7 Caffeine Alternatives To Wake You Up In The Morning
How to energise yourself when coffee is on the naughty list
As the days get shorter and the mornings get darker, being alert enough for your first-thing meeting can seem impossible without a pint of coffee. But caffeine is linked to all manner of scary side effects and, as with any addiction, withdrawal can lead to some nasty symptoms. We've rounded up some alternatives to your morning cup of Joe that will still have you bright of eye and bushy of tail at 9am.
Wake Up The Way Nature Intended
You can boost your energy levels with the way you wake up. A light alarm clock wakes you up with light rather than sound, mimicking the gradual brightening of the sunrise to ease you out of sleep. This one from Lumie also helps those affected by Seasonal Affective Disorder and has an optional sound alarm in case you really need dragging out from under your duvet.
Trick Your Taste Buds
Sometimes the taste of coffee is enough to give you juice without the jitters. Chicory root is often cited as the closest herbal alternative, and is packed full of antioxidants. Or if you're more of a Caramel Macchiato sipper, this crème caramel rooibos tea from teapigs has real chunks of caramel but only contains 2 calories compared to Starbucks' 190.
An Apple A Day
Studies have shown that chewing gives you a quick energy boost, with studies showing that chewing gum can give you better concentration than a hit of caffeine. Instead of gum, why not combine your mastication with a hit of fructose? Apples are often suggested as a great replacement to coffee, and these Urban Fruit Awesome Apple and Pear snacks pack the apples into a chewable form.
Yawning Yoga
Stretching in the morning drives oxygen rich cells to the brain and muscles, sparking your energy levels. Although spreading out like a starfish in bed could be helpful, five minutes of yoga in the morning will help you feel alert, and you can be smug that you're already off to a more virtuous start than your colleagues.
Hell Yes H2O
Often fatigue is caused by dehydration, so you can perk up just by glugging a glass of water. For extra zing, stuff it with ice and some slices of lemon. You can even dab a little on your wrists for a quick pep up.
Maximise Your Commute
Walking or cycling to work blasts away the snoozes - not least if you have to dodge double deckers on your way in! A banging playlist for your journey to work will also put you in a great frame of mind for the day. Alternatively, get your brain in gear with an absorbing audiobook or an app that gets you thinking on your commute. We recommend Homecoming, a fictional drama with a Serial-esque thriller plot.
Still Got The Caffeine Shakes?
If you simply can't go caffeine cold turkey, why not wean yourself off with matcha tea, which contains less than half that of a cup coffee. It also contains natural amino-acid L-Theanine, which promotes alertness while enhancing our cognitive functions and relieving stress. The combination of the two therefore provides the ultimate wake-up call, both boosting energy and focusing the mind. This beautiful matcha set is a great gift for the wakefully challenged.
Watch Next
Leo Woodall Will Play Bridget Jones’ Boyfriend
The Power Of Partying In Your 50s
Celebrities Who Look Scarily Similar To Their Kids
Does 'The Princess Diaries' Make Sense In 2024?
