When undertaking a long hike or mountain biking trip, the last thing you want is to find yourself running out of steam halfway through. While having a soda or cup of coffee might give you a quick boost, there are plenty of ways to increase energy without caffeine. Here are eight tips for boosting your stamina without stimulants.
- Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water when engaging in strenuous activities. If you’re feeling thirsty, then you are already beginning to dehydrate, and fatigue is one of the first signs that you need more fluids.
- Crank some tunes. Bring along your earbuds and a playlist of your most energizing songs. This will help you keep up your pace and can make the miles fly by.
- Get a better night’s sleep, before your trek by shutting off the electronics, including LCD screens. Studies have shown that these bright lights can interfere with your body’s natural circadian rhythm.
- Pack on the protein. Eating a low sugar, protein-rich breakfast before a hike, and snacks during, will provide you with tons of energy!
- Breathe. Taking a series of short, quick breaths through your nose while forcefully contracting your diaphragm can increase oxygen flow, giving you a natural boost. Try three sets of five breaths, but don’t keep it up long enough to hyperventilate.
- Try a little acupressure. Press on your “kiss point,” between your nose and upper lip, about a third of the way down from your nose. Press firmly on the spot for one minute with your index finger.
- How about reflexology? Rub your earlobes between your thumb and index finger, making small circles. This not only increase energy without caffeine, it can boost your mood and help you get a better night’s sleep.
- When in doubt, go old school and splash some cold water on your face for a quick, brisk wake up.
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Featured Image from Miikka Luotio/Unsplash
