Caffeine Hacks to Beat the Slump

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining energy levels throughout the day can feel like an uphill battle. Juggling your workload, personal commitments, and a constant stream of notifications can certainly leave you feeling drained and yearning for a pick-me-up. While caffeine is often the go-to solution, relying solely on coffee or energy drinks can lead to jitters, crashes, and unwanted side effects. Luckily, we have some caffeine hacks and tips for when you’re needing a little pick me up but don’t want to reach for another coffee or energy drink. For all you caffeine lovers out there, don’t worry! We also have some delicious recommendations for your next coffee and energy drink stock up. Now let’s get into it!

Beyond the Buzz: Natural Energy Boosters

Caffeine is great in many circumstances, like when you wake up in the morning, or before a workout of some sort. But sometimes, having too much caffeine throughout the day might not be the best choice. Before reaching for another cup of joe, consider these natural approaches to enhance your energy levels:

• Hydration: Dehydration tends to zap energy and cognitive function. Aiming for eight glasses of water daily and sipping throughout the day can help you to stay hydrated and alert.
• Exercise: Physical activity, even a brisk walk, can increase blood flow, oxygen delivery, and can release endorphins which promote energy and mood. Perhaps adding in a 20–30-minute walk during your lunch break can help.
• Protein: Protein provides sustained energy compared to sugary snacks. Try to start out the day with a high protein breakfast to keep you energized throughout the morning, and opt for nuts, yogurt, or lean protein sources like grilled chicken or fish for lunch. W.B. Mason has lots of protein-filled snacks to help keep you full. Be sure to try the Chobani Green Yogurt Variety Pack, or the Quest Nutrition Protein Bar Variety Value Pack.
• Sleep: Aim for at least 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night. Well-rested individuals can experience better focus, concentration, and overall energy.
• Sunshine: Sunlight exposure can help regulate your circadian rhythm, promoting alertness and wakefulness. Take breaks outdoors for a natural energy boost.

Conquering the Afternoon Slump:

We understand. A cup of coffee on the way to the office, another one mid-morning, and now it’s 3 p.m. and you still need some energy to get you to the end of the workday, right? But having a third cup of joe or an energy drink might not be the best idea since you might’ve already had quite a bit of caffeine in the morning. This is called the dreaded afternoon slump… and it hits us all. Here are some ways on how to combat it:

• Schedule Strategic Power Naps: A 20-minute power nap can improve alertness and cognitive function without leaving you groggy. If you work from home, great news! Your bed is probably nearby. For those who are in the office, maybe sit out in your car or put your head down at your desk during lunchtime.
• Light it Up: Increase exposure to natural light or use a light therapy box to combat drowsiness and boost mood. The sun can be a great way to increase energy levels, so try to get outside for a few minutes to recharge.
• Snack Smart: Try to avoid sugary treats in the afternoon because they can cause crashes. Instead, aim to choose complex carbohydrates like fruits, vegetables, or whole grains for sustained energy. Along with our selection of fresh market items, W.B. Mason offers plenty of snacks with whole grain in them. Try the Way Better Tortilla Chips in the Nacho Cheese Flavor, or the Rice Krispies Treats with Whole Grain.
• Move Your Body: Get your blood flowing with some light stretches, desk exercises, or a quick walk around the office. This can help you to feel refreshed and ready to finish off the day strong.
• Engage Your Mind: Take a mental break with brain-stimulating activities like puzzles, crosswords, or listening to uplifting music. There are some apps that have great mind games and puzzles.

Making the Most of Your Coffee Break:

When you are feeling the need for a coffee or a beverage with some caffeine, it can be a good idea to think about how caffeine will affect your body. Coffee can be a valuable tool for enhancing energy and focus, but moderation is key. Here are some tips for optimizing your coffee break:

• Timing is Everything: It can be a good idea to consume caffeine during your body’s natural alertness peaks, which is typically between 10 am and noon and 2-5 pm. If you can, try to avoid caffeine close to bedtime to prevent sleep disruption.
• Mind the Dose: Limiting yourself to 400 mg of caffeine per day can be a good habit to get into, especially if you are looking to cut back or are trying some natural ways to boost energy levels. Consider smaller, more frequent doses throughout the day for sustained energy.
• Quality Matters: Choosing high-quality beans and brewing methods can lead to optimal taste and caffeine content. Try to skip the sugary coffee drinks that contribute to crashes and find something in your office’s breakroom that appeals to you. W.B. Mason has dozens of K-Cup Pods, ground coffee, and whole coffee beans to choose from. Check out the whole list of coffee options for more information.
• Pair with Protein: Combining coffee with a protein-rich snack can help to slow caffeine absorption and prevent jitters. Some ideas could be Greek yogurt, a protein bar, jerky, or trail mix.
• Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to how you feel after consuming caffeine. If you tend to experience anxiety, insomnia, or headaches, adjust your intake, or consider alternatives.

Beyond Coffee: Exploring Caffeinated Beverages:

If coffee isn’t your thing but you would still like the little extra boost that caffeine gives you, well good news! There are other ways to attain the caffeine kick. Consider some of these alternatives:

• Tea: Green tea offers a lower caffeine dose than coffee with the added benefit of L-theanine, an amino acid promoting relaxation and focus. Of course, other flavors of tea also have caffeine in them. Just look for the bags that say they have caffeine. W.B. Mason offers lots of tea options, such as the Twinings Tea Bag Variety Case Pack. Something for everyone!
• Yerba Mate: This South American beverage naturally contains caffeine and boasts antioxidants and nutrients. W.B. Mason offers Yerbae Plant-Based Energy Drinks in variety pack. Give them a try!
• Guarana: A plant-based source of caffeine found in energy drinks and supplements, offering comparable effects to coffee. Some people drink these before exercising, along with getting through the midday slump. Some of the popular drinks that contain Guarana are Red Bull and Monster.
• Dark Chocolate: Believe it or not, this delicious treat contains a small amount of caffeine and mood-boosting properties. So, feel free to indulge in a little bit to get you to the end of the day.

Like all things, it can be a good idea to do your own research and read up on the affects caffeine can have on your body. If you are looking to make a change to your caffeine levels, it can be a good idea to:

• Consult your doctor before making significant changes to your caffeine intake, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions.
• Be mindful of added sugars and artificial ingredients often found in energy drinks and processed caffeinated products.
• Prioritize healthy habits like hydration, sleep, and exercise for long-term, sustainable energy.

By incorporating these hacks and strategies, you can try to ditch the jitters and crashes, harness the power of caffeine effectively, and achieve peak performance throughout your day. Along with delicious snacks, W.B. Mason offers a wide variety of caffeine and decaffeinated beverage options to stock your breakroom with.