Most people turn to coffee for a quick fix when they run low on energy. However, it's not the healthiest option. We've compiled a list of 6 healthy alternatives to get energy without coffee. These hacks will make your body feel energized in no time.
1 Avoid meals or snacks that have simple carbs
When we're exhausted, our bodies crave a quick fix to get us going. That's what causes sugar cravings.
We make terrible food choices when we're hungry. Simple carbs such as donuts and pizza won't energize you for long. They might get you through 2 or 3 hours, but after that, you'll crash even harder than before you ate.
OPT FOR COMPLEX CARBS
Skip the simple carbs and eat a small serving of something that's got complex carbs, like a granola-Greek yogurt parfait or oatmeal for breakfast. At lunchtime, you could grab a brown rice sushi roll or baked potatoes instead of fries.
Veggie-packed smoothies are also a perfect way to feed your body with the B-vitamins and nutrients it needs to function optimally.
2 Drink up
When we get dehydrated, we feel tired. Coffee is a diuretic (encourages the loss of water from the body through urine), which makes us dehydrated.
THE SCIENCE BEHIND IT
When we drink water, we give our body what it needs. Also, if we're dehydrated, our blood volume decreases. The heart has to work harder to transport oxygen and nutrients through our body, and its ability to push toxins out reduces.
The more we keep our blood volume balanced by drinking water, the more oxygen we have, and the more alert we feel.
3 Move!
It sounds counter-intuitive to exercise when you feel worn out. When we stay sedentary for a few hours, our body starts a shutdown process of conserving energy because we're not using any.
But when we move, our bodies trigger everything they need to keep us alert.
TRY IT RIGHT NOW!
All you need is something simple, like a short walk or stretching session. Stand up, raise your hands over your head, push the right hand higher, and then alternate with the left one. Place your hands on your hips and rotate from side to side. Bend at the waist and try to touch your toes while keeping your knees as straight as possible.
4 Deep breathing
When we get tired, our breathing becomes shallow. Our bodies don't get the oxygen we need to keep us awake.
It's not hard to get more oxygen into your system; you only need a few minutes of intention and focus.
A SIMPLE DEEP BREATHING EXERCISE
Find a quiet place for a few minutes. Keep your mouth closed and relaxed your face. Breathe in through your nose as quickly as possible and exhale with the same speed and force.
Repeat this process quickly, taking a few seconds' break after every 3 breaths. This exercise is called Stimulating Breath because it makes you feel invigorated.
5 Drink green tea
If you're a caffeine junkie looking to reduce your coffee intake, replace it with green tea.
HYDRATING WITH TEA
Green tea will keep you hydrated when you sip it throughout the day.
Pro tip: the caffeine soaks out of the teabag within the first 30 seconds. If you don't like the bitter taste of green tea that's steeped for long, keep the bag in for one minute.
6 Drop some peppermint oil on your wrist
This essential oil provides several benefits like improved digestion, antibacterial properties, alleviating headaches, etc. Its scent is also incredibly uplifting and can stimulate your entire body. Swipe a rollerball container on your wrists when you feel tired, and you'll feel instantly energized.
TIP: If you want to make essential oil rollerballs, ensure you pick a suitable carrier oil to mix with a few drops of the essential peppermint oil.
With love,
The Sole Toscana Beauty Team
