5 Natural Alternatives to Caffeine That Will Get You Buzzing

It’s 2pm and you’re crashing. There are so many things on your to-do list that you’re actually considering running away – or chugging so much coffee that you stay awake for the next 3 days. But then you’ll just have yet another crash and fall back into the vicious cycle of buzzing on caffeine and slamming into a brick wall.

Wait! Before you make a fresh pot, there are many natural alternatives to caffeine that will pick you right up – without slamming you down shortly thereafter.

The next time you wake up exhausted or need an afternoon awakening, try these 5 alternatives to caffeine that will get you buzzing:

1. Super-Fast Palm Rub

By rubbing your palms together really fast, you’re generating heat which means you’re also generating energy. This Qi energy is your life force. It is the same energy that powers the sun and blows the wind – and it’s flowing through you! Getting this energy moving quickly is the key to feeling awake and energized.

Tip: Add a few drops of lemon or orange essential oil in your palm and begin to vigorously rub your hands together up and down. Do this for at least 1 minute (and for up to 3 minutes). You’ll feel heat building and will feel clearer headed and energized almost immediately!

Learn to manage and direct your Qi energy! Read Energy Management Techniques – Live a More Balanced Life.

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

The multi-purpose Apple Cider Vinegar (ACV) is basically the nectar of the gods. It is good for so many things, it’s nearly impossible to list them all. But in addition to safely cleaning your house and softening your hair, it’s also a fantastic alternative to caffeine.

ACV gives you energy by balancing the bacteria in your gut and ridding the body of excess waste, which can make you feel sluggish and lethargic.

Tip: This can be served hot or cold, making it the perfect alternative year-round. Mix about ¼ cup of ACV in warm (or cold) mineral water and add a dash of lemon and a teaspoon of raw honey to taste. Sip any time of day for a natural lift.

3. Dance Party

Another way to move the energy in your body and increase your level of alertness is to bust out some moves to your favorite tunes. Not only is music good for activating the brain, but dancing is energizing and inspiring. This can be done first thing in the morning, before an important meeting, after a stressful encounter – and pretty much whenever.

Tip: Turn up the tunes and let your body flow to the music. It doesn’t matter what you do or how you do it – as long as you love the music, you’re smiling, and you’re distracted from being tired. Encourage coworkers to take a 5-minute dance break during the day and you’ll be the official fun starter pretty soon.

Want to tap into your inner dance star? Watch Yogadance: Dance Your Asana.

4. Take a Walk

Nature is healing on multiple levels. It is free therapy, constant inspiration, and a loving embrace when you need it. Enjoying nature is also one of the most natural ways to get energized. There are negative ions naturally emitted by nature that have been proven to literally recalibrate our brains and bodies – much like a reset button.

Tip: Get out of the office at least a few times a day to take a walk around the block, through a nearby park, or just up and down the street. The sunlight, breeze, and mental break will wake you up and energize you for the next few hours. Not to mention the heart-warming sensation of acknowledging the beauty that surrounds you.

Ever tried doing yoga outside? Here are 6 Reasons It Feels so Darn Good to Do Yoga Outside

5. Ginkgo Biloba

This ancient herb has been used over millennia in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is most widely known to improve memory and mental clarity, but it is also an incredible natural stimulant. Ginkgo increases the blood flow to major organs, helping them perform efficiently and consuming less of your precious Qi energy.

Tip: Ginkgo Biloba can be consumed in capsule form, in a tea, or in a variety of other forms. Taking Ginkgo each morning and when you feel your energy levels lowering throughout the day will not only wake you up, but will also spread good, healing vibes to your entire system.

Whether you’re trying to stop drinking caffeine altogether or just trying to cut back, these alternatives to caffeine will change your perspective on America’s obsession with the beverage.

Side note: Many people experience headaches when cutting back on caffeine so be sure to stay hydrated and always have filtered water with you if you feel a headache coming on.

Enjoy the discovery process of what caffeine alternatives work for you and remember to listen to your body.

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