It’s perfectly natural to have an off day. We all experience those days when we are drained out, tired and ready to crawl into bed. Those days, we tend to depend heavily on energy shots and that’s okay on occasion.
However, getting used to these energy boosters can get you reliant on them and that is a problem. There are many other natural ways to boost your energy and we are going to explore them all. So, put down that shot of espresso and let’s do this the right way. Here are five natural ways on how to feel more awake without coffee.
Although there might not be enough time to stop and smell the roses in our busy lives, science has proven the scent of flowers like lavender, jasmine and even pine trees can help reduce stress and make you happier. A walk in your backyard or a park close by can help you instantly feel better.
In a study called, Vitalizing effects of being outdoors and in nature, researchers found that getting some fresh air increases energy in 90% of the people. [1] Richard Ryan, researcher and professor of psychology at the University of Rochester says, “Often when we feel depleted, we reach for a cup of coffee, but research suggests a better way to get energized is to connect with nature.”
Those constant emails, social media updates, and growing workload can get to you and it’s perfectly natural. You need to understand that your body needs much more. Take a break, go on a walk and smell the warm breeze. It really does wonders.
Sometimes you have to give in and listen to your body because frankly, it knows best. A power nap is an instant energy boost, giving your body all the energy and repair it needs to feel better. It isn’t about being lazy.
It is barely helping your body recuperate from the stressors of the day. A 20-minute nap will help you sleep lightly, rest your brain and allow you to wake up easily. It will help you boost your energy levels and become more alert throughout the day.
Of course, you need to create an ideal sleeping environment and that begins with a mattress. With all the different mattress types out there, you might be confused about what is perfect for you. With luxurious 8-layer hybrid mattress by brands like Dreamcloud determined to provide you the comfort of foam and the support of coils, you don’t have to look much further.
Power naps are known to improve productivity at work, school or even your everyday life, so much so, tech giants like Amazon and Google have dedicated nap rooms for their employees. A small nap can have the same benefits of a full night’s sleep according to Dr. Mednick, a sleep researcher who wrote a book on it called ‘Take a Nap! Change Your Life’. [2]
Often, we don’t realize how cluttered our minds can get with the chaos of our world. Bringing renewed energy into your body starts with letting your mind breathe. What better way to do that than with meditation?
Meditation teacher Light Watkins says, “Meditation activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which triggers a deep state of relaxation during the practice. So even though you may wake up from sleep still tired, after meditating for 20 minutes, you’ll get energy-boosting endorphins that’ll help you spring to life without having to rely solely on caffeine.”
Even a 5-minute meditation session can boost your energy levels and make you feel better. Always begin to value your mind space more than external stressors so you can manage your days a little better. If you don’t know how to meditate, look for short guided meditation clips online and follow their voice. All you need to do is focus on your breathing as your mind clears the chaos within.
You can never underestimate the power of a good massage. As our body gets more drained out with external stressors, it is a good idea to help it relax through soft massages. A licensed therapist would be well-versed with the different pressure points in your body, guiding you to a state of complete relaxation.
However, if you want to have a massage in the comfort of your own home without having to shell out money, brands like Nectar have developed adjustable beds equipped with a three-zone massage feature to help you thoroughly relax your back as you sleep.
Thai Massages are those focused on energy lines and therefore, helps clean the energy within the body. In a randomized trial between Thai and Swedish massage, it was found that though Swedish massages helped foster relaxation, Thai massages increased energy and mental stimulation. [3]
Yoga is a relaxing activity that is aimed at stretching the body and massaging the internal organs. It is known to lower the production of the stress hormone Cortisol. A few relaxing poses like Downward Dog, the Cobra, Tree Pose and the Wheel pose are all effective in relaxing the mind and adjusting the energy levels.
You don’t need a yoga mat or a yoga class to practice a few moves. You can even try it on that comfy rug right in your living room. As long as it is slip proof, you are golden. With a similar approach with meditation, a still mind helps you focus better and realign your priorities.
It will help you decide which task needs your energy by disconnecting you from your surroundings for a few minutes. With the various poses in yoga such as relaxing, strengthening and balancing, you will immediately feel the stressors leaving your body giving space to clean, uplifting energy.
There are plenty of ways you can boost your energy levels without having to resort to caffeine, sugar or energy drinks. You can start to feel more awake through simple, natural remedies such as the ones mentioned above. It is pertinent to understand that we are constantly subjecting our body and mind to the various stressors in our lives. It helps to have these techniques in your arsenal to help yourself along.
Vitalizing Effects Of Being Outdoors And In Nature by Richard M.Ryan, Netta Weinstein, Jessey Bernstein, Kirk Warren Brown, Louis Mistretta, Marylène Gagné. Retrieved from Science Direct https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0272494409000838
Take Naps at Work. Apologize to No One. By Tim Herrera. Retrieved from The New York Times https://www.nytimes.com/2017/06/23/smarter-living/take-naps-at-work-apologize-to-no-one.html
What are the health benefits of Thai massage? Jamie Eske . Retrieved from Medical News Today https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323687.php
How Yoga Can Improve Your Balance: Physical, Energetic & Mental by Miriam Lach. Retrieved from Mind Body Green https://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-5088/How-Yoga-Can-Improve-Your-Balance-Physical-Energetic-Mental.html
If you are interested in even more lifestyle-related articles and information from us here at Bit Rebels, then we have a lot to choose from.
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