12 Mind-Blowing Ways To Increase Energy Without Caffeine (You Must Try #6!)

mental energy

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Energy and stamina are important for everyone from factory workers to homemakers, office workers to construction crews. Everyone wants to have the energy to get through their day and still have at least a bit left over to do other things like get in a bit of exercise, play with the kids, or walk to the park. Nothing really kills your plans like fatigue or exhaustion at the end of the day.

Low energy levels can be due to several lifestyle factors such as excessive intake of alcohol and caffeine, poor sleep or very little sleep, dehydration, an unhealthy diet, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Of course, other health problems, such as allergies, thyroid issues, obesity, diabetes, or illness such as fibromyalgia, can quickly deplete your energy levels.

Feeling tired after a hard day of work is normal. Feeling worn out by noon most days is not normal. If you lack energy most of the time, but your doctor cannot find any real illness, you can find renewed energy and vigor with a few lifestyle changes.

Keep reading for some of the top 12 ways you can try to increase your energy levels without relying on tons of caffeine or stimulants.

 

1. Meditation

Two of the major factors that will drain your energy faster than just about anything else (besides a long visit from your mother-in-law) are stress and anxiety. It is virtually impossible to work in today’s modern world and not experience these. Since it is almost impossible to remove all stress from your life, the best thing to do is to learn effective ways to deal with it. Meditation is an amazing way to free up huge chunks of mental energy, as well as rebalance your endocrine and nervous systems. With just a bit of practice, you will be amazed by how quickly you feel a deeper sense of calm, plus increased energy during the day.

 

2. Blackstrap Molasses

Blackstrap molasses is a byproduct that occurs during the refining of sugar cane. This type of molasses has high levels of iron, manganese, copper, and potassium, all of which are important for keeping energy levels high. All it takes is one tablespoon of blackstrap molasses each day to boost stamina and get you back in gear.

 

3.  Get Your H2O On!

Since water makes up about 70 percent of our bodies, it only makes sense that when you are dehydrated, your energy levels will drop. Water can increase stamina by fighting muscle fatigue and mental fogginess. You’ve heard about the old eight glasses of water each day, but that doesn’t make it any less true. Be sure that you drink water throughout the day — not sodas, not alcohol. Eating water-based fruits is also a good way to get more water, and herbal tea is always super refreshing.

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Close-up Of Coconut Oil On

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4. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is a unique substance that contains healthy fats and medium chain triglycerides easily digested by the body and used as an instant form of energy. Coconut oil will not only increase your energy, but it also improves immunity and overall health when taken in moderation. All you need are two tablespoons each day to get all the energy boosting power you are looking for. Try adding some to your morning coffee!

 

5. Oil Pulling

It might be hard to imagine how this method of oral health can improve your energy, but it works like this: Oil pulling will remove toxic waste from the body, which definitely has an impact on your energy levels. If you haven’t tried this before, it is super easy to do. In the morning, before you eat or drink, put one tablespoon of extra virgin coconut oil in your mouth, and then swish it around for 10 to 15 minutes. Spit it out in the trash can (never in the sink or toilet where it can harden and cause problems), then rinse with water and brush as you normally would.

 

6. Get a Reflexology Massage

For those  unfamiliar with reflexology, this ancient practice uses pressure points on your hands and feet that relate to certain parts of the body. By massaging these pressure points, you can direct energy to certain areas or organs in the body. Although most massages leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed, reflexology goes one step further and pinpoints areas where you could receive the most benefit. Ask your doctor for a referral and see how much more energy you will have after just a few visits. The benefits really are amazing!

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

7. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar will alkalize the body, helping to keep you energetic. This age-old tonic is loaded with electrolytes and other healthy nutrients that will give you the much-needed boost you are looking for. Simply mix one tablespoon of raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar in one glass of water (add some honey if it is too sour for you), and drink two glasses each day. You should feel the results within days.

 

8. Practice Belly Breathing

This ancient practice, sometimes referred to as diaphragmatic breathing, can easily restore your energy levels in minutes! This type of breathing allows more oxygen to enter the body, which calms the mind and fights the stress and anxiety that zap energy.

Simply lie down and place your hands on your abdomen. Breathe in through your nose for two seconds. Be sure to breathe in deeply. Now, breathe out through your mouth for four seconds. Repeat this process for five to 10 minutes.

 

9.  Turmeric

The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin. Curcumin has so many health benefits we can’t list them all here, but one of the things this spice can do is to stop inflammation in the body, which can diminish energy levels. Turmeric also reduces recovery time while increasing endurance. It can even improve muscle repair after a hard and heavy workout. You can add turmeric to your cooking or mix it in your vegetable juice. Alternately, you can add one teaspoon of turmeric powder to one glass of nearly boiling milk. Cover and  for five minutes, and cool. Sweeten with a bit of honey if you like, and drink this once each day.

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Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

10.  Magnesium

Magnesium is a mineral of which almost every American has a deficiency. Even a small deficiency can affect your energy levels and your stamina. Magnesium is responsible for breaking glucose into energy for your body to use. Be sure to include more magnesium-rich foods in your diet. Women need about 300 mgs each day, and men need about 350 mgs. Foods that are rich in magnesium include fish, soybeans, dark leafy greens, nuts, seeds, bananas, and dark chocolate.  You can also use magnesium oils on the bottom of your feet before going to bed or soak in a bath with Epsom salts, which are actually just magnesium flakes.

 

11. Green Tea

Green tea is a great way to naturally increase your energy levels. The polyphenols in green tea fight stress and fatigue and promote a good night’s sleep. In 2005, The American Physiology Society published a study which showed that regular consumption of green tea improved exercise endurance by an incredible 24 percent. Opt for freshly brewed green tea as the stuff sold in bottles at your local supermarket has been highly processed and contains very few, if any, antioxidants or polyphenols.

 

SEE ALSO: 6 Potent Drinks That Restore Your Energy in Minutes!

 

12. Stay Active

Although being told to stay active when you are tired is probably the last thing you want to hear, the truth is that an object in motion tends to stay in motion. Even just simple walking will increase your lung capacity, which brings more oxygen to the body and brain, while  strengthening the muscles in and around your heart. Easy to moderate walking improves digestion, which will remove toxins from the body as well as increasing metabolism. If you can, try swimming, brisk walking, or bike riding, as these are all excellent ways to get in exercise. However, even if all you can manage is a walk around the block once or twice a day, it’s better than doing nothing at all.

 

Extra Tips:

  • Always get at least seven hours of sleep each night
  • Eat a healthy diet with foods that are rich in iron, complex carbs, and protein
  • Practice yoga to increase your mental alertness
  • Avoid cigarettes, drugs, and alcohol
  • Remove foods that zap energy such as sugar and processed foods
  • Keep a positive outlook on life
  • Eat smaller, more frequent meals
  • Take a 10 to 20 minute power nap in the afternoons

References:

Sciencedaily.com

Academicjournals.org

Nutritionreview.org

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