The holidays are over, and even if you’re one of those who can’t get enough of the festivities and celebrations, you’re probably feeling tired by now. Let’s face it: all this holidaying can be pretty exhausting.

What do you do if you feel worn out? Do you reach for that extra cup of coffee, an energy drink, or – even worse – a candy bar?

All you probably want to do is curl up and sleep the rest of the year away, but here is what scientific studies and anecdotal evidence tell us: Exercise, not hibernation, is the best fatigue-busting and energy-boosting technique.

Research confirms that those who participate in physical activity decrease their tiredness level by as much as 60 percent and increase their energy by 20 percent. Exercise energizes and recharges not only your body, but also your mind. There’s no better way to invigorate you from head to toe.

What are the best pick-me-up exercises? Virtually anything that keeps you moving at a brisk pace and increases your heart rate will be effective. Walking, biking, jogging, swimming, doing jumping jacks – even dancing and rope-skipping – will rev you up.

Fitness boot camps are excellent energy boosters because they combine a variety of cardiovascular, strength, endurance, speed, agility and flexibility workouts. Whatever exercises you choose, schedule your workout for first thing in the morning. Exercising any time during the day is beneficial, but if you tire easily, you might not feel motivated to exercise later in the day. If you start early, you’ll create energy that lasts all day. As a bonus, a morning workout will raise your metabolism that will burn calories throughout the day.

Another energy-bolstering tip is eating a healthy breakfast. You’ve probably heard that breakfast is the most important meal of the day – and it’s true. A nutritional breakfast ideally includes a serving of whole grains, low-fat protein, dairy and fruit.

Skipping breakfast might make you binge later in the day, when hunger pangs strike. Not only will you feel tired, but you’ll probably eat something you can grab on the go – like junk food. And it’s no secret that eating too much junk food, which is full of saturated fats, as well as sugar or salt, will leave you feeling sluggish and fatigued – exactly the opposite of what you want to accomplish.

Fitness professional Christian Aguirre has helped Bay Area residents get back into shape for 11 years. Client testimonials and Christian’s blog are available at www.eastbaytrainer.com. To learn more about Christian and his weight loss program, e-mail info@eastbaytrainer.com or call 510-919-6806.