Caffeine Free Energy Boosters!

I don’t know about you but these extra hours of darkness at this time of year topped with all the rain in the Pacific Northwest can make me extra sleepy.

I’ll be honest, I’m not in a space right now where not drinking coffee could sound appealing. My morning cup of coffee gets me through the morning right now, and I’ll reevaluate once my toddler actually starts consistently sleeping through the night! Fingers crossed that happens soon! We just started working with an amazing sleep coach with a stay and support method instead of a cry it out method so I do see full nights of sleep in my near future and I’m so excited.

Even with the lack of sleep I limit myself to one cup of coffee a day (every once in a great while I’ll drink an afternoon decaf oat milk latte but that’s more for an indulgence than anything else). So here are some of my favorite tips to boost energy levels when you feel ready for a nap but just don’t have enough hours in the day to take one. 

Take a walk outside. The exercise, and being in natural sunlight are both great energy boosters. Natural sunlight can trigger the brain to release stimulating chemicals while even 30 minutes of low impact exercise, such as walking, can help boost your mood and energy levels for the rest of the day. 

Do a little dance. For an extra little jolt of energy when you’re feeling sluggish try listening to some upbeat music. A quick dance party will instantly lifts your spirits, and help shake off your sluggishness. 

Smell some citrus. The smell of citrus can help put some pep in your step, that’s why most ‘energizing’ body washes are citrus based. Keep some lemon or orange essential oils around the house and in your purse and take a quick whiff when you need a pick-me-up. 

Up your protein intake. Eating regular meals and snacks that contain protein can help boost cognitive function and keep your energy levels from tanking. Stay away from refined sugars and simple carbohydrates, they may give you a temporary pick me up but it is always accompanied by a drop in blood sugar leaving you sluggish. 

Take your vitamins. Vitamins B and D are two of the most important ones when it comes to energy levels. The right balance of vitamins and minerals help your body function with and maintain a high energy level throughout the day. Talk to your doctor about incorporating these vitamins, especially vitamin D since the only way to know if you are deficient is with a blood test. 

Start your day with an elixir. Before you have that very first cup of coffee try giving your adrenals a shock with a ‘tea’ made with a tablespoon of organic apple cider vinegar, a tablespoon of coconut oil and some raw honey. This will give you an instant energy boost and can help curb your desire for additional caffeine throughout the day. 

Im curious what you do when you feel that mommy exhaustion rearing it’s head? What helps you power through the day?

Photo credit : unsplash.com