Best Ways to Boost Energy Without Caffeine
Did you know that around 150 million Americans drink at least 1 cup of coffee every day?
Caffeine-filled coffee has become a go-to for most people looking for a pick-me-up, especially in the morning. But, strangely enough, caffeine definitely isn't the best way to give an energy boost.
Caffeine affects everyone differently, for some, energy from caffeine can come on quickly and sharply but is short-lived leading to energy crashes. It comes as no surprise that many are switching to decaf or searching for new ways to gain and keep their energy. So what are your options of energy without caffeine?
Read on to discover some of the top caffeine-free energy sources.
1.Staying Hydrated
When it comes to how to get energy without caffeine, hydration is critical. If you're not hydrated, then you're going to feel your energy slip, and no amount of caffeine alternatives can counteract that.
The reason why a lack of water causes sleepiness is all related to blood flow. When you're dehydrated, your blood pressure and circulation drop, reducing blood flow to your brain. As a result, you start feeling more tired and may even think you're suffering from chronic fatigue.
Try and drink at least eight glasses of water a day to stay hydrated. However, this does vary for everyone. As long as you're regularly drinking and your urine is pale in color, you should be fine.
2.Boosting Your Exercise
If you're feeling tired, the last thing you want to do is exercise. But as tempting as it might be to skip your morning jog or evening workout, try not to. By not exercising regularly, you could actually be making yourself feel more tired.
This is because a daily exercise schedule helps your body to work more efficiently and ensure it's fully oxygenated. It helps improve your blood flow, boost your immune system, and increase your endurance, all of which leave you with more energy to take on the day.
3.Eating a Healthy Diet
A healthy diet is the cornerstone of an energized life. Make sure you eat balanced meals full of all the vitamins and minerals you need and take supplements in areas you might be lacking. For example, vegetarians and vegans often add iron-rich foods like spinach or take an iron supplement to boost their intake, which may be linked to an increase in energy.
Here are some great foods for boosting energy and preventing post-food crashes:
- High-fiber foods like nuts, beans, and avocado
- High-iron foods like spinach, pumpkin seeds, and legumes
- Ripe Bananas
- Natural fatty foods like salmon and avocado
- Brown rice and whole grains
4. Finding an eating schedule that works best for your body
Just like what you eat can make a big difference to your energy levels, so can when you eat. For some it is better for you to eat small meals regularly throughout the day (every few hours) rather than three main meals a day when it comes to keeping fatigue at bay. For others using time-restricted feeding windows or intermittent fasting leads to better energy. The truth is, everyone is a bit different and the best way to find something that works is to test different methods for yourself to see how you feel after sticking to it for a week or two. The most important point here is consistency. Your brain and body will get a steadier supply of nutrients, which is essential for giving you enough energy to function properly and helping you stay alert all day.
Try to eat smaller main meals with more regular snacks. Some great snacks for workouts and throughout the day to keep you alert include:
- Fruit and nuts
- Oat-based energy balls
- Fish and meats
- Hummus and vegetables
- Unsweetened yogurt and fresh fruit
- Peanut butter and apple slices
5.Trying Caffeine-Free Good Idea
If you're on the hunt for better energy without adding more caffeine to your routine, you might like Good Idea. Good Idea was developed to help improve metabolism and optimize energy from the foods we eat. Each drink contains an effective level of clinically-proven amino acids and chromium shown to lower blood sugar and reduce the metabolism’s response time to convert carbs and sugar to energy. The result is less energy lost throughout the day and no more after meal tiredness.
6.Going Out in the Sun
Never underestimate the power of getting outdoors. Not only can sunshine boost your mood and productivity, but it can also boost your energy levels! Exposure to sunlight helps the body to produce vitamin D, an essential nutrient that's been linked to many benefits, including boosting energy directly within your cells.
In fact, a common reason for fatigue and a run down immune system is vitamin D deficiency. So if you're feeling a little low on energy, try and get outside and soak up some rays (safely, of course).
7.Taking a Nap
If you're tired and nothing is improving your energy, there is one more solution that you can try; take a power nap. Napping isn't just for kids, and plenty of adults enjoy having a quick lie down during the day. Sometimes your tiredness is simply caused by needing a little extra sleep.
Opt for a nap between 10-30 minutes for a natural energy boost that should leave you feeling much perkier. Limiting your nap time will also prevent you from feeling groggy and disoriented when you wake up.
It's not just fatigue that a short nap will help with. Studies have shown that they can also improve your memory and alertness alongside your energy levels! However, if you have to nap frequently, it could be worth going to bed a little earlier or seeing a doctor to make sure you don't have a deficiency.
Try Out Different Ways to Get Energy Without Caffeine
If you've decided it's time to get energy without caffeine, be sure to try out a whole variety of the above options. Incorporating a combination of tips could leave you feeling like a new person and ready to take on the world as soon as you wake up.
Remember to give Good Idea a go, too! If you have any questions about the first and only natural drink that helps balance your energy without caffeine, come visit us. The Science of Good Idea, how to harness your natural energy.