How to ditch caffeine and stay energized all day

 

How to ditch caffeine and stay energized all day

Everyone is familiar with the dreaded feeling of having to force themselves out of bed while that morning grogginess sinks in. For those who are looking to quit a caffeine addiction, those first few mornings can feel extra rough without that freshly brewed elixir of energy fuelling your day. Luckily, though, there are plenty of other ways to stay energized all day.

Eat an apple

While caffeine may give you that immediate burst of energy, the natural sugars in an apple are found to provide better-sustained energy throughout the day, and the delicious fruit packs plenty of great vitamins! Plus, with how portable apples are, eating one can fit seamlessly into your busy mornings.

Have some oatmeal

Much like apples, oatmeal is an excellent breakfast food for giving you long-lasting energy. Some even call it the best performance breakfast, given that it is a mineral-rich, low-glycemic carb that provides a lasting boost throughout your day.

Hydrate

To put it simply, there’s nothing better for your body than staying hydrated. The benefits of water on the body are endless, so giving yourself that needed life fuel first thing in the morning is an excellent way to keep you feeling refreshed all day.

Get a full night’s rest

Getting six to eight hours of sleep is essential to living a healthy lifestyle. It seems obvious to say that getting more sleep will lead to more energy, and yet not enough people abide by that. Far too many think they can survive off a four-hour night, but if you want to be mentally and physically alert, make time for that beauty rest!

Sleep at consistent times

Getting a good night’s rest isn’t just simply clocking in those eight hours whenever is convenient! Research has found that going to bed and waking up at regular times is beneficial to your health and energy levels. Working sleep into your schedule as opposed to simply lying down when you’re out of things to do will help keep you going all week long.

Meditate

Some mornings can be hectic with the alarm ringing and a mad rush to get everything done on time before running off for the day’s tasks. This fast-paced mindset first thing in the morning can quickly burn anyone out, so it’s often a good idea to take a few moments to relax, meditate, and calm yourself down. Even five minutes of meditation can be enough to slow things down and relax your body to prevent it from operating in overdrive.

Exercise early

While it may feel tiring at the time, exercising is actually found to boost energy levels following the workout. There are plenty of simple routines you could do each morning to get that blood flowing and wake up your mind and body for a long day.

Get some sunlight

Natural light does wonders for the body, including boosting energy levels. Getting some sunlight also boosts your vitamin D levels, which has many benefits that can improve physical and mental health. If possible, open those curtains and wake up to some natural light.

Take a shower

Whether it’s a cold shower to shock yourself awake, or just the act of freshening up for that clean feeling, a morning shower is a great way to shake off those sleepy feelings. Time spent in the shower can also be used to meditate, relax, and focus on the day to come so don’t rush your time in the bathroom! Make sure you’re getting the full benefit of a great clean.

Get dressed

This is an obvious one if you’re waking up to go to work, but even if you’re going to be home for a few hours first, getting dressed can put you in a more productive mindset! Shuffling around the home in pyjamas and slippers will subconsciously have you feeling like it’s time to go back to bed, so be sure to dress well and live well.

Sleep uninterrupted

Just because you went to bed at eleven and woke up at seven doesn’t mean you got a good eight hours’ sleep. When you lie down for bed, make sure you won’t be waking up in the night by avoiding eating or drinking too close to bedtime. Also, avoid screens for a few minutes before crawling into bed as they can hinder your ability to have a restful sleep.

Limit alcohol

Alcohol can dehydrate you, prevent you from sleeping well, and put extra stress on your body. Essentially, everything we’ve covered so far can be set back by having a few too many drinks. It’s okay to have a few drinks every now and then, but limit the intake if you’re looking to be energetic the next day.

Rock out!

There’s a reason people love to blast the tunes while they work out! Listening to some loud, high-energy music can wake you up and put you in a positive mindset to kickstart your day. Music and its effects on the brain have been endlessly studied, and the results show that listening to music can override those feelings of fatigue.

Cook with coconut oil

While frying up some breakfast, try mixing coconut oil into the pan. The trendy ingredient contains medium-chain fatty acids which are known to increase energy. However, it is still oil, so be sure not to overdo it! Everything in moderation.

Check your posture

Much like the way you dress, the way you carry yourself can fix your mindset and subconsciously improve your behaviour. If you’re slouching as you walk, you’re more likely to be groggy and tired than if you’re standing tall and sitting upright.

Keep your mind sharp

Much like how a physical workout can wake you up, so can a mental one! Playing a simple mental game through a puzzle book or favourite app can jolt your brain into high gear and give you a mental boost of energy. Whether it’s sudoku, math puzzles, or a game of blitz chess, there are plenty of ways to stay sharp in the morning.

Stretch it out

Even if you don’t have time for a morning workout, just spending a few minutes stretching can be enough to help wake you up physically and mentally. The benefits of stretching are endless—they include improving mood and blood flow, and increasing short-term energy levels as well as long-term stamina.

Avoid sugary breakfasts

While a bowl of sugary cereal or a breakfast bar may seem like an easy way to fuel up in the morning, the truth is that these empty calories will just give you a short-term energy boost that will leave you even more tired after the sugar crash.

Breathe deeply

Simple breathing exercises can help relax you while also boosting energy levels. If you’re rushing through your morning, you may be exhausting yourself without even knowing it! Instead, take a moment to take a deep breath, pace yourself, and save your energy for the day ahead.

Laugh

Laughter truly is the best medicine! Not only can a good laugh improve your mood, but the act of laughing also forces deep breaths which can further boost energy as well. The endorphin release is sure to wake anyone up, so find a favourite podcast or comedy album and mix it into your morning playlist once in a while and see if it boosts your energy levels along with your spirits.