Suprising Ways to Get More Energy

Want to get your mojo rising? You're not alone. More than 50 percent of American women report that they simply don't have enough juice, with 29 percent of us dragging tail several times a week, according to the American Psychological Association. No wonder the promise of a quick fix—like the kind that comes in a skinny colorful can—is tempting on crazy-busy days. But reaching for stimulants like sugar and caffeine when you're running on empty only leaves you jittery and then exhausted, says Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., the author of From Fatigued to Fantastic! For calm energy that gives you mental clarity and makes you feel good, you need to fill your tank. Here are nine healthy boosters that help you do just that.

 Become a Micromanager

Of energy, that is. Take a cue from tennis champs like Serena Williams: They are super­focused when hitting the ball but use their "between point" time as a quick mental and physical time- out. "As soon as they step back and take a few deep breaths, their heart rate comes down, they detach from the moment, and they clear their head, making them­selves ready for their next shot," explains Jack Groppel, Ph.D., a cofounder of Johnson & Johnson's Human Performance Institute in Orlando, Florida, which teaches athletes and leaders to be more productive and successful. The same tactic works on the job, he says. Employees who break for a microburst of activity every hour—like walking over to chat with a coworker or running out to grab lunch with a friend—have more energy, particularly in the afternoon, and are also more focused and motivated, the institute's research shows. "This strategy forces you to disengage from whatever you've been doing, so you can be refreshed when you get back to it," Groppel explains. Bonus: Physical activity also relaxes tight muscles and increases oxygen to your tired brain, while the camaraderie provides social support, which, in turn, helps relieve stress.