Found! What your ‘ tired time’ reveals

You’ve probably noticed that your energy level ebbs and flows throughout the day— at times you’re superwoman, at others you’re super tired! Thankfully, experts say these fatigue-fighters can restore your pep during even your draggiest hour

Tired in the morning?

Stretch out in the sun You need a release of cortisol when you rise to loosen your joints and energize your brain. To boost production of the hormone, step outside and gently reach for the sky for two minutes while you breathe in the morning air. UCLA researchers say combining fresh air and muscle motion prompts sleepy adrenal glands to release a burst of cortisol, cutting tiredness in half for four hours.

Tired after

lunch? Snack on a few nuts One in three of us fight heavy eyelids after our midday meal. Turns out, early afternoon is when your pancreas is most likely to let your blood sugar levels—and energy— drop. To boost afternoon pep by up to 65%, add 1⁄ cup of nuts

3 to your lunch. Explains neurologist Daniel Amen, M.D., healthy fats in nuts help your brain cells’ ability to take up sugars and power up all afternoon. Tired at dinner? Bring in plants

Ozone levels are low in the morning and rise throughout the day, peaking around 6 pm This air pollutant can kick-start lung irritation, hindering oxygen uptake and triggering dinnertime fatigue. To keep your evening exposure low, decorate your home with Boston ferns or English ivy. NASA scientists say these natural air purifiers mop up fatigue

triggering pollutants. Tired by evening? Try this herb Your thyroid determines how long your metabolism stays high, so if this gland gets sluggish, you fade at night, says Richard Shames, M.D., author of Thyroid Mind Power. To the rescue: 600 mg. of ashwagandha daily. Studies suggest this thyroid-energizing herb can help you feel 55% more upbeat at night and improve sleep quality by 67%! Note: Check with your doctor before taking supplements. — Brenda Kearns