6 Ways To Get An Instant Energy Boost Without Caffeine

The winter months always make us feel more lethargic. Cold weather, dreary skies and less sunlight make that afternoon energy slump hit even harder. 

While a hot cup of coffee or caffeinated tea may seem like an appealing pick-me-up, it's not an ideal way to improve your energy levels, especially after 12pm. Consuming caffeine past noon can heighten anxiety, cause tension headaches, and mess with your quality of sleep. 

The next time you feel sluggish, we have 6 effective ways that you can naturally boost your energy levels without having to consume caffeine. 

Overcome The Afternoon Energy Slump With These Effective Tips

1. Get Outside 

Modern buildings are built very airtight, so getting outside and breathing some fresh air can help you boost your oxygen levels, which will boost your energy levels. 

Going for a brisk walk will also get your blood pumping, leaving you feeling refreshed and more alert. And if the sun is out, you'll receive an extra energy boost, as sunlight awakens receptors in the brain and helps improve your mood and energy levels.

But if you can't get outside, even opening the windows and doing some light stretching will work wonders!

2. Listen To Pump Up Music

Music is quite magical in its ability to impact mood and energy. Choose tunes that are fun and upbeat and you'll instantly put a "pep in your step."

3. Eat a Nutritious Snack

Low energy can be a sign of hunger. Eating a carbohydrate & protein-packed snack can help improve energy and keep blood sugar stable.

Chef Soraya Plant-based Macro Meals are a great, just-add-water snack that will leave you feeling satiated and energized for hours. 

4. Hydrate With Herbal Tea

Like hunger, low energy can be a sign of dehydration. Instead of drinking an caffeinated beverage that will eventually lead to an energy crash and leave you dehydrated, herbal teas are a much more suitable mid-day beverage.

Energy Enhances Herbal Teas To Try:

Peppermint - known for it's stimulating and energizing properties.

Ginger- sweet and spicy, this herbal tea has been shown to help improve cognitive function. 

Moringa- this bitter tea contains the coenzyme called NADH, which helps with energy production on a cellular level.

5. Try Breathwork

Breathwork exercises can help improve energy levels by increasing blood flow and oxygenation to the body. Try breathing in for 4 counts and out for 4 counts 5-10 times and assess how you feel.

See more breathwork exercises here.  

6. Schedule Something Fun To Look Forward To

Scheduling a fun activity for the end of the day is a great way to power you through the afternoon. Whether it's dinner with friends, a trip to the playground with your kids, or family game night, having something to mentally look forward to can serve as a great source of motivation!

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How do you naturally improve your energy levels? Let us know in the comments below!