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Feeling run down and out of energy around this time of year? You're not alone. A lot of people feel this way, especially in the morning or during the afternoon slump, even if they get the recommended amount of sleep every night.
There's less sunlight during daytime hours right now, which can leave you low on vitamin D which is essential for steady energy levels.
Daylight savings time can also get your circadian rhythm all out of whack, leaving you feeling even more exhausted because your body is trying to figure out if it's supposed to be asleep or awake!
Many of us choose a quick-fix energy booster like coffee or tea to keep on going with our day. And sure, sipping on a Starbucks latte can feel great (in the moment), but there are plenty of ways to support optimal energy levels that don't include the unwanted side effects of caffeine.
So, if you're nodding off in your office chair and often suffer from the dreaded caffeine crash, there's good news ahead—keep reading to discover five unexpected ways to rev your energy.
4 Ideas for an Afternoon Energy Boost Without Caffeine
Get Moving
Exercise is one of the best ways to increase energy levels, and we know it can seem like the last thing you want to do when you're feeling tired. However, even a moderate amount of exercise can help to improve your mood and increase your overall sense of well-being. And, of course, the more active you are, the more energy you'll have!
So if you're dragging yourself through your day, try to fit in a quick workout. And you don't need to upend your entire schedule to fit in exercise — a brisk walk during your lunch break, do a few jumping jacks in your office or go for a run after work. You'll be surprised at how much better you feel afterward.
Food is Fuel
What you eat impacts your energy levels and well-being. So if you're looking for a natural energy boost, reach for foods that are high in protein and healthy fats like nuts, seeds, and avocados. These foods will help to stabilize blood sugar levels and give you sustained energy throughout the day, so you don't need to grab a quick-fix stimulant like caffeine.
You should also make sure to eat regularly throughout the day to avoid dips in blood sugar levels that can leave you tired and cranky. If you're changing your diet to include more of these nutritious foods, give your body some time to adjust and feel the difference.
Doing Nothing is Something
If you're feeling run down, it might be your body's way of yelling for some TLC. It's important to take breaks from being productive and give yourself time to rest. So instead of pushing through and trying to power through your day, listen to your body and take a break.
It might seem unproductive to "do nothing” but try viewing rest as a part of your daily cycle—there's a time for everything, even relaxing. Rest recharges our batteries so when it's time to be productive, we are at 100%. Plus, enjoying some "me time" is just plain good for your mood and quality of life.
Vitamin Regimen
Taking vitamin supplements is one of the easiest ways to support healthy energy year-round—but which ones? These four are great foundations to try.
B-Complex: These essential nutrients help the body convert food into energy and are found in leafy green vegetables, legumes, nuts, and whole grains. It can be hard for people to get all of the B vitamins in their daily diet, so if you need to get more, consider taking a supplement.
B12: This vitamin supports red blood cell formation and energy production. It's found in animal products like meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. If you don't eat these foods regularly, you may want to consider taking a B12 supplement or getting a B12 shot.
CoQ10: This nutrient plays a role in energy production and is found in fatty fish like salmon and tuna, as well as in nuts and seeds. According to some studies, CoQ10 supports healthy energy levels by decreasing oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Iron: This mineral is essential for carrying oxygen to the cells, which is important for energy production. It's found in red meat, poultry, fish, beans, lentils, spinach, and other dark leafy greens. If you're not getting enough iron from your diet, you may need to take an iron supplement.
The EZ Melts Difference
Give one or more of these suggestions a try and see how they work for you. Remember, everyone is different and what works for one person may not work for another. But by making small changes in your lifestyle, you may find that you have more energy than you ever thought possible!
Supplements are an easy, cost-effective lifestyle change to try first, and any of the vitamins mentioned above are great options for supporting your daily energy.
Our vitamins are non-GMO, vegan, sugar-free and free from the nine most common allergens. We make it EZ to get the nutrition you need with our fast-melting supplements.
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