If you have decided to cut back your coffee intake, you may have concerns about maintaining energy for your busy schedule. The caffeine you think you need is an addictive substance on which your body soon becomes dependent. Detoxing from this unnatural substance may take a few days, so it’s a good idea to have some ideas on replenishing your energy reserves ready. You can take a number of actions to keep going strong during the day, without resorting to constantly refilling your coffee cup.
Drink Water for Proper Hydration
Adequate fluid levels are important to maintaining good health, allowing the blood to carry nutrients to cells throughout the body and carry away toxins to be flushed out through the kidneys and bladder. When you don’t get a sufficient amount of liquids, you may begin to feel weak, dizzy, confused, have lowered blood pressure or urine that’s dark in color.
Water is the best way to keep your body hydrated, because it has zero calories and no side effects. Individuals in good health should get about 30 to 50 ounces of water per day, in various forms and not all at once.
Improve Your Breathing
Breathing is nature’s own invigorator, so you should use this tool liberally throughout your day. Whenever you feel a bit tired or sluggish, close your eyes and take 3 or 4 deep slow, cleansing breaths. Let the oxygen suffuse your body as the blood circulates. You can do this breathing exercise anywhere you are or anytime you need a little “lift” to keep you going.
Take Time for Exercise
Exercise is one of the great natural energizers you can utilize throughout the day. Even when you think you’re too tired to get moving, a brisk lunchtime walk or a few stretches can re-charge your batteries during a long workday.
This ability to improve energy is why many people start their days with an early morning run or workout at the gym. They know that the improved circulation, lung function and muscle toning will help them stay alert and productive throughout the day.
Do a Mid-Day Meditation
Meditation provides a quick way to recharge your energy whenever you need it. You don’t need a special place or long period of time to engage in a quick, refreshing session that will help you continue with your day feeling more relaxed and ready for anything.
Simply sit back in your chair, and close your eyes. Just let the ambient noise wash over you without giving it an interpretation or meaning. Take a deep, cleansing breath. Let your mind wander a bit, letting thoughts flow in and out of your mind. If you feel tense, mentally relax each muscle group, from your head to your toes, while breathing normally.
When you feel fully relaxed, enjoy the moment for a minute or two. Then, gradually, come back to full awareness and open your eyes. You will feel as if you have had a “catnap,” that has provided renewed energy for the rest of the day.
Eat an Energy-Boosting Snack
Chose foods that are low on the glycemic index, that is, those that allow glucose to enter your bloodstream slowly. These foods include whole-grains, high fiber vegetables, nuts and protein sources. Avoid high-carb snacks that provide an immediate blood sugar boost, but then cause an energy crash.
Avoid Smoking
Smoking acts as a stimulant that increases brain activity, heart rate and blood pressure, but it can also deplete the oxygen in your body and prevent normal sleep patterns. If you smoke, find ways to quit.
Avoid Alcohol
When you have a busy schedule, you should limit the amount of alcohol you consume. Although alcohol may seem like a good stress-reliever, it also has other effects that can negatively affect your energy. Alcohol acts as a sedative, which can make you feel drowsy instead of alert and ready for anything. In addition, alcohol also acts as a diuretic, which may cause you to get up during the night, breaking up deep patterns of sleep.
Quitting your coffee habit can have many rewards, such as a greater feeling of calm and a better night’s sleep. However, it may take a bit of trial and error to find the right combination of factors that work best for you. These tips can set you on the right path to ensure a healthy reserve of energy that allows you to do your best throughout the day.
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