Pablo Luna
@dsmacinnes
Most of us will know the struggle of trying to fight off fatigue throughout the day. Whether you are at work, at home, or mustering up the courage to go to the gym, we are often tempted to chug energy drinks and obscene amounts of coffee. If you are looking to get away from the coffee, here we have 6 safe energy-enhancing tips that everyone should know!
1. Drink Guayusa Tea
Part of the joy of drinking coffee is not just for the caffeine boost but also for the act of holding and drinking something warm. Instead of having that extra cup of coffee, try opting for a nice smooth cup of Guayusa tea. For those of you who are not familiar with the Guayusa plant, it is a natural source of energy that releases caffeine slowly. The slow-releasing caffeine makes you feel less jittery compared to drinking coffee. Another benefit of opting for the tea is that it is packed full of antioxidants. Drinking Guayusa tea is a great way to consume a clean source of caffeine and to give you a longer-lasting boost.
2. Take Supplements
There are a few brain-boosting supplements out there that not only give you a boost in energy, but also a boost in mood. Noopept and Piracetam are both popular nootropics for neurohackers seeking to boost their energy and their focus. Using these supplements has been a popular choice among students who needed a little extra help when studying. There are several ways that you can take nootropics, for example via nasal spray, powder, and capsules. The benefits of taking these supplements include improved memory function, enhanced mental clarity, increased focus, and a good boost of energy! These supplements are perfectly safe to take so long as you stay within the recommended daily amount of 10-30mg per day.
3. Power Nap
Taking a power nap during the day can be a great way to perk you up and top up your body in sleep. Research has shown that the optimal amount of sleep is between ten to twenty minutes. Any longer will leave you feeling groggy and throw off your sleep schedule. There are lots of benefits associated with power napping, for example, a Wiley study found that power napping can improve your memory and your cognitive performance. Another benefit of the power nap is that it helps you overcome that exhaustion and gives you that all-important energy boost to get you through the rest of the day.
4. Go for a Walk
When we feel fatigued often the last thing we want to do is go for a walk, however, getting up and going outside to get some fresh air is one of the best ways to feel energized. Taking twenty minutes to go somewhere green and get your body moving can boost your mood and fight off the effects of fatigue. In the current world, we live in, due to Covid-19, a lot of us are working at home. Without a daily commute, some of us can end up staying indoors for days on end. This is really not good for both your mental and physical health, so make sure you schedule some time into your daily routine to get out and about. If you can meet up with a friend during your daily walk then this is even better as socializing and laughter have been linked to enhancing energy as well.
5. Eat Some Complex Carbs
What you eat can really impact how you feel, for those who are on low-carb diets, your energy is going to sap out of your body. Carbs are not scary and the reality is that we need them to fuel our body and give us energy. The best carbs to give us energy are complex carbs, these typically come from whole grains, beans, and legumes. These foods release glucose which then fuels the brain.
6. Do a Lunchtime Workout
The idea of working out when the fatigue kicks in can be incredibly off-putting, however, research has shown that a midday workout can increase productivity in the afternoon. Your workout doesn’t have to be super long, even a quick 20-minute gym class can make a huge difference. If you are working from home then this is even easier to do as you can find classes online that require no gym equipment at all.
So next time you think about reaching for that energy drink, consider using one or multiple of these 6 safe energy-enhancing tips.
