Caffeine is everywhere. It’s the world’s favorite drug and it is used in copious amounts by billions of people every single day. In the developed world, the average person is exposed to caffeine long before they reach their teens, consuming daily coffee/energy drinks in their teens, and fully addicted by their twenties. And if you don’t think you’re addicted, try abstaining for a few days and see how it affects you. In moderate amounts, caffeine is perfectly healthy. But if you’re sensitive to the drug, have heart problems, or just want to live a cleaner life, you’ll need to look for an alternative. The following tips will help you to stay alert throughout the day without relying on this much-loved stimulant.
Water
Stop rolling your eyes. We know that water isn’t going to provide you with the instant energy boost that you get from caffeine, but bear with us, as it is effective. If you’re not getting enough fluids throughout the day, you’ll be more prone to dehydration, which can make you tired and sluggish. Dehydration also increases the risk of constipation, which is associated with feelings of tiredness and sluggishness. Try this—the next time you feel tired even though you had plenty of sleep and ate a big breakfast, try drinking two glasses of water. In as little as 10 or 20 minutes, you may feel more alert, more awake, and more human!
Eat Slow-Release Carbs
A diet rich in sugar will give you lots of little bursts of energy but will also cause you to crash. In general, your diet should be your number 1 focus when you’re struggling to stay awake and alert throughout the day. Your body wasn’t made to rely on caffeine and sugar. It’s not designed for quick-fix medications, and it doesn’t need to be. If you fuel it properly, you will stay alert throughout the day and will experience bursts of energy that you didn’t even think were possible! Start your day with slow-release carbs and protein and follow this with lots of whole foods (fruits, vegetables, grains) and a modest amount of fat. Think about what you’re putting into your body every time that you eat and stay away from heavily processed foods.
Use Essential Oils
When it comes to aromatherapy, the lines between truth and fiction have become blurred over the years, with proponents claiming that essential oils are the ultimate panaceas. But while a little oil isn’t going to cure cancer or depression, it could perk you up when you’re feeling lethargic. Aromas are incredibly potent, and there is a lot of research that suggests they can deliver instant and noticeable benefits. Everyone knows that lavender is great for relaxation, but did you know that peppermint, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and even thyme oil can make you feel more awake? The effects are slight, and certainly can’t compare to a hefty dose of caffeine, but they exist, they’re noticeable, and they don’t come with any side effects. Just add a few drops in an oil burner and wait for them to work their magic.
Napping and Meditation
A short nap of between 10 and 30 minutes could help you to reset and recharge, giving you as much energy as a cup of coffee. It’s important not to overdo it, though. If you’re waking up feeling groggy, hungry, and incredibly grumpy, then you’re overdoing it. Set an alarm so that you don’t nap too much and make sure you properly hydrate when you wake. If napping is out of the question, try meditating. Simply sitting in silence and focusing on your breath can help you to clear the stresses of the day. You might not feel like you’re ready to run a marathon, but you should feel more alert and focused.
Reduce the Temperature
If it’s warm and stuffy inside the house, it’s time to open some windows, turn on the AC, and bring that temperature down. When the temperature is high, you’ll be more inclined to sit still, shut down, and do nothing. That doesn’t mean that you need to sit shivering, but you should certainly make your surroundings a little less snug and cozy.
Get Moving
If you’re spending all of your time sitting down, working, and barely moving more than a few dozen steps, you’ll struggle to stay focused and motivated. You’re basically hibernating, and you’re not giving your mind and body the stimulation that they need. Move around. Go for a walk. Stretch. Practice yoga or Pilates—just get moving! The fitter you are, the more focused and energized you will feel, which means you’ll be less reliant on the sudden and artificial energy provided by stimulants like caffeine.
UBN Activate
The vast majority of energy supplements and energy drinks are basically just sugar, flavorings, and caffeine. Sure, there are other ingredients, including amino acids like taurine, but you’re basically consuming caffeine with additives. UBN Activate is different, though. It’s also not a stimulant, and yet it will still provide a cognitive boost that can get you through the day. Activate is a clinically-proven formula designed to enhance cognition, improve memory, and even lift your mood. It’s completely caffeine-free, which means there are no jitters, no anxiety, and no sensitivity issues. Click here to more about Activate.
