(regular has caffeine), she advises. “It not only offers powerful antioxidant protection to help make cells happy, it also gives you a sustainable level of energy.”

navel in sharply, expelling air, and release your navel as you inhale. This exercise is said to increase prana (the life force behind all creation) by boosting oxygen intake and energy.

The kundalini yoga practice

“breath of fire” (rapid breathing)

is a powerful exercise said to

balance the body and mind.

3| Energize With Exercise. Have a real power lunch. Get to a gym or take a stroll—just get moving. A lunchtime walk or exercise session will get your blood flowing and increase your concentration later in the day, and help you get a restful night’s sleep. A review of studies showed that people with chronic fatigue syndrome who performed 30 minutes of moderate to intense exercise three to five times a week were better able to function after three months than the participants in control groups.

4| Avoid the Afternoon Crash. If you consistently find yourself yearning for an afternoon nap, take a combination of carnitine (500 mg) and CoQ10 ( 30 mg) with a full glass of water and a high-energy snack (such as a low-sugar protein bar or soy shake) mid-afternoon, suggests Erika Schwartz, M.D., an expert on bio-identical hormones and energy. She recommends these supplements, at the same dosage, in the morning and at lunch to combat afternoon slumps. “This will help your batteries stay charged all day long,” she says. Another tip: If you don’t want to feel drowsy in the afternoon, avoid a heavy lunch. Best food choices: lean protein, whole grains (rich in magnesium, vital for energy), fruits and vegetables, and oily fish (with EFAs).

6| Splurge on a Treat. Giving a small gift to yourself occasionally can give you a boost. This does not mean becoming a shopoholic or going into debt. “I define splurging as an expansion of energy, a generosity of spirit and attitude wherein you periodically lavish yourself with something special,” says Judith Orloff, M.D., author of Positive Energy (Harmony Books, 2004). “It’s not emptying out your son’s college fund to buy a Ferrari. It means spending a little extra for energy-boosting extras that won’t bleed you dry: prime seats for an Alan Jackson concert, a pair of pricey shoes, a new tennis racket. Splurging can enlarge your universe and aura, and gets life force moving.” If your budget won’t allow you to spend money, spend time—on yourself. Lavish yourself with time off, away from cellphones and obligations. Either way, you’ll boost your mood and spirit, which always increases your energy.

Both alpha-lipoic acid and

CoQ10 boost production

of ATP, the basic energy

molecule of cells.

5 | Breathe Fire.

The kundalini yoga practice “breath of fire” (rapid breathing) is a powerful exercise said to balance the body and mind. It involves deep breathing at a rate of two or three times per second, which can help you energize and deal with stress, such as a long commute home or a looming deadline. Pull your

7 | Stick It to Energy Slumps. Try acupuncture, which is said to affect chi, or vital energy. “Acupuncture accesses the body’s chi and unblocks energy channels,” says Gabriella Spivak, L.Ac., an acupuncturist with a practice in West Los Angeles, Calif., who often treats people with fatigue and fibromyal-gia. “When these channels are clear, yin and yang energies are balanced. And when this happens, the body functions perfectly,” explains Spivak, adding that