6 Natural Energy Supplements for Holiday Fatigue and Afternoon Slumps
The holidays are supposed to feel joyful, slow, and cosy. But for many of us, the season comes with a familiar combination: fatigue, stress, and the kind of afternoon slump that hits harder than a family group chat. If you’ve been searching for natural supplements for fatigue and crash-free energy support, you’re not alone. December takes a toll on your brain, mood, and nervous system.
We work with adaptogens, nootropics, and functional mushrooms that help you stay energised in a natural, sustainable way—without spikes, crashes, or questionable ingredients. Whether you’re navigating holiday travel, year-end deadlines, winter training cycles, or just trying to stay awake at 4 p.m., these six natural compounds offer real support.
Below, we break down six natural energy supplements that help fight fatigue, boost resilience, and support better performance—physically and mentally. You’ll also find where they appear across our blends, from Life Force Coffee to Flow State+ to Sidekick (your new creamy ritual companion).
1. Rhodiola Rosea: The Anti-Fatigue Powerhouse
Rhodiola is one of the most researched adaptogens for reducing fatigue and improving natural energy. It supports the stress-response system, helping your body produce steady energy without overstimulation.
Studies(1) show that Rhodiola can:
- Reduce mental and physical fatigue
- Improve stamina and endurance
- Support focus during stressful periods
- Enhance energy metabolism
It’s particularly helpful during the holidays, when stress is high and sleep is inconsistent. Rhodiola helps you power through without that “wired-but-tired” feeling.
Where to find it
You’ll find Rhodiola in Life Force Coffee and Life Force+ Powder—our blends designed for performance, resilience, and sustained, crash-free energy—as well as in our Full Color blend. If your December includes skiing, running in the cold, or trying to push through your last gym block of the year, this is your ally.
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| Life Force Coffee |
2. Chaga: Antioxidant Support for Natural Energy
Chaga mushroom is best known for its high antioxidant content, which helps lower oxidative stress—a major cause of fatigue and low energy during the winter. When your immune system is busy fighting off seasonal bugs, your energy levels inevitably drop. Chaga helps reduce that burden.
Chaga may support:
- Improved cellular energy production
- Immune function during winter months
- Better inflammatory balance
- More stable day-to-day vitality
It doesn’t overstimulate; it helps your body work more efficiently. Which honestly feels like a winter superpower.
Where to find it at Upraising
Chaga is a hero ingredient in Life Force Coffee, Life Force+ Powder, and Full Color. If you're looking for steady, nourishing energy instead of a jolt, Chaga-rich blends are a great place to start.
3. Maca: Hormone & Mood Support for Consistent Energy
Maca root is a natural energiser that supports mood, hormone balance, and long-term vitality. Unlike caffeine, Maca doesn’t stimulate the nervous system—it supports it. Perfect for people who want energy without feeling on edge.
Maca can help:
- Support stable mood during stressful seasons
- Improve libido and vitality
- Boost sustained, natural energy
- Support hormonal balance for all genders
During the holidays, when routine goes out the window, Maca helps keep energy levels stable.
Where to find it at Upraising
Maca is part of Full Color, our blend powered by Yerba Mate and designed for balanced energy and clarity.
4. Yerba Mate: Smooth, Clean Caffeine
Yerba Mate offers a different kind of lift: clean caffeine + antioxidants + amino acids for a balanced boost. It’s energising but softer than coffee, helping you stay alert without feeling jittery.
Yerba Mate supports:
- Enhanced alertness and focus
- Smoother caffeine release
- Reduced reliance on multiple coffees a day
- Better antioxidant support
During hectic holiday schedules, Yerba Mate is a reliable mid-morning or early-afternoon companion.
Where to find it at Upraising
You’ll find Yerba Mate in Full Color—blended with other adaptogens and nootropics. It pairs beautifully with Sidekick if you want something creamy, energising, and naturally satisfying.
5. L-Theanine: Calm, Focused Energy
If you want energy without the anxiety, L-theanine is your supplement. It’s an amino acid found in green tea that encourages alpha brain waves—aka the “calm focus” state.
L-theanine can:
- Reduce stress-related fatigue
- Improve concentration
- Balance caffeine’s stimulation
- Support a smooth, non-jittery boost
It’s especially useful in December when caffeine consumption goes up and sleep quality goes down.
Where to find it at Upraising
L-theanine is one of the key players in Bright Mood Coffee and Bright Mood+ Powder as well as in our Flow State coffee and Flow State+ powder. These blends help you stay focused and centred, even when your calendar looks like a game of Tetris.
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6. Schisandra: The Stress-Resilience Berry
Schisandra Chinensis berry is an adaptogen known for its ability to enhance mental clarity, reduce fatigue, and improve stress resilience. It’s especially helpful if you feel mentally drained during busy holiday periods.
Schisandra may support:
- Better cognitive performance
- Greater resistance to stress
- Increased physical endurance
- Stable energy across the day
If December feels like multitasking on hard mode, Schisandra gently boosts your ability to manage it all.
Where to find it at Upraising
Schisandra appears in Life Force Coffee and Life Force+ Powder, our blends for clarity, focus, and balanced calm.
Upraise your days with clean, functional, crash-free energy
Every adaptogen and functional mushroom we use is chosen for one purpose: to support your physical and mental energy naturally. No sugar. No synthetic stimulants. No artificial flavours. Just evidence-backed ingredients that help you feel your best—especially during the busiest time of the year.
Pair your favourite adaptogenic blend with Sidekick for a creamy, energising drink that supports energy metabolism and mental clarity thanks to coconut milk and MCTs.
Conclusion: Natural Energy That Lasts Through the Holidays
Holiday fatigue is real. So are afternoon slumps. But with the right natural supplements—Rhodiola, Chaga, Maca, Yerba Mate, L-theanine, and Schisandra—you can support energy, reduce stress, and stay clear-headed all season long.
Whether you prefer coffee, powders, or creamy adaptogenic drinks, Upraising has blends designed to help you feel better, focus deeper, and stay energised without the crash. It’s not magic. It’s just nature doing what it does best.
References
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Rhodiola for reducing fatigue and improving performance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26609282/
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Rhodiola on stress, mood, and cognitive function: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29725046/
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Chaga antioxidant capacity & oxidative stress reduction: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23510282/
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Maca for energy, vitality & mood support: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20090350/
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Yerba Mate for mood, energy & antioxidant support: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12496624/
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Yerba Mate on energy expenditure & metabolism: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22017613/
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L-theanine + caffeine for improved focus without jitters: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19718255/
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Schisandra for cognitive performance and stress resilience: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21826449/
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Schisandra on fatigue & physical endurance: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19280704/