A few Ideas for Long-Term Caffeine Alternatives (Sorry!)
Caffeine is part of millions of people's daily life. It is a stimulant that many people rely on to get through their day. Unfortunately, too much caffeine can cause unwanted side effects such as jitters, anxiety and insomnia - not to mention the fact that it can be addictive. I have to say, am in the throws of a minor caffeine addiction myself so part of writing this post is therapy for me!
If you’re looking for an alternative to caffeine, here are some great options to consider for your daily routine.
Herbal Teas
90% of the addiction to coffee is surely the warm, comforting action of drinking a nice cup of coffee?
Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint and ginger are naturally caffeine-free and provide a calming, soothing effect - we have already written a post about some great Decaf teas too. They are also a great source of antioxidants and other healthy compounds too which can give you energy, and are great for your well-being generally.
It may seem a little bit boring but why not try to take a break from caffeine and try some
CBD (Cannabidiol)
I bet you've read this a million times - that CBD is the cure for everything. Well, let us explain.
CBD is naturally an anxiolytic and has been found to aid your sleep. So, a regular supplement of CBD will help your brain function properly during the deepest, most repairing, stages of sleep. Your sleep should be deeper, more intense and you'll wake up feeling much more refreshed.
A huge percentage of people drink Coffee to stimulate themselves and feel like they are on top of everything. What happens if you just get great sleep and allow yourself to wake up naturally? That is a very healthy alternative to caffeine indeed.
Exercise
In the short term, Caffeine is fantastic for giving you a boost in energy and unleashes all the happy chemicals which makes you feel great. For many people, they drink coffee for the 'buzz' or the slight 'high' that lasts a short while. Caffeine is a stimulant and makes you feel fantastic.
A more sustainable way to get the same feeling is by moving your body. Exercise is an excellent way to boost energy levels and alertness without the use of caffeine - it also helps your sleep rather than hinders it. Regular physical activity can help to increase your energy levels naturally, improve your mood and enhance your overall health... making it a fantastic alternative to caffeine.
It is a long-term solution but is a valid one none the less.
Nootropics - L-Theanine & Lions Mane
Nootropics are supplements that are designed to improve mental performance. They can help to improve alertness, focus and memory without the jittery effects of caffeine.
Technically Caffeine is a Nootropic too, but so is L-Theanine. This is a substance found in green tea and other natural sources. L-Theanine is a fantastic alternative to Caffeine as it provides the same energy that Caffeine does and is a powerful anti-oxidant - so you get all the benefits, without the downsides. You can either drink lots of green tea or find supplements which contain high levels of L-Theanine.
The second nootropic alternative is Lion's Mane mushroom, which is known for its boost to your cognitive function. A regular supplement of Lion's Mane could help you with that pre-coffee fog, and eventually eradicate it all together.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is an essential vitamin that helps to convert food into energy and can help to boost energy levels naturally. B12 can be found in many foods, or it can be taken as a supplement (which ca be purchased online).
The benefits of B12 are fairly explanatory. It is an essential vitamin for well-bring, and a great alternative to producing energy without the need for caffeine.
These are just some of the alternatives to caffeine that you can consider to help improve your energy levels. Try incorporating some of these options into your daily routine and see if they help to boost your energy and alertness in a healthy way.