Editor’s note: The following is offered as information only and is not to be construed as medical advice. If you have any health concern, see a licensed health care professional in person.
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Over recent years, energy drinks have become all the rage with many people turning to them before, during, and after sports activities as well as drinking them at work or home as a quick pick-me-up. However, many people don’t realize that these drinks can be damaging to health and many men who consume a high number of energy drinks could be doing more damage than good.
While you may think that energy drinks will give you the boost you need to perform well in sports or be more productive at work, it is important to familiarize yourself with the downside of energy drinks. A number of reasons to stop using them were highlighted by RightHealth.com and this underlines the need for all of us to seek healthier alternatives.
Men of ages 18-34 are the biggest consumers of energy drinks and are therefore the most likely group to suffer from the negative consequences of overuse.
Natural Ways to Boost Energy
Rather than turning to energy drinks, there are plenty of natural ways to boost your energy levels, so it is well worth trying these. Some may be obvious, but it is amazing how many men still fail to do them! So, let’s take a look at some of these solutions:
Getting Plenty of Sleep
It is vital to ensure you get proper sleep, not just for your energy levels, but for overall health. Of course, we all have the odd late night, but you should avoid this becoming a regular occurrence. Instead, develop a proper nighttime routine so your body gets used to going to sleep at a particular time and getting up at a certain time.
Sugar-laden drinks are not a good substitute for healthy sleep. Indeed, the revitalizing effects of a night of high-quality sleep are critical to good daytime functioning. Instead of viewing your sleep as an enemy of productivity, you should begin to look at it as an important ally in helping you bring your best performance every day.
Move Around More
If you are using energy drinks to boost your stamina at work, try something else instead. For instance, light exercise can work as a great energy booster. If you start to feel tired and drained, step away from your desk and have a walk around for five minutes. If you work on a computer, this will also give your eyes a rest, which is important to avoid vision problems and headaches.
More intense exercise can also offer a much-needed lift in your physical and mental energy. However, exercise sessions immediately before bed can interfere with sleep in some individuals. Nevertheless, a morning run or visit to the gym can be a great tonic for grogginess.
Quit Smoking
Smoking can impact our health and wellbeing in many ways, and this includes reducing how efficiently your lungs work. This then means you become worn out more quickly when you are trying to be active. So, if you are a smoker, kick the habit and do your overall health a favor as well as your energy levels.
Many smokers feel that nicotine provides an important energy lift. However, chronic smoking leads to dependence and the need to smoke just to feel “normal.” Smoking hinders physical performance but also reduces productivity at work or school as smokers begin to feel cravings between cigarettes.
Reduce Alcohol Intake
Having the odd drink is all well and good but regular alcohol consumption can zap you of energy and cause serious health issues. So, take time to assess your daily intake and make a concerted effort to reduce this if you are a regular drinker. Instead, drink plenty of fresh water to keep you hydrated, which will have a positive impact on energy levels.
Caffeine can cause unpleasant side effects in some people. However, for those who do wish to use caffeine, there are healthier alternatives than sugary drinks. Unsweetened tea or black coffee provide health benefits that energy drinks do not. They also offer a way of avoiding the numerous negative health effects of sugar.
Focus on Nutrition
Most people know that getting a good balance of minerals and vitamins is important for health and energy, yet many still fail to eat a balanced diet. So, plan your meals ahead and make sure you eat well-balanced meals that provide the nutrition you need.
Depriving your body of a nutritious breakfast can increase your reliance on liquid energy alternatives. This is not a good long-term strategy for obvious reasons. However, it’s also unlikely to help you in achieving your day-to-day goals.
These are some of the key ways in which you can boost energy levels and improve your overall health.
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This post is sponsored by M Rafiq.
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Photo credit: Shutterstock
