Our daily lives demand a lot from us. With unending lists of responsibilities, chores, and an often unpredictable schedule, keeping up with proper nutrition and activity can become an almost unimaginable feat of strength. This only further exacerbates the problem as we accumulate stress over extended periods of time. While nothing will replace exercise and a healthy diet, there are certain natural, quality supplements and vitamins that can aid your body in maintaining proper function and keeping you healthy, strong, and ready to take each day head-on.
Which Supplements to Take for More Daily Energy & Less Stress?
Maintaining optimal energy levels without subjecting yourself to undue stress can feel impossible—our fast-paced lives have made sure of that. Long hours, endless responsibilities, and a lack of proper rest can drain your energy reserves. Compounded with an inadequate amount of activity and not eating a balanced diet, you’ve got yourself a recipe for disaster.
Fortunately, through the help of various vitamins & nutritional supplements, you can offset these negative effects by quite a lot. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best supplements to take for more sustained energy levels throughout the day.
Ashwagandha
This ancient herb has been used for over 3,000 years in traditional medicine. Ashwagandha helps your body manage stress more effectively, and as studies have shown, it helps your body maintain constant cortisol levels while also reducing them below a certain threshold. Additionally, it can critically improve sleep quality and boost energy levels, making it a great addition to your daily routine. Regular supplementation might also help reduce anxiety levels.
L-Theanine
A natural substance found in green tea, L-theanine is an amino acid that promotes relaxation without causing unnecessary drowsiness. When combined with caffeine, L-theanine can provide an even burst of energy throughout several hours, keeping you alert while eliminating the negative effects of stress on the body.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
These essential fatty acids play an important role in brain function, and, conversely, mental health. On top of these already substantial benefits, they also reduce inflammation and support energy production on a cellular level. Regular intake has been shown to improve moods, reduce anxiety levels, and improve cognitive performance overall.
Vitamin D
A shockingly high majority of people are vitamin D-deficient, with a substantial subset of those not even knowing that they are. Vitamin D is crucial for our bodies’ metabolism and mood regulation. If you work a desk job and spend most of your time indoors, there’s a very high probability that you are deficient as well. Supplementing it can help with fatigue symptoms, boost your immune function, and elevate energy levels.
Coenzyme Q10
CoQ10 is an enzyme naturally produced in the body. As we age, our levels of it decline, and with it, so do our energy levels, while oxidative stress can increase. Taking coenzyme Q10 can greatly offset this natural age-related decrease.
The Takeaway
While appropriate, high-quality supplements can provide some significant benefit for energy and stress management, it’s important to incorporate them as part of a comprehensive approach to your health. Combine them with regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep for the best results.