Ask America’s ultimate experts

Running on empty? Our experts come to the rescue with strategies proven to reboot physical, mental and spiritual energy

Power up your body Start the day with parfait

To give your body the fuel it needs for go-go-go days, enjoy a breakfast of yogurt topped with almonds and berries. You’ll get a hit of energy-revving protein. And, adds Jacob Teitelbaum, M.D., “Yogurt’s live cultures promote healthy gut bacteria, which decreases fatigueinducing inflammation. And berries and almonds are high in magnesium, a mineral responsible for 300 different energy reactions in the body, keeping you energized.”

Try this good sugar

For a supplement assist proven to boost energy by 61%, Dr. Teitelbaum suggests taking 5 grams of ribose twice a day. “Ribose is a kind of sugar the body produces naturally,” he explains. “It helps supercharge mitochondrial cells, which are central to energizing your muscles and keeping brain fog at bay.” The study-backed brand: Douglas Laboratories Corvalen Ribose (Luckyvitamin.com). Note: Check with your doctor before taking supplements.

Recharge your brain Make a happy note

Taking a 1-minute break to offer up thanks for something that brings you joy instantly calms an overactive mind and taxed adrenal glands to soothe stress and boost energy for 65% of women, according to a recent study. “Simply jot down a line about something positive and put it where you can see it all day,” suggests psychiatrist Judith Orloff, M.D. “It can be as simple as I’m so happy the sun is out today. It gives your brain something clear to focus on.”

Sidestep energy thieves

“Protect yourself with some simple ground rules,” advises Dr. Orloff. “I have a ‘no yelling’ rule in my family, because I know that as soon as someone raises their voice, I immediately feel drained.” And the no-yelling rule works for your inner voice too. “When you find yourself tired and stressed, take a moment to reframe what’s going on in your life and simply tell yourself, You’re doing a fantastic job in a difficult situation. A little self-compassion will go a long way to improving energy.”

Renew your spirit Find your flock

“Folks often talk to me about how lonely they feel—it’s a deceptively exhausting emotion,” shares pastor Max Lucado. “But like taking medicine when you’re sick, reaching out to others when you’re lonely helps you feel better.” Lucado recommends letting your passions guide you to your people—whether they’re in a gardening club or a knitting group. “Nothing lightens the soul and puts the wind back in our sails quite like finding like-minded people and expanding our world.”

Perk up with prayer

Recite a phrase with an uplifting promise, Lucado encourages. “A favorite phrase of mine is, The mercies of the Lord are new every morning,” he says. “I think of this before bed—it’s beautiful to imagine the sun rising, and with it, our energy lifting.”