By Jamell Andrews
Most people feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day and spend their day on overdrive, fuelling themselves with coffee just to try to make it through. Though caffeine has been found to have certain health benefits; getting too much of it can be a bad thing. Turning to caffeine throughout the day for bursts of energy will eventually catch up with you, creating a vicious circle of perking up and crashing that can ultimately leave you feeling more sluggish than ever.
If you want to start feeling more awake rather than wanting to break your alarm clock every morning, consider trying the following suggestions to help you feel more awake without caffeine.
Exercise
It may be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re tired, but exercise has been proven to increase energy levels and boost mood so you feel happier more alert. Set aside the time to go to the gym or workout at home for at least 30 minutes a day, a few days a week and you’ll begin to feel more energetic in no time.
Get Outside
Sunlight, fresh air, and just being out in nature can help relax and invigorate you all at once. Take a short walk on your lunch break or even just take your lunch outside. You’ll be amazed at what a difference just getting outside for a few minutes during your work day can make.
Don’t Skip Breakfast
People who skip breakfast have been found to have a higher Body Mass Index (BMI) even though they may eat fewer calories during the day. Carrying extra weight can impact your energy levels and being hungry has been shown to have a negative impact on your mood and productivity. Skipping breakfast also means you’re more likely to reach for unhealthy snacks when the hunger catches up to you later in the day. Even if it means getting up and extra few minutes early, having a healthy breakfast each morning will give you more energy so you can face the day feeling more awake.
Put on Some Music
There’s nothing like your favorite song to perk you right up and get your feeling more alive. Put on some music when you’re feeling tired or overwhelmed at work or having trouble getting going in the morning. Something upbeat is usually the way to go when you’re looking for more energy. If it makes you feel like dancing; go with it because moving will also help you feel more awake!
Drink More Water
Not getting enough water could be the reason why you feel so run down. Being dehydrated can make you feel sluggish and make it hard for your body and mind to function the way it should. Make sure you’re drinking the recommended 8-12 glasses a day to feel your best. Avoid energy drinks and colas as all that sugar can cause a spike in your blood glucose followed by a crash that will leave you feeling worse.
If you find that you’re feeling unusually rundown or that making these changes aren’t enough, then a visit to the doctor is in order. A physical, including bloodwork can help you get to the bottom of your fatigue. Sometimes it could be a matter of needing to increase certain nutrients in your diet. Low iron, potassium or magnesium can impact your energy levels, so speak to your doctor to rule out other issues.