the energy is very short lived and we find ourselves worse off than before we reached for them. Stick with complex carbs like legumes, oats, nuts, sweet potatoes, and brown rice. These are all low-glycemic carbohydrates that will help us to sustain an energy boost more long term.
9. Deep Belly Breathing – Diaphragmatic breathing helps restore energy by increasing the amount of oxygen in your body. This helps to calm the body and mind while fighting stress and anxiety. To practice this breathing you want to lie down on your back in a comfortable position. Put your hands on your belly/abdomen. Then breathe in through your nose for 2 seconds. You will feel your hands rise if you’re breathing in the belly. Then breathe out your mouth slowly for about 4 seconds. Repeat this breathing for about 10 minutes. It’s best to do it 2-3 times a day.
10. Chia – Don’t grow yourself a chia pet. That won’t do anyone any good. The benefit comes from eating chia seeds as they are full of Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. They help to fight adrenal fatigue, inflammation, and regulate glands. They also have high levels of protein and fiber which help keep our blood sugar stable. Chia seeds have been used since ancient times with the Aztecs and the Mayans who’s warriors would take them before going out to battle. Try some of these delicious Chia pudding recipes like Coconut and Banana Chia Pudding or Raspberry Chia Pudding.
11. Magnesium – It plays a key role in breaking down glucose in our bodies which turns into energy. Our bodies don’t produce magnesium on their own so we have to consume it. Unfortunately with the way we eat today with fast and convenient foods a lot of us are magnesium deficient. Foods that you can eat that are high in magnesium are nuts, wild caught fish, seeds, whole complex grains, dark leafy greens, bananas and avocado.
12. Peppermint Oil – The essential oil stimulates our senses, enhances our focus and can provide clarity in our thinking. It’s been shown to help boost energy, and to decrease headaches or migraines. Peppermint oil can help improve concentration and help with mental fogginess.