6 Ways to Get Through a Groggy Day without Coffee

6 Ways to Get Through a Groggy Day without Coffee

by clarkebenefits_admin Posted on: October 1, 2013Categories: LiveWell 24/7   

So, you wake up in the morning and you just can’t seem to roll out of bed. You’re still half asleep as you drag yourself down the stairs and you yawn all the way to work. Sitting at your desk, you can’t keep your eyes open. Three cups of coffee later, you’re stressed and a bundle of nerves, but still tired.

How many of us have had that kind of day? Rather than sucking down the coffee, why not try a few different energy boosts–the natural kind!

1. Sleep Earlier

Maybe you’re so sleepy because you’re not sleeping enough. Between 7 and 7.5 hours of sleep is believed to be the perfect amount per night–though everyone’s bodies will let them know just how much they really need. If you’re tired come morning, try crashing 20 to 30 minutes earlier. It may work wonders the next day!

2. Park Far Away

If you have a huge office parking lot, take advantage of it! Park your car as far away from the front doors as you can, and force yourself to make that trek all the way to the front door, up the stairs and into your office. That little bit of exercise will wake you up nicely–especially if it’s in chilly air. The more you walk, the more you’ll wake up.

3. Talk with Someone

Feeling tired and sleepy? Get out from behind your desk and go have a chat with a friend. Studies have shown that being social and talking with people is a good way to boost your energy levels, not to mention the levels of “feel-good” chemicals in your brain. No one around to chat with? Call a friend, family member or spouse for a quick pick-me-up.

4. Crank Up the Tunes

There is nothing that gets me more energized than a good playlist–particularly high-energy music! Whether you’re a fan of rock and roll, pop, dance music, electronica, or even classical, finding the right upbeat music will get your head moving and your feet tapping.

5. Take a Nap

Tired and can’t focus on your work? Take a 20-minute cat nap in a quiet, dark room. Cat naps (or power naps) have been proven to be incredibly beneficial and they’ll give you a lot more energy for the rest of your day. Be very careful not to sleep for more than 20 or 25 minutes, though, as that will put you into REM sleep–making you feel groggy and drowsy when you wake up.

6. Break Out in Activity

If you’re tired, the best thing to do is exercise to wake up quickly. Even just 20 quick jumping jacks will help, or you can run up and down a nearby flight of stairs. Just do between two and ten minutes of exercise and you’ll feel so much more energized when you sit back down at your computer.