Feel more energized! New ways to

Energy levels tend to wane with each passing decade—but it isn’t inevitable! In fact, research shows that putting the bounce back in your step is as easy as: 1Having coffee after 9 a.m.! A new University of Health Sciences study reveals that the peak time to take an energizing coffee break isn’t first thing in the morning—it’s between 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Your levels of the stress hormone cortisol dip after you’ve been awake a few hours, and caffeine is more potent when your cortisol is low! 2Sipping water all day long! Even mild dehydration drains your energy levels and impairs your focus, confirms a recent study done by U.S. Army researchers. One reason is that your cells work faster and better when they’re hydrated. Another reason is that water helps your body process B vitamins and other invigorating nutrients! 3Doing yoga! doing crunches andOr lifting push-ups. weights Any or exercise that puts resistance on your body builds lean muscle. Lean muscle increases your pep-producing brain chemicals and lets you move easily with less effort, which keeps your energy high throughout the day, Centers for Disease Control research shows. 4Taking rhodiola! “More than a dozen studies show that this herb reduces stress and fatigue, improves mental focus and fights depression,” says ethnobotanist Chris Kilham. It seems to work by reining in energy-sapping stress hormones. Aim for 250 mg. a day, with your doctor’s okay.