Q & A with Mehmet Oz, M.D. and Mike Roizen, M.D.
Q: Being stuck at home has sapped my energy. I feel so lethargic. What can I do to get charged up again?
A: It may seem ironic, but the more activity you do the less fatigued you’ll feel — and the less you do, the more tired you become. That was what researchers at the University of Georgia discovered when they looked at 12 studies that measured physical activity and feelings of energy. In each study, physical activity was associated with a reduced risk of fatigue. So it’s important to shake off the low-grade depression that you might have from the corona siege and get yourself to do yoga, follow an online routine for a step class, ride a stationary bicycle, do strength training with stretchy bands, or go outside and walk 10,000 steps.
Other energy boosters include:
- Staying hydrated. A study in the Journal of Nutrition found that being just 1.36% dehydrated made tasks harder to do, worsened mood, decreased the ability to concentrate and caused headache symptoms. The Cleveland Clinic advises drinking two glasses of water when you wake up in the morning to improve mood and alertness. Drink water, tea or coffee — not sugar-added beverages — to stay hydrated all day.
- Eating frequently. Have three small meals a day — at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. — instead of two or three larger ones. And eat most of your food in your first two meals. Have a small amount of complex carbs, lean protein and healthy fat every time, to keep blood sugar steady.
- Reducing stress. When you’re chronically stressed, your body cranks out hormones that cause an elevated heart rate and rapid breathing. Your muscles tighten; your body becomes achy; your mind races. It’s exhausting. Meditation daily can dispel stress and help you regain focus and energy.
Mehmet Oz, M.D. is host of “The Dr. Oz Show,” and Mike Roizen, M.D. is Chief Wellness Officer and Chair of Wellness Institute at Cleveland Clinic. Email your health and wellness questions to Dr. Oz and Dr. Roizen at youdocsdaily@sharecare.com.
