Watch more Healthy Eating videos: http://www.howcast.com/videos/328415-How-to-Stay-Awake-without-Caffeine
Step away from the caffeine! Stay peppy and awake the all-natural way.
Step 1: Eat right
Eat plenty of protein, fruits, and vegetables. Avoid overeating starchy foods like pastas, breads, and rice. They can make you drowsy.
Tip
Snack on almonds and cashews, which contain magnesium, a mineral that converts sugar into energy.
Step 2: Stay moving
Stay moving. Go for a brisk 10-minute walk to give you a boost that could last up to two hours.
Step 3: Get a quick jolt
Splash cold water on your face and pulse points and expose yourself to bright light for a temporary jolt of energy.
Step 4: Have some decaf
Try the placebo effect. One study found that drinking a cup of decaf coffee left most people feeling just as awake as drinking the real thing.
Tip
If you need to be up late, take a preemptive nap to keep from nodding off; it’s more effective than caffeine at keeping people up and alert.
Step 5: Use aromatherapy
Use stimulating smells. The scent of peppermint and rosemary essential oils has been shown to increase alertness. So breathe deep and enjoy a natural, caffeine-free boost of energy.
Did You Know?
In 1965 17-year-old Randy Gardner stayed awake for 11 days straight for a science fair.
