Feature Image by Saje Wellness

This goes out to all the caffeine lovers out there. We stand strong, but sometimes we need a much-needed break from caffeine. When you think of caffeine your mind might automatically jump to your kitchen cabinet where your coffee beans are stored. But, there’s caffeine in plenty of products including soda, tea, and of course, chocolate.

But, what is it about caffeine that makes it so addicting? What does caffeine offer us that puts food and beverages without it to shame? Simply put, caffeine is a drug. This drug stimulates the central nervous system and is the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive drug. According to the Alcohol and Drug Foundation, “…caffeine speeds up the messages traveling between the brain and the body.”

While this natural drug, which can often be found in the seeds, nuts, and leaves of many plants, means no harm, it has a tendency to make us experience an energy crash before we’ve actually gotten our day started.

If you’re looking for ways to get your day going that don’t contain caffeine, you’re in the right spot. Here’s how you can fuel up and find energy without the need for caffeine.

Essential Oils

Sprinkle a few drops of peppermint oil into your diffuser and let it do its thing. Peppermint oil is a personal favorite, and it helps with boosting alertness and increasing your energy.

If you’re looking for an on-the-go option, we are also loving the Energy Revitalizing Oil Blend from the Saje Mindful Pocket Farmacy Essential Oil Roll-On Kit. It offers an uplifting, boosting, and stimulating blend of rosemary and lemon to brighten and boost energy, and encourage inspiration and creativity.

Exercise

Start your mornings or take a 15-minute break from work with a quick run, walk, stretch, or other variation of exercise. According to Northwestern Medicine, exercise sends signals to your cells that let them know that you need energy. And guess what? Your body listens. In addition, exercise will trigger the release of norepinephrine, which, like endorphins, helps you feel awake and alert. Bonus tip: nature is a great source of energy, so opt for a workout outside next time.

Breathe

Try your hand at technical breathing. Much like in yoga, technical breathing will help stimulate the diaphragm and send signals to the body to increase alertness. If this sounds interesting, try Bellows Breath; also known as Bhastrika. It’s a popular yoga technique that is done to help energize and clarify the mind. For this technique, close your mouth and inhale and exhale with short quick breaths. Take a break and repeat.

Apple

You have probably been told an apple a day keeps the doctor away, and the same applies to caffeine. Apples have a decent amount of good sugar in them that can actually boost your energy rather than deplete it. Bonus tip: drink water with your apple to stay hydrated or pair the apple with a protein-rich breakfast.

Massage

Oh! Isn’t this one good? A bit of acupressure goes a long way. Simply rub your pressure points if you’re looking to increase your alertness and help with fighting fatigue. What are pressure points? According to Medical News Today, “pressure points are areas of the body that reflect the acupressure points used in traditional Chinese medicine.” These areas, when massaged, can help energy flow all throughout the body.

Music

Need we say more? We don’t think scientific research is needed to suggest that music is a surefire way to conjure up energy. A morning playlist of your favorite songs will get you moving, stepping, or twirling right into the day. Music is also a great mood booster (if you steer clear of the sad songs, of course).

What are some of your favorite ways to wake up without caffeine? Let us know in the comments below!

xx, The FabFitFun Team