Caffeine-free ways to stay mentally alert

Are you drinking about 9 cups of coffee per week?

People who work long hours (hitting 65hours per week) and parents of young children are commonly averaging 9 cups of coffe per week.

Caffeine is a quick fix to make you feel alert (or awake) temporarily. Its effect peaks in your bloodstream within one hour of consumption and can last between 4-6 hours.

Attacking your central nervous system, caffeine has the following negative effects on your body. It can contribute to:

• insomnia
• not getting a restful sleep
• increasing your heart rate and cause palpitations
• increasing your blood pressure causing hypertension
• headaches or dizziness
• dehydration because it’s a diuretic; it makes you go to the toilet more than your body needs to.

Sounds like we should stay away from coffee eh?

Let’s explore other ways we can maintain mental alertness with fewer side effects.

1. Eat Well

Brain foods will increase your focus and concentration.

Try adding these brain foods to your meals:

• Fruit – berries, apples, grapes
• Nuts – especially walnuts and even peanut butter
• Avocados
• Leafy vegetables. The greener the leaf the better.
• Fatty fish – salmon, sardines
• Chocolate – it MUST be dark. Yes, contains some caffeine, but a few pieces of dark chocolate (with all its antioxidants) are actually good for you.

2. Exercise

Most of us simply do not get enough exercise. No, running for the bus or train isn't counted! Here are some stretch exercises that can help boost your focus:

• The Seated Twist
•  The Chest/Shoulder Opener
•  Seated Pigeon
•  Hip Flexor Stretch
•  Hamstring Stretch

3. Peel An Orange or Use Peppermint

Scents and spices can transform your mood and productivity.

Simply peeling an orange will awaken your senses and alleviate stress and anxiety. Mint is said to have the same effect, so you could indulge in some peppermint tea, or keep a packet of strong mints at hand.

If your office does allow, here are some other scents and spices that are good for focus and concentration.

• Cinnamon
• Eucalyptus
• Grapefruit

What other non-caffeine ways help you stay alert?

Let me know in the comments below. 🙂