Quiz: Do You Have Good Energy?

1. True or false: You can think yourself energized.

Answer: True. Your thoughts alone can spark activity in an area of your brain called the anterior cingulate cortex, which regulates motivation and perception of effort. Studies show that people who believe they can go the distance, whether it’s a long run or an all-day garage overhaul, are more likely to stay on track. When you start to lose steam, say to yourself, “I’m just getting warmed up.”

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2. Rank these moves in order of perk-up power.

A. Having another cup of coffee
B. Doing a quick lap around the block
C. Watching a funny cat video
D. Taking a nap
E. Chugging ice water

Answer: B, D, A, E, C. Taking a brisk walk will get oxygen flowing to your brain, especially if you head outdoors, and release energizing endorphins. Even just going from sitting to standing has been shown to boost sharpness: “It’s one of Mother Nature’s ways of keeping you alert—and making sure you don’t fall down and crack your skull!” says John Caldwell, PhD, a psychologist who has researched fatigue for NASA. A nap is a great way to top off energy—and obviously coffee will, too. Java just comes with caveats: It’s not as effective if you drink it regularly, and too much can make you jittery. Chugging ice water is somewhat effective (the cold triggers adrenaline, which gets your heart pumping stronger, increasing blood flow to the brain), while watching viral videos will give your mind just a brief buzz from the sheer novelty.

3. Which is the best pick-me-up scent to sniff?
A. Eucalyptus
B. Lemon
C. Peppermint
D. Sandalwood

Answer: C. “Peppermint stimulates the trigeminal nerve, which makes the brain alert,” says Alan Hirsch, MD, of the Smell & Taste Treatment and Research Foundation in Chicago. For a quick lift, pop a minty hard candy or stick of gum. Even the act of chewing gum helps you feel more awake, one study found.

4. Which workout gives you the most oomph?
A. CrossFit
B. Yoga
C. Running
D. Weight lifting

Answer: C, with A as a close second. “Anything that gets your blood flowing gets you energized—a quick 20-minute walk can recharge you for up to an hour and a half afterward,” says Leslie Bonci, RD, director of sports nutrition at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center. “But running and CrossFit provide the fastest heart-pumping effect.” You’ll get a near-instant influx of oxygen to the brain and body and release stimulating chemicals, including endorphins, serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine.

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5. What percentage of Americans fail to get the recommended eight or more hours of sleep?
A. 5%
B. 14%
C. 37%
D. 65%

Answer: D, per a Gallup poll. (Yawn if you are well aware of this.) No wonder the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention declared insufficient sleep to be a national health epidemic in 2014.

6. Vitamin B shots for energy are trendy—but are they a boost or a bust?

Answer: Bust—mostly. It’s true that B vitamins are critical for energy. You’ll only get an uptick from an injection, though, if you’re severely deficient in B vitamins, a risk for vegans and vegetarians and those taking certain medications (including metformin for diabetes). For most people, a supplement could do the job.

7. Battle of the energy bars: Which gives you the most bang for your calorie buck?
A. Super nutty
B. High in fiber
C. Lots of fruit

Answer: A. The more nuts, the merrier—they pack both protein and fiber, the star nutrients for long-lasting, slow-burning energy, Bonci says. Ideally, grab an energy bar that’s under 200 calories and has at least 8 grams of protein and 4 grams of filling fiber.