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17 Ways to Stay Awake (Without Coffee!)
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October 29, 2009
By Marc and Angel Hack Life | Divine Caroline
Staying awake is easy … five shots of espresso and a can of red bull is all you need. You’ll certainly be wide awake and wired, but you may also die from a heart attack a few hours later. In all seriousness, conquering drowsiness before it overwhelms your mind can be quite a challenge without the help of stimulants.
So the big question is: What are some healthy ways to stay awake when you must? Let’s take a look at seventeen possibilities.
1. Crank Up the AC: Warm, stuffy environments accelerate mental fatigue. If you need to stay awake in a lecture hall or meeting room find an open seat under an AC vent.
2. Cold Water: Splash some on your face and the pulse area of your wrists. Drinking an ice-cold glass of water can also help to wake you up, and if you drink enough of it you’ll be up on your feet using the restroom every thirty minutes as well.
3. Fasting at Mealtime: The human body expends a great deal of energy during the digestion process. This can create a great deal of fatigue when you are trying to stay awake. Fasting is a great way to avoid this natural fatigue. As long as you are drinking enough water, fasting for a meal or two is also a healthy way to detoxify your cells and rejuvenate organs.
4. Light Exercise Breaks: Take a break and take a walk or do a couple jumping jacks to get your blood moving. Even the slightest bit of exercise can act as a healthy way to energize your mind and body.
5. Chew Sugar-Free Peppermint Gum: It won’t rot your teeth and it will generate just enough physical activity to keep you awake. Strong peppermint flavors seem to work best for me; there’s just something about that refreshing minty taste.
6. Write: The idea is to keep your mind busy. If you are attending a lecture or business meeting, write down everything that is said. If you are simply trying to stay awake, create a detailed to-do list for the week or plan out your perfect weekend getaway.
7. A Good Laugh: Watch a funny video clip or read your favorite comic strip. A good chuckle will stimulate your mind and help you to stay awake a little while longer.
kjw
13 days ago
14 comments
Skipping meals does make me feel more awake, but then all I can think is "oh man...I need something to eat!" and my focus is compromised
jess_
17 days ago
78 comments
Exercise outdoors really helps. Even if it's just a brisk walk (believe me, with all the hills in SF, all walks are brisk!), something about getting the blood flowing and fresh air always helps me sleep better - and deeper.
bethanierose
17 days ago
680 comments
Skipping meals may not be good for everyone, but making healthy choices definitely helps. smaller, healthier meals or snacks spaced strategically throughout the day is the way to go. The fruit and veggie snacks mentioned here are also good because of the fiber. In the middle of the day, it's better to be digesting something light and full of fiber than something heavy on processed carbs, calories and fat.
Thanks for all the great tips, I tried the tongue/roof of the mouth one - works great!
faraz_k86
20 days ago
10 comments
Those are some very creative ideas.. and good ones too..
but what exactly is wrong with drinking coffee? i agree that red bull may be harmful but coffee is in the barely safe zone :)
-faraz from blu ray ripper