Wellness at Wilkes: Six tips to help boost your energy- without coffee

Wellness at Wilkes: Six tips to help boost your energy- without coffee

Many people think that coffee is one of the only ways to get their energy fix, but there are a handful of other things that will help get you going in the morning and stay energized throughout the day. 

High-protein breakfast

Having a breakfast high in protein is important for everyone because it helps you to start off full and ready to take on the day ahead.

One high protein, breakfast option that you can have is a protein shake. Not only are they high in protein, but most of them are also low in carbs. It is an alternative to eating eggs in the morning, as eggs only contain about six grams of protein, while many protein shakes can offer you 25-60 grams of protein depending on what type of liquid you use to mix it with. 

Some other options that are also high in protein include protein bars, greek yogurt, and cottage cheese. All of these foods are relatively easy to prepare and quick for any one on the go.

Energy gum

Energy gum is chewing gum that does not have added sugar, only caffeine, which can provide you with energy. The motion of chewing gum engages your jaw muscles and increases blood flow to the brain, increasing brain function efficiency. Energy gum can also help reduces cravings for other stimulants, like coffee, because of the added caffeine in it. 

For companies that make energy gum, 1 piece is equivalent to half a cup of coffee, which is roughly 40 milligrams of caffeine. 

Avoiding Sedentary Lifestyle 

Many people sit at desks throughout the day so it is important to remember to move your body in order to help keep energy up. Whether that be taking a short walk or practicing yoga out in the sunshine, it is important to move.

Ergotron, a company based in St. Paul, found that sitting at desk for to long caused workers to be restless and also have decreased productivity. They also found that when workers had an hour of standing they were more focused and felt more productive. 

Sitting at a desk causes your muscles to become fatigued, so getting up and stretching can decrease your discomfort and increase your energy. 

Some people found that getting a minimum of 30 minutes of exercise a day increased their energy and overall mood. Something as simple as going on a 10 minute walk during the day could benefit your health and boost your energy. 

A solid playlist

We all know music can be very energizing, especially first thing in the morning or if we start to feel fatigued during the day. It can help to draw away the negative aspects of the day and therefore boost mood and energy. 

Europe PubMed Central conducted a study that looked at various tempo music and how it affected the person listening. They found that high-paced music did increase pulse and breathing rate, similar to an adrenaline boost.

Many music apps, like Spotify have playlists such as, Energy Boost, which might be worth listening to when you need a little extra energy in the morning or throughout the day.

Water first thing in the morning

Drinking water before anything else in the morning can help jumpstart your body and get it ready for the rest of the day ahead. 

Drinking water first thing helps your body flush out toxins, and speed up it’s metabolism. A study was published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism and stated that by drinking water first thing in the morning could boost metabolism by 24 percent. 

Upon waking human bodies are very dehydrated and drinking water can help replenish what was lost overnight while also help in waking you up.

Drinking water before anything else can also help with overeating. Our bodies can mistake hunger for thirst so by drink water in the morning that can help eliminate the threat of overeating. 

Most studies recommend drinking between eight and 16 ounces of water first thing in the morning to receive the full benefits.