It’s 3 p.m. and the dreaded afternoon slump starts rolling in—the energy lull and brain fog set in and you find yourself zoning out and struggling to focus. Do you try to power through or do you reach for another coffee or energy drink and accept that you may have a difficult time falling asleep that night?
Understandably, many of us will choose the caffeine route to squeeze that last bit of productivity out, but there are actually plenty of ways to boost energy without caffeine and without the negative effects of caffeine. If you’re looking to boost energy without caffeine—whether that be with a caffeine alternative or with energy-boosting activities—we’ve got you covered.
How To Boost Energy Without Caffeine
There are plenty of reasons why people are interested in reducing caffeine intake or nixing it altogether—jitters and anxiety, gastrointestinal issues, disrupted circadian rhythm, headaches, caffeine dependence, and withdrawal, to name a few.
Luckily, there are quite a few natural and healthy ways to boost energy without caffeine.
1. Try a Caffeine Alternative
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV), ginseng, peppermint, B vitamins, nuts, and berries are all great options when you’re looking for a little boost without caffeine. THCV, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp plants, is one of the newest and most exciting caffeine alternatives. Strong anecdotal evidence suggests THCV—particularly when paired with cannabichromene (CBC)—may boost energy, concentration, and focus.
While more research is needed to understand the mechanisms at play, many have found THCV to be a fantastic alternative to caffeine. Many report that THCV is great for overcoming the afternoon slump, and, with no caffeine, it won’t keep you up at night like a cup of 3 pm coffee would. Some even use THCV as an Adderall alternative.
2. Exercise
According to Harvard Health, exercise causes your body to produce more mitochondria inside your muscle cells, ultimately increasing your body’s energy supply. Exercise also increases oxygen circulation inside the body, supporting the mitochondria’s energy production which allows your body to use energy more efficiently. This is a great option for more energy and overall well-being.
3. Eat Small, Frequent Meals
How often you eat makes as big of an impact on your energy levels as what you eat. Instead of having two or three large meals, consider trying six “mini meals” per day (about three hours apart). This not only helps boost metabolism and keep hormones in balance but also helps keep your energy levels high by fueling your body throughout the day.
4. Get Outside and Connect With Nature
There’s something rejuvenating about getting outside and experiencing nature. Many studies have found that being in nature, or even viewing sights of nature, makes people feel more energized, improves concentration, decreases stress and anxiety, and so much more. Whether you want to enjoy a walk outside, hit the hammock, or head to the park for a picnic, nature is a powerful tool.
5. Meditate
Research suggests that meditation may reduce stress and anxiousness, promote a sense of calm and clarity, enhance focus and productivity, boost overall mood and happiness, and even boost energy. Fatigue and stress go hand-in-hand—stress and anxiety can take a serious toll on your energy levels and ability to focus. By reducing stress, your body can focus its energy where you need it most. If you’re having a hard time easing into your meditation practice, consider using CBD prior to meditating.
6. Take a Cold Shower or Ice Bath
If you’re willing to take a cold shower or an ice bath, this is a quick and easy way to boost energy without caffeine and increase mental alertness. Exposing your body to cold temperatures for short periods of time is known to cause changes in hormone levels. Studies have shown that during exposure to cold temperatures, the secretion of norepinephrine increases. Norepinephrine plays a role in your body’s fight or flight response and is responsible for regulating focus, attention, and energy.
Crush the Crash With Feals Focus Melts
At Feals, we’re dedicated to providing you a better way to feel better—and focus better. Our brand-new Focus Melts are made with a proprietary blend of cannabichromene (CBC) and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) called Tetracitrene™ that gives you a natural boost when you need to get stuff done with zero caffeine or sugar.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is for informational purposes only. It is not, nor is it intended to be, a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment and should never be relied upon for specific medical advice.
