Stay away from the energy drinks and follow these energy boosting ideas!
You’ve pulled another all-nighter, and need to get through a few more chapters before tomorrow’s exam. So you rush into the café and grab 3 cans of energy-drinks. This should get you through right?
BIG Mistake. Energy drinks contain up to 50 grams of sugar (that’s 13 teaspoons worth!) and give you an instant sugar rush, not an energy one. As your blood sugar crashes a few minutes later, you’re left feeling worse off than you did before. You may feel great at the start of the lecture, but by the end of it, you feel like The Walking Dead.
For a healthier (and longer lasting) fix, try one of these energy boosters instead:
1. Chew some gum
People who chew gum regularly enjoy increased levels of alertness, a boost in thinking power and even an increase in reaction time. The act of chewing wakes you up and helps keep you focused on the task at hand. Is one type of gum better than another? Stick with the sugar-free options, and go for mint. Besides keeping your breath smelling good, mint also helps to increase alertness and keeps your yawning at bay.
2. Take a Kareoke study-break
Music is most often used to calm things down or to help you chill out. But mix things up a bit and listen to your favourite tunes when your energy starts to dip. Make sure you tap your toes too (playing air guitar is up to you) as this extra activity, together with the stimulation of the music, increases energy and flattens your fatigue! To take things to the next level, belt out the lyrics too. To be able to sing along, you’ll need to control your breathing to take in extra oxygen, exactly what your tired body needs to get re-energised.
3. Sit up straight and go outside
Your mom was right (probably about more than you’d like to admit): sitting up straight and spending more time outside really is good for you! Did you know that slouching lowers the amount of air your lungs can hold by around 30%? Less oxygen means less energy, less focus and a lot less function! Take the time to check your posture: align your ears over your shoulders, shoulders over hips, and hips over your knees and ankles. Once you’re sitting up straight, take a deep breath. Notice the difference? Next, take a short walk outside. Being exposed to fresh air and the wonders of nature lifts not only your energy but your mood too.
Of course going to bed a bit earlier and avoiding all night cramming sessions will go a long way in keeping your energy levels up too… but you knew that already didn’t you?