If you have a 12-hour shift ahead of you, you’re probably already thinking of ways to make sure you stay alert the entire time. You’re expecting a long night ahead with plenty of work to be done, which means you see a lot of caffeinated drinks in your immediate future. The first beverage that instantly comes to mind is your ever-reliable energy drink, but you’ll have to chug a few of these to stay alert the whole time, which isn’t good for your health.
The good news is that there are plenty of other healthier drinks that can give you the energy you need to stay wide awake and alert during your night shift without compromising your health. They may not work as a complete substitute for energy drinks, but your body will definitely thank you for not overloading it with taurine and sugar. Here are five alternatives to consider:
1. Green Tea
The world of teas is endless, which means you don’t have to stick to a particular one to get your energy fix. However, green tea contains many antioxidants, minerals, and caffeine, which is a much healthier way to keep you awake instead of relying on energy drinks. You can also opt for black and white tea if you prefer mixing it up.
2. Ginger Root Tea
Ginger root tea is great for your immune system and digestion and can help prevent cancer and Alzheimer’s disease. While it doesn’t have any caffeine, which means it can’t give you an instant energy boost, its many other health benefits can help you maintain your energy levels and good health in the long run. It can also help you stay calm during your shift by relieving muscle tension, allowing you to relax.
3. Fresh Juice
Caffeine may be the first substance you think of when it comes to energy-boosting, but there are other ways to maintain your energy levels. Fresh juices help you feel full longer and stay wide awake, and they’re often loaded with iron and vitamins A, C, K, which your body needs to function optimally. Nuts and seeds offer protein, berries are full of antioxidants, and you can soothe your sweet tooth with fruits like bananas, kiwis, and citrus, which are full of beneficial substances. By drinking fresh juice instead of energy drinks, you’ll feel lighter and more animated.
4. Yerba Mate
Yerba Mate comes from the holly tree and is a staple throughout Argentina, Paraguay, Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay. You can prepare it similarly to black or green tea since it contains caffeine, antioxidants, and minerals, making it an excellent way to get the energy boost you need. It can be as strong as coffee while uplifting your mood and improving your health at the same time without being as acidic or addictive. That means you can enjoy the beverage without the jitters or fragile stomach while you work.
5. Coffee
Of course, who can forget the old faithful coffee? While it usually appears in the list of drinks to avoid, it does wonders for your energy levels when consumed in moderate amounts. Night shifts can be grueling, so a cup of coffee at the beginning of your shift will help you sustain the required momentum until it’s finally time to go home. It also prevents you from undergoing a caffeine overload while ensuring you are sleepy enough to go to bed once you get home.
Conclusion
Night shifts aren’t easy, and you may already be looking forward to the moment you hit the hay after a long day at work. However, while you’re in the middle of your shift, you’ll need to make sure to stay awake. By opting for these alternative beverages, you’ll feel better, brighter, and more animated during your shift.
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