Exercise reduces fatigue and increases energy

Research shows that regular exercise can improve energy more effectively than stimulants such as coffee or energy drinks. Regular exercisers have known this for years, but now this has been backed up with research carried out by the University of Georgia. "A lot of times when people are fatigued, the last thing they want to do is exercise," says researcher Patrick O'Conner, "but if you're physically inactive and fatigued, being a bit more active will help."

In this study, published in Psychological Bulletin, the researchers analysed 70 studies on exercise and fatugie involving more than 6,800 people. The results showed that regular exercise increases energy and reduces fatigue. So next time you're tempted to hve yet another cup of coffee or reach for an energy drink, try getting out for a brisk walk or doing some exercise instead and just see how much better you feel.