If daily fatigue drags you down without there being a medical reason, you may be surprised to learn how a few simple lifestyle changes can boost your energy. Incorporate a few of the following 5 ways and see for yourself how these changes can easily boost your health.

Manage Stress Better
Everyone knows that emotional and physical stress sap your energy. And while controlled stress isn't a negative, too much stress can make you sick. Bodies under stress pump out hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline. Also called the "fight and flight" or "stress" hormones, they serve the physiological purpose of preparing the body for an emergency. High levels of cortisol, however, are associated with multiple health risks: They promote the development of visceral fat or internal belly fat; cannibalize muscle protein; and can shrink the hippocampus, an important part of the brain needed for memory and thinking. Mind-body exercises, such as yoga, Pilates, tai chi, a walk by the beach or in the woods, have all shown to be excellent stress-relievers. Even deep breathing exercises can do wonders for quick relief when stress levels run high.

Sexual Activity
Good sex isn't just fun, but offers multiple health benefits. Researchers from Scotland found that sex can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Having sex once or twice a week has been linked to higher levels of an antibody called immunoglobulin A or IgA, which protects against colds and other infections. Sex may not be the best exercise to shed off extra pounds-30 minutes of sex only burns about 85 calories-but it can certainly enhance your mood and boost energy levels.

Get a Massage
A massage not only helps melt stress away. It can do wonders for overworked muscles and a tired mind. Whether a massage is part of a girl's spa day, a couple's treat or precious time devoted to yourself, a massage makes for a great gift to your mental and physical health and that of loved ones.

Exercise
Even a brief bout of exercise (as little as 10 minutes) can bolster your energy and heighten your mood. Performed regularly and combined with healthy eating, exercise is a sure recipe for a healthier, happier lifestyle. Aerobic workouts, such as swimming, biking and running will make your heart stronger and allow it to pump more oxygen to your body; regular strength-training will make your body leaner and more toned while providing the strength needed to perform everyday activities, such as lifting your children, carrying groceries and luggage, etc.; Yoga, Pilates and other mind-body exercises not only enhance your flexibility and balance, but help calm your busy mind. It's never too late to start exercising. To achieve health benefits, the government recommends that adults perform at least 2.5 hours of weekly moderate-intensity physical activity, such as brisk walking, and twice weekly muscle-strengthening activities. More exercise will lead to even greater health benefits. New exercisers should consult their physicians first.

Eating Right Starts With Breakfast
You've probably heard it before: A healthy breakfast is the most important meal of the day and for good reason. You wouldn't embark on an eight-hour drive with an empty tank of gas. Similarly, coming out of an overnight fast, your body's energy reserves are low. Given that your energy levels tend to peak between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., it is critical to start the day with a healthy breakfast: Oatmeal and fruit; a healthy, low-caloric cereal; or light breakfast sandwich are all great choices. If you're an early riser, why not get a workout in before work to boost your energy? Morning exercisers may want to eat a light snack an hour before their workouts for energy and a healthy breakfast within the first hour post-exercise to prevent afternoon fatigue. Non-breakfast eaters not only risk feeling sluggish all morning, but are prone to binge-eating at lunch and constant snacking throughout the day, because they put their bodies into starvation mode.

To read the other 10 ways to boost your energy click here.

Adapted from article by Marion Webb, who is the managing editor for the American Council on Exercise and an ACE-certified Personal Trainer. For specific fitness-related story ideas or comments, please e-mail her directly at marion.webb@acefitness.org.