Do you ever wake up tired? Or experience the dreaded afternoon slump right after lunch? I certainly do! But I’m a girl who loves to feel energized, so I am constantly looking for and researching ways to increase it! Read on below for Part 2 of my series on feeling tired and how to fix it:

1) Bulletproof Coffee

Even famed coach Tony Robbins is a fan of it! So just what is Bulletproof Coffee? Glad you asked!

Simply put, it is brewed hot coffee that is blended with 1-2 tablespoons of unsalted grassfed butter (or Ghee if you’re avoiding dairy) and a tablespoon of MCT oil (an extract of coconut oil) or even better – Brain Octane Oil. Blend it in a heatproof blender for about a minute or use a hand mixer. Bulletproof Coffee was invented by biohacker Dave Asprey, after trying yak butter tea on a trek in Tibet.

Guys – this coffee is seriously amazing. It kept me going after many a sleepless night when my baby was a newborn and continues to be the start of my morning each day. And anyone who knows me knows that I wake up in the morning like a complete zombie – this coffee brings me to life each morning. Not only that – it tastes like a really creamy cappuccino. Really! I usually have a cup of this in the morning instead of breakfast and it keeps me full until lunchtime. You can have it with or without food and you can also add a scoop of collagen powder to this for added protein! If you don’t like coffee, you can also try this with black tea.

While you certainly can use any MCT oil to make this, I do recommend buying Dave Asprey’s Brain Octane Oil. I’ve made it both ways and there really is a difference. As Dave explains it, “Brain Octane Oil works by raising your ketone levels, so your body and brain can run on fat instead of sugar”. All I can say is – it works!!

2) Maca

Maca is a root that is native to Peru. It is very rich in B vitamins and is traditionally used by Peruvians for raising energy levels, balancing hormones and – ahem, some extra sparks in the bedroom. It is usually used in powder form and can be used by both men and women. Maca works best when added to a smoothie or other recipe. I use this one. I do recommend using a gelatinized form of Maca, as it is easier to digest. You can use it daily or just whenever you are feeling low in energy.

3) Rhodiola Rosea

During the Cold War, the former Soviet Union conducted extensive research on adaptogens, plants that raise energy levels and help the body cope with physical and mental stress. Rhodiola was found to be the top performer of these plants and was given to their Olympic athletes, astronauts and even KGB agents. Apparently even the Vikings drank a tea brewed from it before going into battle!

Rhodiola, a plant that only grows in snowy, frigid climates, is known for its ability to simultaneously raise energy levels while helping to cope with stress. It has even been found to help with depression! Please note, for some people it does take a few days in a row of taking Rhodiola to experience the full benefits, while others feel the effects immediately.

4) Yoga

I often tell my clients – just 10 minutes of yoga can make a difference if you don’t have time for a full practice. Don’t have 10 minutes? Spend just 5 minutes in my favorite restorative pose, Viparita Karani and you will find yourself refreshed.

5) Chaga Mushroom

Chaga is known in Japan as the “Diamond of the Forest”. It is rich in B vitamins, and is anti-aging, anti-bacterial and anti-viral. It is rich in minerals such as calcium, magnesium and zinc and it has an incredible effect on your energy levels, as well as immune system.You can get Chaga here at Hyperion Herbs a company that sells excellent quality herbs and extracts. Or you can try one of my favorite supplements, which combines Chaga with Oil of Oregano, for a huge boost to your immune system – ChagaMax by North American Herb & Spice.

6) Vitamin B12

Vitamin B12 is a vitamin that is essential to our bodies and yet, our body does not produce it. Vitamin B12 deficiency can have a huge effect on your energy levels, not to mention mood and memory function. Food sources of B12 include many animal products, such as beef, organ meats, tuna, salmon, yogurt and cheese. Vegans can get it in the form of fortified nutritional yeast.

As a supplement, B12 is best absorbed either as a shot or sublingually (under the tongue). Some doctors offer this shot, which is an awesome way to get a huge boost at once. Or you can try a supplement such as this one. If you are using a sublingual supplement, make sure it is in the Methylcobalamin form, which is the more bioactive form of B12.

7) Watch the carbs at lunch and try a digestive enzyme

Do you find that you are always tired just after eating lunch? You’re not alone! There are two things that can help. First- pay attention to what you’re eating. Yes, I know that slice of pizza for lunch is super convenient (and delicious) but it’s not doing you any favors if you need more energy. Eating a more protein based lunch will give you so much more energy for the rest of the day. Salads with avocado and a protein are always a great option but there are so many other choices as well – such as lentil based pastas or if you really do just want pizza – try this awesome cauliflower based pizza crust.

Another thing to try is a digestive enzyme! There are people (like me) who tend to have low stomach acid and this makes it much harder for your stomach to digest food, especially protein. You end up feeling extremely tired and bloated because your body is working so hard just to digest your food. Betaine with Pepsin is quite potent and the amount to be taken varies individually. Betaine is a naturally occurring amino acid that helps your digestive system break down proteins.If you think you may have low stomach acid, start by experimenting with taking just one at a time with your meals and slowly increase. If Betaine is right for you, you feel an immediate difference in your digestion. Note: if you have a history of ulcers, do NOT take this supplement. There is also a milder, plant based digestive enzyme made by Rainbow Light that can be very helpful if Betaine is not right for you!

8) Dance to your favorite song

There have been several studies, such as this one, that show that dancing increases energy, lowers stress levels and improves your mood. There are days where this just isn’t time to go to the gym, but who doesn’t have just a few minutes to full on dance to their favorite song? Whether you are feeling tired, overworked, or totally stressed, this one always helps! Try it :)

Know someone else who is constantly feeling tired? Tap the share button and spread the love! :)

*Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means that if you choose to make a purchase, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please know that I only recommend products that I personally use and love.

Want to do yoga with me? If you live in Miami or NYC, please feel free to get in touch for private yoga sessions. Live elsewhere? I also offer sessions on Skype :)