Increase your Energy Without Caffeine or Stimulants

As a sales professional, your energy level is crucial in your performance and sales. When dealing with customers, they immediately sense your energy. Therefore, it’s important to present a positive and energetic personality.

Instead of relying on caffeine or other stimulants, make holistic changes in your daily habits.

Diet

Proper eating and drinking might sound like a cliché, but it is not just for weight loss. Your intake affects your mood and energy levels as well.

 Food

Eat Smart. When possible, eat small meals or healthier snacks throughout the day. Here are a few great choices that do not reduce energy levels: yogurt, eggs, oatmeal, reduced carbs, bananas, and nuts.

These are foods that increase tiredness or low energy: breads, baked goods, anything high in sugar or caffeine, and processed foods 

Hydration

Hunger feelings creep in when your body is thirsty. People also feel hungry when they are tired. Drink water! There are also many beverages that do not include caffeine that you can drink. Think of ways to incorporate your vitamins or flavor additives to your beverage.

 Proper Sleep

51% of adults around the world say that they do not get enough sleep. 80% of adults indicate that they attempt to catch up on sleep on the weekends. Sleep provides your body with a much-needed recharge. Strive to stay on a consistent sleep schedule. Playing catch up will cause you to feel more tired. Allow yourself wind-down time. Put down all brain stimulants before bedtime so you can unwind.

Exercise or Activity

Exercising at any point of the day will increase your blood flow and energy levels. Thick outside the box. You might not have an hour or more to set aside for exercise. Then think of it as activity being increased. Let’s think outside the box of your busy schedule:

• Park the car further away at work or at the grocery store
• Take the stairs rather than the elevator
• Purchase a standing desk
• Adjust your daily routine with small changes
• If you have a treadmill, get a laptop stand for it
• Take breaks to recharge (go outside and walk, play with your dog, stretch)
• Find things to do in your area and be active

Herbs and Natural Supplements
Along with a healthy diet, our bodies crave proper nutrients. There are natural supplements called nootropics that are known to enhance memory and cognition. 

 Lesser-known supplements:

• L-Theanine (or Theanine) is a supplement that is found in green tea. It has been known to decrease stress in both physical and mental capacities.
  
• Ashwagandha is an ancient medicinal herb that has been studied to produce increased brain function. It also works to decrease depression and stress.

Sit up tall

Do not slump! This restricts your breathing. Sit with your legs, arms, back/hips at a 90° angle to keep proper blood flow. Crossing your legs also cuts off blood flow that attempts to travel through your body.

Breathing Techniques / Fresh Air

Air is necessary to live. It is also very important to ensure your body and mind are functioning 100%. Here are a few techniques to try.

1. Box breathing: Complete the following with the same count. Breath in. Hold your breath. Breath out. Hold your breath. Repeat 5-10 times.
   
   
2. Double breathing: Breath in sharply, then finish the breath in with a slow intake to fill the lungs. Exhale in the same way. Practice this five times.

3. Go outside for fresh air. The external air is better than your home or office.

 Reduce Stress

Stress affects everyone and each aspect of your mind and body. It is reflected in your energy level. You may be unable to focus due to stressing about a recent discussion that you had. There could be a situation at home that has you worried or even the task you are attempting to complete.

Remain aware of your current emotional and mental state, coupled with taking a five-minute break at designated intervals can reduce the immediate and long-term effects of stress.

Set Yourself up for Success

Captain Obvious here: work is work. Yet, you do not have to allow it to suck the energy from you. Follow these tips to set a great foundation to increase your energy without the use of caffeine.

• Prioritize each of these above. Set yourself up for success. Be realistic to what is most achievable. Work on that one task.
  
• Set a timer on your phone or computer calendar to remind yourself of the action that you are adjusting. Bring yourself back to awareness with a timer.
  
  
• Make slow incremental changes to add these as habits. Healthy timing will ensure that you can apply each for the best results.