6 Ways to Boost Energy (Without Drinking Coffee!)
When you’re low on energy and need a pick me up, most people reach for the nearest cup of coffee. But what if you want to feel energized without the jitters and other side effects caused by caffeine? Or what if you simply don’t like the taste of coffee?
The good news is that coffee isn’t the only way to give your body (and brain!) a boost of energy. Here are six healthy ways to get going and stay going all day long.
1. Fuel your body with energy-boosting foods
The food you eat is fuel for your body. Just as your car won't run properly (or at all) with the wrong gas, your body can't run with the wrong foods.
To stay energized throughout the day, avoid eating sugary and processed foods. They will give you a short burst of energy that will have you crashing in a matter of hours.
For sustained energy, eat a diet high in:
- Protein
- Whole grains
- Leafy greens
- Fruits
Healthy eating is one of the best ways to avoid daytime fatigue.
2. Eat small meals throughout the day
Eating the right foods is only part of staying energized. When you eat them is also just as important.
If you've fallen into the habit of skipping breakfast and opting for a large lunch instead, you may be impacting your afternoon productivity. Eating too much food, even if it's healthy, can make you feel sluggish.
To maintain consistent energy levels, eat several meals along with snacks throughout the day. This keeps your body fueled from morning till night.
3. Drink plenty of water
Water does much more than keep you hydrated. If you feel exhausted all the time, there’s a good chance that you may be hydrated. Adult women should drink no less than nine cups of water each day. Men should drink 13 cups at a minimum.
Don't skip your sips! Drinking water throughout the day is a great way to keep your energy levels high. And let's not forget about all the other health-boosting benefits that water offers, such as normalizing blood pressure, stabilizing the heartbeat, and flushing bacteria from your bladder.
4. Exercise regularly
After a long day at work, it's tempting to head straight home instead of spending time at the gym. But have you ever thought that not exercising may be making you more tired?
Consistent exercise keeps your body working at optimal levels. It also gives you more energy, helps to maintain a healthy weight, and keeps you strong and limber.
5. Head outdoors
We all know that sunlight is good for boosting your mood, but did you also know that it has a positive effect on energy levels as well? Exposure to sunlight enables your body to produce vitamin D.
Known as the sunshine vitamin, vitamin D has been tied to all sorts of benefits including:
- Immune function
- Bone health
- Supporting energy levels
Spend a few minutes outside and soak up some sunshine. You’ll also benefit from the fresh air and natural sights and sounds.
6. Take energy-boosting supplements
While caffeine is the most common supplement that people take for energy, it’s not the only option. In fact, there are many other natural compounds that have shown to increase energy levels.
Some of the top energy boosting supplements include creatine, ashwagandha, iron, vitamin B12, and others. For best results, take a quality supplement from a brand you can trust, like Elm & Rye.
All of our supplements are made using the highest quality ingredients derived from sustainable sources. Shop our ever-growing inventory of all natural supplements to give you the energy you need.