Caffeine-Free Ways to Rise-n-Shine
Whether it's 6am or 6pm, sometimes we feel an unshakable grogginess that we quickly remedy with a cup of coffee or an energy drink. Maybe you have shaky hands, but that jolt of jo is enough to justify it. If this sounds like you, please know that there's a better way to wake up and enter into society. Here are some caffeine-free ways to seize the day!
1. Here Comes The Sun
Go outside, open the blinds, or if there's no sun in sight, invest in a sun lamp. Nothing beats natural sunlight, or even the brightness of your phone, when you want to alert your brain that it's day, and time to tread the earth. If you're experiencing the mid-day slump, take a quick walking break outside, you'll come back refreshed and energized.
2. Jolt of Cold
If you're in the shower, carry on per usual, but spritz cold water at the very end. Or down a cup of ice cold water. You don't need to linger in the discomfort, in fact, that would defeat the purpose. The point is the disrupt the sleepy comfort you felt, and jolt you into a more awake state.
3. Snack Smartly
Sugar and carb-heavy morning staples like donuts, cinnamon rolls and other pastries will lead to your energy downfall. Don't fall for it, and opt for a mix of protein, carbs and healthy fats, like almond butter with a piece of fruit.
4. Move Your Body
Remember that walk we talked about? Even if there isn't sunlight to be seen on an overcast day, still get that walk in. Regular exercise wards off fatigue by strengthening the central nervous system, increasing energy production.
5. Work Your Brain
You've worked your body, but give your mind some love too! Engage in a "words with friends" battle and even if you don't win, you're winning due to the increased energy boost of playing.
6. Last Resort: Bubblegum
So you're in a pickle... you can't move your body or engage your brain, grab a snack, get out in the sun or take a cold shower (fair enough). Chew a piece of bubblegum to improve your level of alertness, temporarily increasing blood flow to the brain.
