How to fight fatigue without caffeine

Do you feel tired today? Many of us are actually suffering from fatigue every day, and grabbing a cup of coffee in a Starbuck is rather easy and convenient. While caffeine has some medicinal benefits, consuming too much caffeine can also lead to feeling jittery, restless, irritable, or even anxious. Are there any caffeine substitutes that can keep energy up throughout the day? Yes, there are.

Eat healthy snacks

When you feel tired, your body may crave sugary food than any other time, but they will make your fatigue worse due to the dreaded crash afterward. To maintain consistent energy, you just need to keep your blood sugar stable throughout the day.

Most importantly, have a breakfast that is rich in multiple nutrients, including protein and fiber. Examples include eggs, nut butter, full-fat plain yogurt, and smoked salmon. Avoid junk high in sodium and processed ingredients, as they will make you feel bloated and fatigued.

Stay hydrated

Water is essential in keeping our energy levels up, after all, 60% of the adult human body is water. Most people tend to reach for a cup of coffee when we actually should reach for a glass of water. This is the misconception that needs to be corrected. Generally, half of the body weight in ounces of water should be consumed per day.

Listen to music

It is showed that listening to your favorite songs releases dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and other feel-good chemicals in your brain that can give you a boost. Some studies also found that loud music behaves the best in keeping people alert, though the effect may not be long-lasting. Also, it is found that “the more varied the music, the more stimulating it is.”

Chew gum

Chewing gum is also an effective way to keep your mind alert. Perhaps it is because when you are chewing gum, there is more air circulation, and certain areas of your brain are activated.

Step outside

If you are dozing off during the day, you may need a quick step into sunshine — a softly glowing screen may not be enough to keep you wired, such as the light coming from laptops, smartphones, and LED lighting. Bright light also regulates the hypothalamus, a part of the brain that controls your sleep and wakefulness, setting a normal schedule for your bodies and minds.