Health

How to feel more energised without caffeine

Want to stop relying on caffeine in order to feel more awake?

While some studies show that coffee is good for our health, we don’t necessarily want to chug cup after cup of java for a boost of energy in the morning.

So, what can you do instead? Here, we share seven ways to give yourself a boost of energy without a cup of tea or coffee in sight.

How to feel more awake without caffeine

Exercise

When you’re feeling tired, the last thing you want to do is roll out your exercise mat for a workout, right? Wrong.

In reality, exercise that gets your heart rate pumping helps to release endorphins in your body.

And endorphins help to give you a boost of energy, making the morning the perfect time to squeeze in a sweat session to set you up for the day.

Not only that, but regular exercise can help to boost your overall energy levels, help you sleep better and reduce fatigue. No coffee necessary.

Sunrise alarm clocks

Need to wake up before sunrise? A sunrise alarm clock may be able to help.

These work by stimulating natural daylight, slowly lighting up your bedroom over a 20 to 30 minute period like the sun would.

A more gentle wake up rather than a harsh, beeping alarm can help you to feel more refreshed and energised, ready to take on the day. We love the highly-rated Lumie Sunrise Alarm Clock (£49.99).

Vitamins

If you’re feeling exhausted, it’s worth taking a look at what you may be missing. B vitamins are important for energy metabolism, especially B12.

Meat, fish and eggs and other animal products such as cheese, milk and yoghurt contain the most B12.

While most people can get enough B12 through their diet, you may want to consider supplementation, especially if you’re vegetarian or vegan.

BetterYou’s Boost B12 Oral Spray is a great way to top up your levels (plus, you can use code LIZLOVES to save 15% at checkout!).

Get enough sleep

Making sure you’re sleeping enough is a no-brainer when it comes to feeling more awake in the morning without caffeine.

If you struggle to sleep through the night, a sleep mask and ear plugs can help to keep disturbances to a minimum, while lavender essential oils and magnesium can help you to drift off in the first place.

Liz’s trick? Set an alarm for bedtime to encourage yourself to get an early night so you wake up a little easier.

Fuel up

Caffeine isn’t the only way to feel more awake. Starting the day with the right foods on your breakfast or brunch plate can help you to feel more energised.

Skip sugar-laden and carby-heavy breakfasts like cereals, toasts and jams in favour of protein and healthy fats, such as eggs, avocado and full-fat yoghurt.

Starting the day with a big sugary meal may give you a quick boost of energy, but you’ll quickly crash and feel tired again. Protein and fats help to keep your blood sugars more stable and your energy levels more consistent.

Drink water

Dehydration can cause us to feel tired. So before you pop the kettle on for a cup of coffee, fill up your water bottle instead.

Make it a habit to start your day with plenty of water. You can enjoy over ice or warm with a slice of lemon to encourage you to get enough. And be sure to keep hydrated throughout the day too.

It’s also worth noting that tiredness can be a result of an imbalance or deficiency of electrolytes. While following a balanced diet and taking supplements can help to keep electrolytes in check, certain conditions can impact levels. If you’re concerned, contact your GP.