Hey guys!
What do you do when your energy levels fall to the red zone and you realize you have entered heavy-eyelids-lazy-brain mode in the middle of your workday? Most of you probably reach out for the very traditional quick fix: coffee! But do you know caffeine is actually bad in the long run? Too much caffeine can increase risk of heart diseases, incontinence, miscarriages, insomnia, reduced fertility and even lead to premature death. Need more reasons to ditch caffeine? Well, worry not. Here are some alternatives to caffeine that will keep you energized and add to your overall health.
1. A glass of water
Dehydration can make you fatigued. It also leads to the sluggish, lazy feeling. Drinking water can make you feel more alert and awake.
2. Regular exercise
Exercising regularly can help you sleep better during the night and have more energy during the day. Exercise initiates physiological changes in your body that increase blood flow and energy substrates to both your brain and skeletal muscles, increasing your alertness and overall energy availability. Stick to a regular workout routine.
3. Get out of the chair
Sometimes a little change of surroundings is all you need to energize up. If you are having trouble keeping your head off your desk then taking a stroll outside will surely help. The natural light and crisp air helps you to feel more awake. Also taking a walk increases your heart rate leaving you more alert and energized.
4. Pop a piece of mint or gum
A study showed that people who chewed a gum for 15 minutes felt more alert and energized than people who did not. Another study showed that chewing a gum increases your heart rate, blood supply to the brain and also stimulates your autonomic nervous system.
5. Light up
Darkness and sleepiness go hand in hand. Proper lighting contributes to avoiding sleepiness. So next time you feel tired and feel like dozing off at your desk, just try switching up the lights.
6. Music and more music
Music itself is so much energizing. To add up, just sing along. Researchers in London found that singing solo increases energetic arousal and decreases tension nearly as much as a cardio workout. Choose a high energy tune that engages and activates you.
7. Massage you ears
This might sound silly but it works. Apply pressure to the outer rim of your ear. That is because all of your body’s acupressure meridians—that is, your energy pathways—pass through your outer ear. Massaging the ear unites all of the meridians, and gets the energy flowing. Try it and see the results yourself.
8. Do not skip breakfast
Skipping breakfast might be the biggest perpetrator of energy crashes. Eating breakfast not only hooks you up with energy for the day but it has been also shown to encourage weight loss. Include fruits and veggies, and healthy fats and proteins.
9. Quick stretches
Often, sitting in the same place can make us tense and exhausted. Take some time to do a few quick stretches. Stretching your limbs and joints can actually make you more energized to go through the day.
10. Get enough sleep
If all these fixes cannot help you, you might probably be sleep deprived. None of these steps can help to overcome chronic sleep deprivation. 6-8 hours of sleep is a must. You might need to commit to more sleeping hours to energize yourself.
Hope this compilation helps. Take care and stay beautiful.
Image source: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
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