It might sound crazy, but there are ways to start the day on the right foot without a cup of coffee. While caffeine does have some benefits, such as improved alertness and focus, it can also lead to dependence and addiction. If you're trying to wean yourself off of caffeine or you're simply looking for ways to boost your energy without using this stimulant, here are a few tips.
Rest Easy
This one might seem obvious, but it's worth repeating. When you don't get enough sleep, your body isn't able to function at its best. You'll be more tired during the day and won't have the energy you need to power through your tasks. Make sure you're getting at least 7-8 hours of sleep every night so you can wake up feeling refreshed and energized.
What About Naps?
You may have stopped taking naps as a toddler, but it could be time to bring them back. There’s an old saying that “sleep begets sleep.” It means that if you’re allowing yourself to rest during the day, then your chances of sleeping better at night improve.
Fuel Your Body
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day for a reason. When you skip breakfast, you're starting the day on empty. Would you expect your car to make it through the whole day with the gas tank on “E”? No! So don't expect the same from your body. Eating a nutritious breakfast will give you sustained energy throughout the day so you can stay focused and productive.
In addition to starting the day with a filling breakfast, be mindful of the rest of your meals as well. Aim to eat a rainbow of foods throughout the day, ensuring you’re not just filling up on empty carbs and sugars to give you small bursts of energy.
Supplement Your Diet
Lots of natural supplements can help you feel more energized and clear-headed throughout the day. Some of the best vitamins and minerals for energy include:
- Ashwagandha
- B12
- Beetroot Powder
- Citrulline
- CoQ10
- Creatine
- Iron
- Rhodiola Rosea
- Tyrosine
SOLbriety’s Cleanse formula is the perfect supplement to add to your daily routine to help improve sleep and boost your energy levels. The proprietary blend of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients is designed to help your body function at its best.
Get Moving
Exercise is a great way to boost your energy levels naturally. When you get your heart rate up and get those endorphins flowing, you'll feel more awake and alert. Plus, regular exercise has been shown to improve sleep quality, so you'll be getting the benefits of exercise even when you're not working out!
Try taking small breaks throughout the day to get your body moving. Walk around the office or the neighborhood between meetings at work; do a few jumping jacks between tasks; turn up the music and dance your way around the house while cleaning. Find pockets of time to boost your energy with some aerobic movement.
Drink Up
We’re talking about water! Staying hydrated means guzzling enough H2O throughout the day. Dehydration can cause fatigue and low energy levels. Make sure you're drinking enough water throughout the day so your body has what it needs to function properly. If plain water is difficult to stay committed to, spice it up. Here are some variations to try:
- Lemon water
- Sparkling water
- Infused water - flavored with fruit or herbs
You can also get some of your water through certain foods, such as melons, cucumbers, and lettuce. Try encouraging more water consumption by tracking it with an app, or using a water bottle with markings on the side that show your progress.
Limit Alcohol
If you’re not abstaining 100% from alcohol as part of your sobriety journey, be sure you’re limiting what you do drink. While it might initially make you feel sleepy, alcohol can disrupt your sleep and dehydrate you.
While it may take some time to adjust, there’s no need to rely solely on caffeine to get you through the day. By following these steps, you can naturally energize yourself and avoid the potential negative side effects of a caffeine or sugar crash mid-afternoon. Next time you’re feeling tired, explore one of these alternatives to caffeine and see how you feel.