Whilst coffee is a great instant fix, a caffeine addiction is not what any of us desire. If you’re anything like me, you can’t expect more than a general grunt before I’ve had my morning coffee. Only then am I a functioning human again. 9ams can be a tall ask for most of us. Sometimes turning up to a lecture is a miracle, but remaining concentrated is simply too much to ask.
As a caffeine enthusiast, I’ve sought long and hard to find alternative sources of energy and I’m going to share my secrets with you. They may not all work as desirably as you would like, but it’s worth a try?
1. Drink water! We underestimate the benefits of water. Often dehydration is a reason for feeling fatigued. Pour yourself a big cold glass of water and you’ll be refreshed in no time.
2. Get your teeth into an apple. I must admit I was rather dubious about this solution, but I do feel a bit chirpier after an apple, so maybe consider this before pouring yourself that second cuppa. And if the natural sugars don’t wake you up, then the bit of apple peel, which will undoubtedly get stuck between your teeth, is sure enough to wake you up in the hearty battle to remove it.
3. Power napping seems to be the new trend. Mid-day naps are no longer reserved for our grandparents. If your eyes simply won’t stay open then a little nap could do the trick. Personally, napping is not the way forward for me. If my head meets a pillow and I drift off to sleep then that’s me gone till morning. However, if you can doze off for 20-30 minutes, napping experts report feeling much more awake. The key to napping is not to sleep for too long. Once you’re over the hour mark then its dangerous ground. After being woken from your deep sleep you may feel more drained than before. A short nap is supposedly great for a spurt of energy and increases memory functioning, which is more than can be said with coffee which actually decreases memory performance!
4. Whilst we all think that a nice sugar rush will do the trick, this is a myth I’m afraid. I know we look for an excuse to justify that chocolate bar, but this isn’t the one ladies. The sugar rush gives you a temporary energy increase, closely followed by a huge drop in blood sugar, making you feel tired and groggy. It’s a cruel trick- I’m not happy about it either, but best we stay clear.
5. Big breakfast- we all know that breakfast is supposedly the most important meal of the day, but it seems there is more to it than that. Avid Cosmo readers will have spotted the advice of having a big breakfast to set you up for the day, but avoid cereals, toast, and pastries, and choose a more protein based breakfast.
6. Dare I mention the ‘e’ word? Well as much as you don’t want to hear it, exercise is a great way to boost your metabolism for the day- and it doesn’t have to be anything too vigorous! Before you try tackling your essay why not try a quick yoga class or a brisk walk round the block. Not only are you awake, but you’re also in a productive state of mind!
Edited by Amelia Bauer
References
http://www.webmd.com/women/features/10-energy-boosters?page=3
http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/the-secret-and-surprising-power-of-naps
Images
Napping- http://cikipedia.com/10-benefits-napping
Water- http://trainerjosh.com/articles/you-know-youre-dehydrated-when/