We’ve all been there before: it’s a few hours since lunch with a few more to go before the day is done, and all we want to do is fall asleep at our desks. Folks in this situation will often decide that it’s time for a quick pick-me-up, but the only two options are often caffeine or sugar. Do we caffeinate ourselves, opt for a quick dose of bad carbs, or, as many tend to do, settle on a combination of the two?
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The truth is there are more choices available to those in need of a mid-afternoon pick-me-up. What’s more, these alternatives to caffeine and sugar are generally healthier for you, given they don’t interfere with sleep or require the consumption of empty calories:
Ginseng: An Alternative to Caffeine
One of the most popular alternatives to caffeine is ginseng, which comes from the ginseng root and can be consumed in tea or capsule form.
The effects of ginseng consumption include better focus and improved mental clarity, perfect for getting out of a mid-afternoon slump. These benefits are achieved without all the negative side effects of caffeine consumption.
Hemp: Great For Boosting Energy
It might sound counterintuitive to some people, but hemp extract is great for boosting energy and enhancing focus.
A number of hemp wellness products are available for purchase online and in stores across the country, enabling anyone to give this caffeine alternative a try. The effects are non-psychoactive, making organic hemp extract an appealing option for those in need of energy in the workplace.
Choose Energy-Rich Foods Instead of Sugar
It’s time to swap the candy and crackers for healthier sources of energy during the day. While carbohydrates are a great way to get energized on the go, there is a profound difference between “bad carbs” like those previously mentioned and “good carbs” like those found in whole fruits and vegetables.
Alternatives to candy and crackers like nuts and whole grains have the added benefit of providing fiber and protein, which play essential roles in maintaining energy throughout the day.
Listen to Music
It’s never been easier to access music on-demand and do so in a way which doesn’t disturb your coworkers, so why not indulge in your favorite tunes to elevate your energy level in the mid-afternoon?
While having the volume up too high can harm your hearing, listening to music won’t affect your body the way caffeine and sugar does, all the while helping to boost energy levels.
Exercise
If you find yourself struggling to stay awake at your desk, take a break and go for a walk. Even if it’s just a few laps around the office, moderate physical activity will likely shake loose your drowsiness and reinstate lost vigor.
Assuming you’re like most people and struggle with reaching the weekly exercise goals recommended for someone in your age, these brief little bouts of activity can add up over the course of the week, helping to keep you on target.
Powering through a mid-afternoon slump is a ritual for most people. While it’s easy to grab a soft drink or snack out of the nearest vending machine, your body would benefit from giving some alternatives to caffeine and sugar a try. Not only are they effective at boosting energy, but they’re also less likely to lead to negative consequences if used on a daily basis.
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