Exercise and energy

Studies spanning different populations – from healthy subjects to cancer patients, as well as those with chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease – show the benefits of exercise. In addition, although it may seem counterintuitive that expending energy through exercise would increase feelings of energy and reduce fatigue, research has shown that the levels of energy-promoting and mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine and serotonin significantly increase under exercise conditions.

So instead of artificial energy enhancers (e.g., caffeine and “energy drinks”) it’s probably more effective to go for a brisk walk, pump some iron, or skip rope for a few minutes. I find this approach very effective, specially when tackling mental tasks that require high levels of alertness and problem solving skills.