If you’re feeling sluggish, crappy, or full of fatigue, staying consistent and focused on your money-saving goals can take so much more effort. Most of us start thinking about some caffeine around 3:00 pm (is this you, too?), so that means we start wandering around looking for that ol’ coffee shop or pop machine. Those quick caffeine trips start to add up quickly, and before you know it, you’ve got yourself a habit.
If you're reading this article, you may be asking yourself, “What stimulant can I replace coffee with?”, “What can I use as a natural stimulant?”, “What is the best way to get energy without caffeine?”, “How do I get quick energy without caffeine?” or even “WHY do I not get energy from coffee?”
You're in the right place!
So, before rushing off for that caffeine burst, try these 18 techniques for more energy now (without relying on coffee or Red Bull to do it!), and you’ll be well on your way to keeping your money-saving goals in line.
18 Tips for More Energy Now (Without Drinking Coffee or Red Bull!)…
1. Get some exercise
Sure, you’re reading this because you’re tired and need more energy, so why in the world would you want to exercise right now?! While it’s difficult to motivate yourself to move when you’re tired, a brisk walk or a few minutes of physical activity boosts your energy level way more than a cup of coffee or any other type of caffeine.
2. Decrease the room temperature
When you are comfortably warm, your body naturally wants to relax and take a nap. When you are slightly cooler, your body will burn more calories in an effort to keep itself warm and pump more blood.
3. Have an energy-boosting snack
When you feel lethargic, you may be tempted to reach for a candy bar or other sugary snack. Sugar can give you a quick energy boost, but it’s followed by a crash that leaves you feeling worse than before you snack! Choose energy-boosting snacks like leafy greens, peanut butter on apples, string cheese, turkey or chicken slices, almonds, quinoa, or dried fruit. High-protein, healthy carbohydrate foods and whole grains can help keep your blood sugar levels at a good place.
4. Drink a lot of water
Most of your brain and your body are water, and the majority of people simply do not drink enough water to stay hydrated. When you are even just slightly dehydrated, everything in your body will slow down. This leads to feeling tired.
5. Eat smaller and more frequent meals
When you overeat, you will feel sleepy because your body is attempting to digest the enormous amount of food you just consumed! Eat smaller, healthy, and more frequent meals throughout the day to help maintain your blood sugar, energy levels, and minimize hunger.
6. Practice stress relief techniques
If you are under chronic stress, the hormones your body releases will zap your body of energy. Not only will you feel tired, but you will probably experience weight gain as well as a compromised immune system. Take a few moments each day to de-stress with deep breathing exercises or a quick yoga session. You may be surprised how reducing stress can contribute to increased energy!
7. Use coconut oil
Cook with coconut oil for an immediate and long-lasting boost of energy. Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids, which are known to increase energy. It also has additional health benefits, including improving the functioning of your thyroid.
8. Stop skipping breakfast
Even if you feel rushed in the morning, find a way to fit in breakfast. A breakfast with protein is going to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the morning. Make a healthy breakfast a daily ritual, and you’ll notice improved energy throughout the entire day.
9. Learn to power nap
If you fail to get enough sleep at night, learn how to power nap for an optimum energy boost! The trick is to sleep for about 20 minutes. If you sleep longer than 20 minutes, your body thinks it's bedtime and you’ll wake up even more tired than you were when you napped (and may have trouble sleeping later that night!)
10. Get and keep a sleep schedule
Figure out when you feel your best – on seven hours sleep, eight hours sleep, or ten. Pay attention to what time you go to bed and fall asleep the easiest, and keep to a consistent sleeping and waking schedule for the best improvement in your natural energy levels. Then, get some sunshine as soon as you can. The burst of Vitamin D will help you perk right up.
11. Listen to energetic music
You may love classical or soft, soothing music, but that has a tendency to slow your energy flow. Listen to energetic and upbeat music to help keep your energy high. (Here are some free radio station recommendations.)
12. Manage your mood
If you are feeling especially negative or concentrating on all that is going wrong in your day, you are naturally going to feel more tired than if you were focusing on the positive aspects of your day. A positive mindset is one of the best natural ways to improve your energy level.
13. Sit or stand up straight
If you slouch, your blood can’t flow properly throughout your body, and even your brain isn’t as alert as when you are sitting or standing with good posture. Sitting or standing with good posture requires that you engage muscles that aren’t used when you slouch, and you will naturally feel more energetic.
14. Consider herbal supplements
Several herbal supplements have been shown to improve energy. Cinnamon, kelp, ginseng, and licorice root have all been shown to boost energy levels.
15. Take vitamin B
Vitamin B will help boost your energy levels and improve anxiety and concentration and decrease depression. Vitamins tend to have the best results when taken with a meal.
16. Take a cold shower (or splash water on your face!)
How often do you take a hot shower to relax? If you need a quick pick-me-up, a cold shower will stimulate your body and mind and make you more alert. If you don’t have time to take a shower or simply can’t bear the thought of a cold shower, splash cold water on your face for a similar energy boost.
17. Keep your mind alert
Try crossword puzzles or other quick games that require thought during breaks or downtime. Keeping your mind going and shifting gears temporarily will help maintain your energy level.
18. Do a headstand
Or… just bend over and let the blood rush to your head. This is one of my favorite tips because it works so quickly!
What are your favorite ways to have a burst of instant energy without caffeine?