How To Stay Awake Without Coffee

For many of us, it can get very challenging to start a day without coffee. It is the elixir that wakes us up after a night of rest and keeps us mentally alert to do our daily tasks. However, coffee can have a different effect on people; you probably know someone who stays away from coffee because they suffer from one or more of its well-known side effects:

·       Heartburn

·       Palpitations

·       Insomnia

·       Acidity

·       Anxiety

·       Digestive problems

Because of these, many individuals have opted to avoid coffee and instead find natural ways to stay awake.

Read on below to learn about healthy alternatives to coffee that can provide you with the same mental stimulation and alertness without the side effects:

1.       Green tea:  This potent antioxidant is one of the healthiest drinks that you should consider drinking regularly. It contains a minimal amount of caffeine and numerous compounds beneficial for longevity and health. Despite a low caffeine content, green tea is still an excellent choice to power you through the day while simultaneously protecting you and assisting your body to flush out toxins.

2.       Aromatherapy:  Essential oils are a great way to wake up and feel uplifted early in the morning. There are many ways you can harness the effectiveness of essential oils through aromatherapy. The simplest and quickest method is to place a few drops of your selected essential oil into a handkerchief or tissue and inhale it. There are other methods as well, such as using aromatherapy inhalers, steam inhalation, a diffuser, or aromatic spritzer. For mental alertness and clarity in the morning, the recommended essential oils to use include peppermint, rosemary, sage, juniper berry, or any of the citrus oils: orange, lemon, and grapefruit are good ones too.

3.       Exercise: Starting your day with a workout routine of your choice will get your heart pumping and will wake you up just a few minutes into the exercise. Working out is an effective way of getting out of a groggy mental state, and sweating will aid in detoxifying your body. You can choose to do any exercise you like best; whether you choose yoga or a gym session you won’t regret starting your day with it.

4.       Light exposure:  Help your body regulate its internal circadian rhythm and stay awake by exposing yourself to as much natural light as possible when you wake up in the morning. The more light you receive the more clarity and alertness you will feel. Let sunlight into your bedroom or spend a few minutes bathing in the morning sun from your home. As soon as you get into the office, open artificial lights in your workspace.

5.       Mental stimulation: Wake up your mind through stimulation with pleasurable activities such as listening to upbeat music or reading a few pages of your favorite book. Another great way to stimulate your mind in the morning is by engaging in a meaningful conversation with friends or colleagues such as talking about creative ideas, a possible business venture, the latest news, or any other topic of interest. Take it one step further by consciously trying to practice mindful listening to what the other person is telling you.

6.       Hydrate: Drink at least 16 ounces of water upon waking up to revive and reenergize your body after a night of sleep. Hydration will boost your metabolism, provide fuel for your brain, and help you detoxify. The human brain is made up of 80% water, so without the proper water intake you may feel fatigued or drained. Keep in mind that after 8 hours of sleep, your body is already dehydrated because it went that long without consuming any water. Upgrade your water intake by adding a slice or two of lemons for added health benefits.

7.        Breakfast: The most important meal of the day should be filled with healthy food and not too heavy so that you have adequate energy for the rest of the day. Start with wholegrain bread, eggs, yogurt, and fruits. Stay away from sugary and greasy food such as waffles, pancakes, and greasy meats.

8.     Snacks: Treat yourself to energy-boosting mid-morning snacks that will load you up with even more energy. These include nuts, fruits, vegetables with a hummus dip, granola and yogurt, and peanut butter. Snacks that are sugary or high in carbohydrates should be avoided because you will only end up experiencing a crash and feeling tired.

9.       Cold water:  One of the oldest yet effective methods of waking your body up is by splashing your face with cold water first thing in the morning. Exposure to cold water will force your body to adjust the internal temperature which helps you become more mentally alert. Another way to do this is by leaving a cold towel in the refrigerator or freezer overnight, and gently rubbing it on your face in the morning.

10.     Stretch: Stretching not only feels good after a night of slumber but it also helps to wake you up. Sleeping can lead to tight muscles in the morning, caused by lying in the same position for a long period. This is why doing some light stretching upon waking can help you feel better. It is also an excellent way to improve blood circulation, enabling your body to transport blood where it is needed the most. When you wake up, your heart rate is at its slowest, and stretching can provide muscles to the extremities and the brain. Good circulation at the beginning of your day can help you move better and function more effectively.