Head to the store, and you'll see a multitude of vitamins, herbs, and other “supplements” showcased as the ultimate energy boosters. Some are even added to soft drinks, juices, and other foods. But do these products always work, and should we be wasting our money on them? Probably not. Thankfully, there are natural and more cost-effective things you can do to enhance both our physical and mental energy levels.

Here are six natural tips to help boost your energy:

1. Exercise

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So as I have mentioned several times, adding an hour of exercise into my day at least 4-5 times a week has helped both my physical and mental energy so much. But, remember it has to be the type of activity that makes you feel excited; you can’t forget that part sis. Make sure to find what you like and stick do it. But, don’t be afraid to switch up your exercise routines and push the envelope.

2. Drink lots of H20

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I’ll be the first to say I am terrible at remembering to drink water. Now I have a gallon sitting right at my desk and I set what I like to call "water goals" by the end of the day to finish the whole bottle. Breaking it up into stages like that has helped, and I’ve already noticed myself waking up so much more comfortable in the mornings, due to being properly hydrated.

3. Reduce Stress

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I’m never going to pretend I’m one of those people who handle stress well. I would love to be, but it’s just not the way my mind operates. I’m go-go-go all the time, and this eventually takes its toll on my body and mind. So what usually happens as a result? I run out of energy — rapidly.

What I’m now trying to tell myself is that I need to take a step back every now and again and examine exactly what’s causing me stress. I now write down everything in a journal – everything that’s worrying me. Then as I begin to figure out ways to combat these things, I feel the importance of them decreasing, leading me to me feel much more productive and energetic. As rough as it can be to take a few steps back and evaluate, we all need to do it.

4. Lighten your load

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When we overwork ourselves, we become fatigued.

Overwork can include anything really, from our professional lives, family, and social obligations to simple tasks like grocery shopping or running errands. Set your priorities straight regarding the most important ones and accomplish those first. The rest can wait.

5. No More Skipping Important Meals

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Who else used to skip breakfast? I remember the days when I would be so concentrated on work that I would forget to have breakfast and maybe even lunch. It would be 7 p.m., and I would have no choice but to carb load heavily at night and then wonder why I was always feeling tired and bloated. Our body needs good food to have energy, so in turn, we need to be kind to it.

Skipping a meal is not a viable option, and I have learned that the hard way. Now no matter how busy I am, or how late I am to an interview or meeting, I need to stop for just 5-10 minutes and have a meal. So if you’re someone who doesn’t like breakfast, for example, try it for a couple of days and see how you feel. I guarantee you will notice a difference.

6. Sleep, Rest & Repeat

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Finally, to have more energy, we need more rest. Sounds simple, right? But I don’t think a lot of us truly understand the importance. If I have the stuff to do, I sacrifice my rest, but that’s not healthy now is it? Before long, we will feel burned out, and nobody is constructive when they’re burned out. So personally, this is the one I’m working on most.

Nowadays, I’m trying my best to be in bed by 10 p.m. at the latest (which is a vast improvement for me). Rest and fun stuff make us happy people, and happy people have more energy. A simple, but accurate way of putting it.

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Health habits