Everyone knows that at a certain point in your shift you find yourself looking for a quick caffeine boost, whether it be first thing or as you push through the final hours of your shift. But how many cups of coffee (or energy drinks) do you have before you finally cut yourself off for the day? The average American drinks 3.1 (9 oz) cups of coffee each day. According to Nutritionist Mehar Rajput from FITPASS, “Two cups of coffee per day is good for health, but more consumption of coffee causes acidity and dehydration.”
Relying solely on coffee can leave you dehydrated so we decided to create a post around energy-boosting alternatives to java:
1. Tea – In most cases, tea and coffee are pretty equal in the pros and cons department. You do have to be careful when it comes to dehydration, but tea has a long list of health benefits and can be a great alternative for those who aren’t into a cup of java. The antioxidants in tea fight inflammation, help to prevent blood vessels from hardening, significantly lower the risk of stroke and heart disease, and is known to boost brain function. One study compared older adults who drank less than three cups of green tea a week to those who drank more than two cups of green tea daily. The study found those who drank two cups of green tea daily had a significantly lower risk of age-related declines in memory. So drink up! (Just be careful when adding your cream and sugar.)
Did you know that drinking #greentea daily helps fight inflammation and provides an adequate caffeine boost for those long shifts?
2. Coconut Water – Coconut water is known to boost energy levels and increase the body’s metabolism. They are considered a better alternative to sports drinks that are often high in sodium and sugar.. Coconut water is one of the best choices for replenishing lost fluid. It contains high levels of important minerals such as calcium, chloride and potassium–all things your body needs. Coconut water is a great source of energy because it has natural salts and minerals and provide electrolytes in their purest form. In addition to all the other great benefits, coconut water also contains key proteins such as cysteine, arginine and alanine.
3. Smoothies – Fruit-enhanced smoothies are a great way to get the boost of energy you need to conquer your shift. The natural sugar from the fruit will raise energy levels, while the fiber will help retain those high levels by slowly releasing the sugar into the bloodstream. Check out some of these low-calorie smoothie options.
Related Reading: 6 New Year Resolutions for Traveling Medical Pros
4. Wheatgrass – If you haven’t jumped on the wheatgrass train yet, it’s not too late! Wheatgrass juice is perhaps one of the healthiest foods out there and the benefits are endless. From increased energy levels to improved overall health, wheatgrass is definitely a superfood. Wheatgrass contains more than 90 minerals, including high concentrations of the most alkaline minerals: potassium, calcium, magnesium and sodium.
5. Exercise – Many studies have shown that there is a direct and positive correlation between regular physical activity and increased levels of energy. Most healthcare professionals are on their feet a majority of the day, but adding a few exercises during a break can restore some of your missing energy. Regular activity has been demonstrated to deliver positive effects for healthy individuals as well as those who suffer from chronic conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Additionally, even those who tend to lead a rather sedentary lifestyle can benefit from putting their tennis shoes on and going out for a brisk walk or jog. Thinking of a few simple workouts you can do on a break? Try a few of our suggestions:
- Lunges
- Squats
- Jumping jacks
- Sit ups
- Pushups
- Tricep Dips
There are a lot of alternatives to drinking another energy drink or cup of coffee at work. Try some of our suggestions and see how much better you feel after. Small, healthy changes in your lifestyle will ensure you are feeling much better throughout the year! Looking for a whole new assignment to boost your energy lately? Search allied and travel nurse jobs!