8 Natural Ways to Feel More Energized
By Kenny Thapoung, Women's Health
FACT: 56 percent of women rely on coffee to rise and shine in the morning, according to a 1,008-person poll sponsored by the natural products company ChromaDex. Not super surprising considering modern women are so exhausted, but you don't have to rely on caffeine to feel perkier in the a.m. Just try these expert-recommended natural energy-boosting tips.
PLUS: The Best Sleep Position For You
Light Up
Light is nature's way of telling your internal clock that it's time to start the day, says Michael Terman, Ph.D., author of the upcoming book Reset Your Inner Clock. Leave the shades open or flip on a light switch in the morning to simulate sunlight.
Hop Out of Bed
Resist the urge to hit the "snooze" button--those extra minutes of sleep will just leave you groggy later, says Terman. You're much better off getting out of bed when you first wake up.
Get Moving
And once you're up, do some morning yoga, suggests Kimberly Kingsley, energy coach, author of The Energy Cure. Try these awesome yoga moves for a pick-me-up.
Eat Something with Coconut Oil
The triglycerides in coconut oil are a fast-acting energy source that your body can use more quickly than coffee, says Kingsley. Don't have coconut oil you can use at home? Nosh on a coconut-flavored snack.
BEWARE: 5 Foods That Keep You Up At Night
Have a Protein-Rich Breakfast
A protein-packed a.m. meal helps your brain cells function properly, says Joy Bauer, R.D., author of The Joy Fit Club. Try one of these protein-rich breakfasts to fight that foggy mental feeling (as a bonus, they also crush cravings all day long).
Avoid Late-Night Eats
Eating a heavy meal right before bed can leave you with a "food hangover" the next morning, says Bauer. If you're itching for a late-night bite, keep it light and under 150 calories so you won't feel bloated and tired in the a.m.
Guzzle Water
Skimping on H20 can leave you feeling drowsy, says Bauer. Use these tips to stay hydrated all day long.
Sleep More Every Day
The only way to make up for lost Zzz's is with more sleep. Terman suggests getting to bed 45 minutes earlier Monday to Friday, which adds up to four hours of extra sleep for the week--so there's no reason you won't feel fully rested.
