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Mar 3, 2009 8:50 am US/Central
How To Boost Energy And Still Cut Out Caffeine
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) ―
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When preparing teas, shorten the brewing/steeping times. (File)
CBS
Roughly 90 percent of Americans use some form of caffeine each day, making it the most commonly-used behavior-altering drug. It can be found in coffee, pop, energy drinks, pills, powders, teas -- even pain relievers.
It can provide a nice energy boost, but it can also lead to restlessness, anxiety, irritability, muscle tremors, sleeplessness, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and even abnormal heart rhythms.
Health and fitness expert Troy "Coach T" Eichers provided helpful tips for getting an energy boost without reaching for more caffeine:
1. Become aware of which foods, beverages and products may contain caffeine
2. Gradually reduce the amount consumed
3. Replace caffeinated coffees, teas and soda with their decaffeinated versions
4. When preparing teas, shorten the brewing/steeping times
5. Look closer at your over-the-counter pain-reducing medications (Excedrin, Anacin)
Natural Remedies For Increasing Energy Level Throughout The Day
Basics:
- Get more sleep: 7-8 hours of good quality sleep per evening
- Exercise: a quick way to increase circulation, mood and natural energy levels
- Get a physical: chronic fatigue or a feeling of being tired can be a sign of a deeper issue
- Keep a sleep schedule: doing this consistently through the week will make waking up on Monday morning much easier
- Find things to get excited about: meeting with a friend, a new movie, a travel vacation
- Focus on the positive: See the glass half full and see the positive side of things
- Try something new: Break up old routines, especially if stuck in a rut
- Keep your attitude in check: When things go wrong, be sure to let it go and move on ASAP
Dietary Guidelines:
- Eat smaller and more frequent meals
- Eat an apple
- Drink enough water
- Eat whole grains and avoid white/simple sugars or processed grains
- Choose healthy snacks avoid candy, soda, processed snack foods
- Don't skip breakfast
- Avoid excess sugar
- Drink alcohol in moderation (it can cause you to feel sleepy but it will take away from quality of REM, or deep sleep)
- Get enough protein
- Choose mixed nuts into diet as a snack ... a handful per day
Home Suggestions:
- Take a short nap
- Move via completing some simple household chores or projects
- Take a walk or play with your pet
- Get out of the house
- Take a shower or warm bath
- Make a phone call to a friend
- Get a massage
Work Suggestions:
- Step away from the desk for awhile
- Have a conversation with a co-worker
- Listen to some up-tempo music
- Share in a laugh
- Work on your posture. Think circulation -- shoulders back, chin up, chest out
- Avoid those co-workers who are energy zappers or always negative
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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