Between coffee, energy shots, energy drinks, and energy pills, there is an endless stream of caffeine that is being peddled to people every day to fight off the fatigue that our hectic lifestyles create.
What these supplements don’t tell you is that caffeine could cause headaches, indigestion, insomnia, heart problems, and overall bad health in some people. Instead of ranting about the inherent evils of caffeine, I think it’s more important to talk about things you can do to cut the need or even eliminate caffeine from your life.
In the past I have been a caffeine abuser, and these are the tips that helped me be caffeine free, and have more energy that caffeine could have ever given me.
Sleep
The number one cause for fatigue is lack of sleep. Whether from actual insomnia or just lifestyle, the lack of sleep can cripple you in life. There are a long list of over the counter and pharmaceutical options available, but at the point you’re just trading one chemical for another. Try simple things like going to be 30 minutes earlier, natural supplements like melatonin, chamomile, or tryptophan. You’ll notice that the better you sleep, the less you’ll need to consume caffeine.
Cold Shower
Nothing will wake you up in the morning like a cold shower. Try it. Scientist actually say that taking a shower every working is great for your overall health. Cold showers release adrenaline, promote good circulation, and wakes you up better than a cup of coffee ever could.
Smaller More Frequent Meals
Instead of eating 3 big meals a day, keeping your metabolism going throughout the day will provide you with energy throughout the day. Think of your metabolism as a camp fire: adding small chunks of fuel throughout the day is more efficient than throwing a large hunk of wood on the fire 3 times a day.
Meditate
This is another tip I use myself. Taking 5 minutes to just relax and breath reduces stress. Stress is an absolute energy leech. Even if you don’t realize it, your body naturally burns more energy when you are stressed. Therefore, reducing stress allows your body to use what energy you have for better things.
Vitamin B
Vitamin B is nature’s energy shot. It is estimated that somewhere between 15 and 40% of people are vitamin B deficient. Adding vitamin B deficiencies lead to fatigue, mood swings, mind fog, and other health problems. Adding a vitamin B supplement to you daily routine can literally change your life. I personally get vitamin b12 injections, and I swear by them.
Protein Snack
Eating protein packed snacks is a great way to boost your energy throughout the day. Things like cookies and candy may give you a quick boost of energy, but shortly after – you’ll have that typical “sugar crash”. Protein snacks like nuts, jerky, or even simple apple slices give you energy that lasts without the crash.
Walk
If you work in an office sitting in a chair all day like I do, getting up and going for a quick walk can keep your energy levels up. About every 90 minutes throughout the day I get up and walk around for a few minutes. You can do the same thing in your office. It seems like it would be distracting, but the truth is; when you are energized you are more efficient. After a couple of hours of sitting in place, your focus levels start to drop. So naturally bringing those focus levels back up is more efficient than ending up like a zombie in your chair.
Overall Diet
Diet really is key to your overall health. Even if you take my advice and eat smaller meals throughout the day, but are eating terrible foods, it becomes a moot point. Eating better improves your quality of life overall. Different people’s bodies react differently to different foods, so figure out what works best for your body. Talk to your doctor, do some research, and you’ll be amazed at how your diet can improve your life.
Related: Five Ways to Energize Your Day Without Caffeine
