Top 5 Supplements for Energy and Focus

When you’re juggling a busy schedule, the last thing you want is to feel drained or scatterbrained. Instead of reaching for another cup of coffee, certain supplements can naturally boost your energy and sharpen your focus—without the crash.

As a nurse, I know firsthand how long shifts and endless to-do lists can wear you down. These are five supplements I trust (and that many busy women and healthcare workers love) to keep stamina and mental clarity going strong.

  1. Vitamin B12 (and B-Complex)
  • Why it helps: Supports energy production, reduces fatigue, and helps your brain stay sharp.
  • Best for: Anyone feeling drained or low in energy, especially if you’re skipping meals or working long shifts.
  • Try: Garden of Life Vitamin B Complex – Organic, whole-food based
  • Pair with regular meals and hydration. Skipping meals can make fatigue worse

  1. Iron
  • Why it helps: Carries oxygen through your blood, preventing sluggishness and that “wiped out” feeling.
  • Best for: Women with heavy periods, healthcare workers, or anyone often tired despite rest.
  • Try: Thorne Iron Bisglycinate – Gentle and easy on the stomach

  1. Magnesium
  • Why it helps: Supports muscle recovery, balances stress and helps prevent burnout.
  • Best for: Busy professionals who struggle with tension, stress, or trouble sleeping.
  • Try: Natural Vitality Calm Magnesium Powder – Great for relaxation at night
  • Combine with a nightly wind-down habit like journaling or gratitude to improve sleep quality

  1. Adaptogens (Ashwagandha + Rhodiola)
  • Why they help: Calm your stress response, balance cortisol, and keep your mind resilient through long days.
  • Best for: Nurses, students, or anyone balancing stress and needing steady focus.
  • Try: Ashwagandha by KSM-66 – Stress and energy support
  • Enhance their stress-balancing effects by practicing 5 minutes of deep breathing between shifts

  1. L-Theanine (with Caffeine)
  • Why it helps: Promotes calm focus and alertness without jitters. Works beautifully when paired with caffeine.
  • Best for: Afternoon slumps, night shift workers, or anyone who needs calm, clear focus.
  • Try: Four Sigmatic Mushroom Coffee with Lion’s Mane – Focus without the crash
  • Remember to hydrate throughout the day. 8 glasses of water a day is recommended. Keep a beautiful, colorful water bottle at your desk to remind you.

Final Takeaway

If you’re always on the go, these five supplements can help you feel more energized, focused, and ready to take on your day—without relying on endless cups of coffee.

For a deeper dive into even more options, check out my full guide: Best Supplements for Energy and Focus. 

Nurse’s Tip: Supplements work best when combined with simple wellness habits. Here’s my go-to daily routine for energy and focus: How to manage stress in 15 minutes a day; Quick wellness habits for working women.

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