As our calendars get busier and busier, the number of hours that people are actually sleeping each night seems to be diminishing. Constantly checking email, going to meetings and fulfilling the obligations of everyday life can get hectic and make it difficult to make it the entire day without feeling like falling asleep at your desk. To combat the fatigue, many people turn to energy drinks to get an extra boost to carry them throughout the day. With so many energy drinks on the market, how do you decide which one is the best for you?
The answer?
Energy drinks are often full of sugar and will keep you awake for a few hours but send you crashing shortly back to grogginess soon thereafter. The artificial ingredients often found in energy drinks can do more harm to your body than good if consumed over a prolonged period of time. These nutrient poor drinks also do nothing to provide your body with the daily vitamins and nutrients it needs to maintain your health. When choosing an energy drink, its best to go with one packed with vitamins and nutrients and made with ingredients that you know and recognize. Not only will these elements boost your energy, but they're better for you.
Other solutions
The best thing to do if you're tired is try to get an adequate night's sleep. You'll wake up in the morning feel refreshed and be able to stay awake throughout the day. If you aren't able to get a good night's rest, the next best thing to do is to drink a cup of black tea or a small amount of coffee. The herbs and antioxidants in the tea are natural, invigorating and good for your body. After drinking a cup of tea, your body will be more alert and suffer from a caffeine crash a few hours after drinking it.
Another great option to stay alert is to consume a diet full of vitamins. People who eat a lot of fast and junk food tend to have a slower metabolism and exhibit more sluggishness than an individual who maintains a healthy diet. By eating a diet rich in superfoods, often consisting of organic fruits, vegetables and proteins that provide an exorbitant amount of nutrients, you can increase your energy levels and maintain them during the workday.
However, it's important to note that even though you may lead a busy lifestyle, it's best to either get your nutrients from a tangible food source or from a supplement made with real food. Studies have shown that artificial supplements can sometimes have little to no effect on improving your health, so why not purchase products made from real food and can give your body the nutrients it needs?
The takeaway
If you have to rely on an energy drink for an extra boost, the best way to boost one by far is one made with natural ingredients that are vitamin-rich. In addition, by getting a good night's sleep and maintaining a healthy diet, you increase your energy levels and are able to remain alert and focused during your day. And last of all, it's best to make smart decisions regarding what you put into your body and ensure that whatever you consume will be of benefit to your health.