It’s the most common routines- you wake up each day, drowsy, so you head straight to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Over time, too much caffeine can have adverse effects on your health, and the adverse effects of caffeine addiction will eventually show. Some people become become irritable when the caffeine kick wears off, and focus and concentration eventually becomes a struggle. Here are ways to shrug off that sluggishness without caffeine.
For people that are more sensitive, it may be best to go for something that doesn’t leave you agitated after it wears off. Here are a few alternatives that should give you the boost you need to get through your day.
Peppermint
Most of us like peppermint as a candy flavoring or to cover up bad breath. But it’s actually great for jump-starting our mood in the morning too. Sipping tea with that sharp minty flavor should activate our senses. Peppermint toothpaste will do too, with its biting pungent smell, it should be pretty effective in waking you up.
A Soothing Massage
While trying to gather up your energy, sitting down early in the morning, try to massage certain parts of your body to increase its blood flow. Knead your temples, massage your wrists. After a while you will feel more alert, your senses more sharp, because these are areas your blood vessels travel through.
Drink a Glass of OJ
Instead of going for coffee, try cold and fresh orange juice instead. According to color psychologists, the best way to have one is to fill up a clear glass so its vivid color is able to activate more energy flow, stimulating your mental prowess. The striking orange color, plus a dose of fruit sugar may just give you the spike you need.
Sleep with The Blinds Open
Lying down in a dark room is highly conducive to oversleeping, and we all know how terrible it is to be forced out of bed. It makes you feel like you can just sleep all day. Try adjusting the blinds open. Let the sunlight shine in when the morning comes. You’ll never have to depend on your alarm clock to wake you up. This is because melatonin, the sleep hormone, will make it easier for us to get up when it detects the presence of light. I have tried this many times and it works. You’ll never have to drag yourself out of bed as soon as the sun’s rays start to creep in.
Fortified Coconut Water
Waking up after partying hard the night before can be hard, but drinking coconut water is a great option to ease out of that hangover. Not only that, it tastes real good, and since it is high in potassium that helps transform carbohydrates in our body into energy.
Put a Playlist Together
Sometimes all you need is a bit of inspiration to get out of bed. Consider a creating a mixtape, a collection of songs by artists you love. Or, how about setting up that Rocky soundtrack to play after the alarm goes off in the morning. This is a great way to get motivated.
Stretch
When you wake up, try dedicating at least five minutes of your time for stretching exercises. You’ll be surprised at how much this promotes your blood circulation. This translates to more energy, and you will feel more focused and alert. If you’re a yoga practitioner, regular sessions first thing in the morning should work wonders.
Get Moving
People should exercise more often when they wake up. Many people feel as though they don’t have time to work out, if you want to save time, funny as it may sound, dress up in gym attire when you go to bed. When you wake up, start to get that engine running, keep that heart pumping. Once done, a cold glass of water should be a perfect end to your workout.
Meditate
When you meditate your mind becomes clear of discursive thoughts. It requires a certain level of concentration that shall make you calm and relaxed. And there’s no better way to start your morning. You may try Headspace, if you wish, to guide and prepare you for the day’s challenges.
Have you decided on which way you want to wake up without coffee or caffeine?