8 Natural Energizers You Should Know About

Do you think coffee and energy drinks are the only way to stay awake and active all day?

We suggest certain habits and natural caffeine substitutes that will help you stay alert without neglecting your health to enjoy a healthier, more active, and productive routine.

Caffeine, energy drinks, and high sugar foods are part of daily life for many people who are looking to perform well after a busy routine and little rest.

Although a cup of coffee at the start of the day is handy in providing energy injections throughout the day, the caffeine contained in this beverage, when consumed too often, can bring about side effects to your health.

Here are eight natural energizers, alternatives to caffeine, to help you stay awake during your daily routine:

Ginseng

The root of ginseng is very popular in oriental medicine as a treatment for depression, stress, diabetes, and circulation problems, as well as containing stimulating properties.

However, it is necessary to note that if consumed excessively, it can cause side effects such as insomnia and agitation, as well as interact negatively with various drugs. So it is advisable to consult a doctor before starting to take ginseng, either in tablet, capsule, or infusion form.

Vitamin B12

Part of the B complex, this vitamin is essential for blood formation and proper functioning of the nervous system. While it has energizing properties, it promotes the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating sleep cycles.

For this reason, vitamin B12 will keep you awake and alert, and will also help you sleep better at night.

It can be found in various foods such as seafood, beef liver, meat, poultry, dairy, and some cereals. Besides, it is available in multivitamins, injections, and tablets that are taken sublingually.

Ginkgo Biloba

A product of the tree of the same name, this extract is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat fatigue, asthma, bronchitis, and other ailments.

It acts as a natural energizer by stimulating blood circulation to the brain and extremities, whether consumed as a capsule or as a morning tea.

This increase in circulation, similar to what happens when you are physically active, generates a feeling of alertness and vitality, which improves concentration and memory.

Eating Fruit

Fruits such as apples, grapes, peaches, and citrus contain enough fructose (sugar) and vitamins to boost energy. Citrus fruits, in turn, contain vitamin C, a natural energizer.

Although eating fruit will not ‘wake you up’ as quickly and intensely as coffee, it does have a longer and healthier effect on your body.

Aerobic Exercise

Getting up early to go out on your bike, jogging or walking is worth it. A little aerobic exercise at the start of the day improves your mental and physical health and works as an excellent alarm clock.

Although it may cause some fatigue, the effects of exercise activate your body, producing an energizing sensation that lasts all day long.

Swimming

If you have joint problems or other impediments to performing the above exercises, try swimming in the morning.

Swimming is a perfect exercise for a long-lasting and healthy dose of energy since it is a cardiovascular activity that improves your health and metabolism without generating any impact on the joints.

Have a Good Breakfast

Skipping breakfast or eating too little food is a one-way ticket to fatigue, moodiness, and poor nutrition, as it encourages you to eat more during the day and deprives your body of the nutrients it needs to start the day.

An adequate breakfast should be varied and nutritious. It should preferably include fresh fruit, nuts, protein sources such as dairy or eggs, and carbohydrates in the form of cereals (unsweetened) and whole grains. 

Adjusting Sleep Habits

It would help if you were rigorous with your sleep hours since the accumulation of sleep often translates into physical discomfort and stress.

Although it seems obvious, many people look for ways to increase their energy without evaluating their sleep habits. If you feel fatigued during the day, the solution is probably to get more hours of sleep. While sleep is vital to feeling healthy and alert, it’s true that sometimes work, and social commitments don’t allow for adequate rest.

However, it is necessary to prioritize sleep if you want to perform well during the day. Avoiding alcohol before going to sleep, watching TV or mobile phone in bed, and keeping electronic devices away from the bedroom are good strategies to prevent bad sleep.