As life gets busier every day, you may end up being tired and sleepy, even suffer from chronic stress. However, being tired during work hours can have worse consequences. You might miss deadlines or get behind your assignments. Sometimes you are struggling to stay awake, and the cup of coffee in an insulated tumbler is your best bet.
Though having the third cup of coffee in your hand is not a good idea if you are looking at cutting down caffeine. This is when you have to grab a drink that can help you keep awake and focused. Dehydration decreases the energy level and causes fatigue and fainting. It can cause Keeping yourself hydrated throughout your shifts is much effective and healthier. Here are some options of drinks that you need to keep you awake and focused.
1. Green Tea
Green Tea is the best substitute for coffee. It contains less caffeine than coffee; it is calories less and keeps you awake and active. It is considered a superfood because, besides other benefits, it has fat-burning properties and boosts brain function. It also affects mood and productivity. The gold ingredient in it is caffeine, although it is less as compared to coffee enough to stimulate brain function. It is easily available in tea bags which are trouble-free to handle at the workplace. Just pour hot water from your office dispenser into an insulated tumbler, dip the tea bag in hot water, rest it for a minute. That’s it!
2. Wheatgrass Juice
Wheatgrass is said to be a natural energizer. It is food prepared from the Triticum aestivum plant. In short, it is a freshly sprouted wheat of wheat plant that is between1-2 weeks It is rich in vitamins, nutrients, and minerals. It helps your body get rid of toxins and impurities, which means it is antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial. It also reduces your craving and leaves you fresh and rejuvenated the whole day. It is available in powder, liquid, and capsule form. It is easy to grow at home.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple Cider Vinegar is famous for centuries for its antimicrobial and antioxidant effects. Mostly it is used in cooking and medicine. It is prepared in two steps: 1. The natural sugar in apple ferment in ethanol. 2. Bacteria convert alcohol into acetic acid. It boosts the energy level and stays awake during working hours. It has a pungent taste, so you have to drink it by diluting it with water. It is also used for dressing salads and flavoring in food. It lowers the sugar and cholesterol levels in your body, even as a preservative and a pickling agent to preserve food.
4. Matcha Tea
Matcha is a Japanese powder tea that is prepared by mixing it in hot water. Matcha contains less caffeine as compared to coffee. It is rich in antioxidants that boost your energy level. This powder is the young tea leaves that are ground well with bright green powder. This is somehow different from ordinary tea in which the tea leaves are infused in hot water. It detoxifies your body and lowers cholesterol levels. Matcha is rich in vitamin C, zinc, and fiber. Though it is bitter in taste, it’s low in fats. It leaves you feeling energized, active, and focused. It is also prepared in different combinations by replacing water with almond milk, oat milk, or any other milk to enhance its taste.
5. Coconut Water
Coconut water is a clear liquid that is present inside young coconuts. It differs from coconut milk. You can drink it through a straw or pour it in the glass and place it in the refrigerator to get the best results and taste. It is mildly sweet and nutty in taste which keeps you awake during working hours. It rehydrates you after the hectic work. It has potassium, sodium, and manganese, which keep us operative the whole day. This drink helps you to fight against fatigue and exhaustion. Usually, it is taken in the morning hours before breakfast to boost metabolism. At the same time, it is refreshing to sip at any time of the day.
6. Golden Milk
To avoid anxiety and sleep quality, the best option is Golden Milk. It is also known as turmeric milk. It is a traditional drink in India. It’s just a blend of hot milk and turmeric. Now, if it is prepared with different spices and tastes, it can keep you active. Usually, the turmeric is blended with maple syrup, cinnamon, and ginger to enhance the taste of golden milk. It is at the top of mother nature’s healing drinks, along with its dairy-free and anti-inflammatory benefits. The studies proved that curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric, can improve certain autoimmune conditions. So don’t take turmeric pills, just drink this soothing and relaxing drink, especially in cold weather, as it keeps you warm and active.
7. Green Smoothie
If you are feeling heavy-eyed or sleepy, then start your day with a green smoothie. Just blend the avocado, pineapple slices, some leaves of spinach, a banana, and coconut water, and your smoothie is ready. Some smoothies are prepared by mixing different fruits. The blend of different vegetables or fruits makes it rich in nutrients and antioxidants. It is simple and the best replacement for junk food breakfast. Refreshing sips of smoothie in the early morning can help you wake up fresh and conquer the day. No doubt it is a healthy drink – it’s all about the ingredients and their proportion.
8. Lemon Water
If you want to stay awake during working hours, the most inexpensive option is lemon water. Drink lemon water to get a better complexion and feel rejuvenated without caffeine intake. The pectin in it keeps you full, and you won’t be craving snacks. It is rich in vitamin C, which gives you a big mental boost and raises your energy level. The potassium in lemon enhances brain function and raises alertness too. Some people take it hot to get a better result, especially in constipation.
9. Sparkling Water
Sparkling water also helps you to stay awake and more alert. Staying hydrated will keep your energy level high. Sparkling water is the carbonated drink in which slices of orange, lemon, cucumber, and mint leaves are added. It contains dissolved carbon dioxide gas that makes the water fizzy. It tastes better and easier to drink as compared to others. It makes digestion easier and reduces constipation. The stomach remains light, and you stay active.
10. Sugarcane Juice
Sugarcane juice is delightful and delicious. Some people mix ginger juice and lemon in it to get a better taste and results. It has plenty of benefits and is considered nourishing. Doctors and nutritionists called it the real gold mine of health. It is rich in iron, magnesium, calcium, and antioxidants. It also helps in common cold and dehydration. It boosts the protein level and keeps you fresh and active. It also cures liver, kidney, and urinary infections. It builds up plasma that fights against fatigue. The fresh juice lasts for 4 to 8 hours, and if you refrigerated it, you could use it in 2 to 3 weeks. This is the only juice on earth that is full of sugar but low in cholesterol level.
Conclusion
No matter which drinks you choose to keep yourself awake and active, make sure that you take it in moderation and enjoy a healthy life. Above mentioned drinks are good to keep you focused and energized, but nothing can replace water. You should drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water to keep you hydrated and active. Water fights against anxiety and drowsiness. Sipping caffeine can give your body a temporary energy boost, but the drinking of natural drinks throughout your shifts is healthier and helps keep you alert.