This is because blood is mostly plasma, which is mostly water, and that means good stuff isn’t being distributed and waste isn’t being flushed out. And remember to drink water - thirst sets in when 2-3 percent of your body’s natural hydration is lost, but mental effects like fatigue and confusion, and even irregular heartrate, show up at as little as 1 percent loss. This is high-quality energy that won’t leave you shaky from low blood sugar in a couple of hours. Just like an engine, you get out of your body what you put into it.Instead of reaching for an energy bar, or worse whatever is left in the office vending machine, grab something low in sugar and high in protein, like Greek yogurt (with fresh fruit), a handful of nuts or carrots with hummus. RELATED: What you need to know about ‘molly’ Sit up straight, take a long, deep breath through your nose and let it push your belly out, then exhale and repeat until zen. And deep breathing is not just for yoga class - boost your circulation while lowering blood pressure (it’s practically magic!) by inhaling using your abdomen, not your chest. Roll your eyes and stare at a far-away spot for 20 seconds to refresh strained muscles.Give your brain some mind candyby switching tasks when you’re feeling sleepy to something that’s fairly fast and easy, like answering emails or even watching cat videos (this has the benefit of lowering your stress levels just as playing with a real animal would). Try these tips for more effective, stimulant-free ways to stay awake.įatigue isn’t just in your limbs you have to periodically reboot yourself head to toe. It takes time to leave your body, so drinking it later in the day could keep you awake well after bedtime, it’s habit-forming, suppresses vital neurotransmitters in the brain and doesn’t actually help your sleepiness, just delays the inevitable. If you’re trying to stay awake, caffeine isn’t even your best option. Just a teaspoon of pure caffeine is about the same amount as in 25 cups of coffee.

Last week, the FDA issued a warning about powdered caffeine after tying the deaths of two young, healthy men to overdoses.

Legal stimulants to stay awake