Alternatives to Coffee That Will Keep You More Productive

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More people than ever are searching for ways to lead healthier lifestyles. Sales of America’s iconic Coca-Cola are down, as people have begun looking for more nutritious beverages, and even a cup of black coffee seems old-fashioned these days. As the economy asks for ever-more productivity, coffee’s limited ability to keep us concentrated has become clearer. If you’re jittery, alert but unable to focus, and have an upset stomach, you’ve likely had too much coffee. Here are some healthier alternatives to keep you more alert:

TAKE A NAP: A study published by NASA found that just 26 minutes of shut eye can increase performance by 34% and alertness by 54%. Given that fatigue-related productivity loss costs a business $2,000 annually per employee, your business should be amenable to a power nap now and then.

EXERCISE: A 2013 study published in the British Medical Journal found that exercise increases bloodflow to the brain after just 10 to 40 minutes of physical exertion and that the boost in focus can last up to three hours after the exercise.

DRINK GREEN TEA: With less caffeine than coffee, this drink will keep you alert without the negative side effects. It also contains antioxidants which are known to help lower the risk of serious disease.

TURN UP THE THERMOSTAT: When workplaces get cold, your body must spend energy on creating heat and that comes at the expense of brain power. In a recent study, “Cornell University researchers found employees working in offices with low temperatures (of 68 degrees) committed 44% more errors and were less than half as productive than employees working in a warm office (of 77 degrees).”