10 Quick and Easy Ways to Get Your Energy Boost for Students

As a student, we all hit that mid-afternoon slump or just need a pick-me-up to power through the busy school day. But reaching for sugary snacks, energy drinks or coffee isn’t always the healthiest choice, and it can lead to a dreaded energy crash. Luckily, there are simple, effective ways to get a quick energy boost without compromising your health.

Hydrate! Water is Life!

As the saying goes, if you feel thirsty, you're actually already dehydrated. Did you know that even mild dehydration can leave you feeling sluggish? Grab a glass of water (or two!) as soon as you feel your energy waning. For those who think that's too plain, add a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves for an extra refreshing kick. I find that simply keeping my water bottle close by subconsciously reminds me to have a regular drink throughout the day.

Sneak in a Quick Nap

I'm not telling you to sleep your day away, but a 10 minute power nap can work wonders for recharging your batteries, improving focus, and reducing stress. It’s short enough to avoid grogginess but long enough to give your body and brain a quick reboot. 

Try to understand your own individual sleep cycle. If you fall into a deep sleep, you may feel even more groggy when you wake up. Usually, it's prudent to keep your nap to between 10 to 20 minutes so that your body gets its rest, and you're still able to get going quickly when you wake up.

Have a Snack, But Not Any Snack

Not all snacks are created equal. Skip the sugary snacks or energy drinks that only give you a short-lived boost. Instead, opt for foods high in protein and fiber, which help keep blood sugar levels steady and sustain energy. A handful of almonds, Greek yogurt with berries, or a banana with peanut butter are perfect choices for a healthy, energizing snack.

The key here is slow or time release energy. Protein and fiber rich foods make your body absorb the energy giving nutrients in a more sustained manner, compared to snacks or drinks which are absorbed quickly but also result in an inevitable 'crash'.

Get Some Fresh Air!

Take a breather and get out of your room! A few minutes outdoors can be a breath of fresh energy, especially if you’re working indoors all day. Natural sunlight helps your body produce vitamin D, which can improve mood and energy levels. Even a brisk five-minute walk can help clear your mind and make you feel more awake. 

Do Some Quick Stretching

Get that blood pumping after sitting sedentary at your desk. Movement is a surefire way to boost energy. You don’t need a full workout — try some stretches at your desk or a quick set of jumping jacks to get the blood flowing. Physical activity releases endorphins, which naturally improve your mood and energy levels.

Indulge in some Meditation

Fatigue and tiredness from school may be both physical as well as mental. A few deep breaths or a quick meditation session can help you relax, refocus, and reenergize. Try inhaling deeply for a count of four, holding for four, and exhaling for four. This practice helps calm the mind and can give you a fresh sense of clarity.

Try Green Tea as an Alternative Drink

Green tea contains a modest amount of caffeine, plus an amino acid called L-theanine, which can give you a calm and steady focus without the jitters. It’s a great alternative to coffee or energy drinks if you need a little pick-me-up but don’t want a big caffeine hit.

Unwind with Upbeat Tunes

We all have that favorite tune. Music is an easy escape and is known to boost mood and energy almost instantly. Pop in your headphones and listen to a few minutes of an energizing playlist. You’d be surprised how much it can turn around a sluggish day.

Try Aromatherapy for Uplifting Scents

Don't sniff at alternative ways. Essential oils like peppermint, eucalyptus, and citrus are known to invigorate the senses. Just a few drops on your wrists, or even just inhaling the scent, can provide a refreshing boost. Keep a small bottle at your desk for whenever you need a quick pick-me-up.

Reach for Instant, Convenient Energy

Look, we get it. Stressful and busy school life barely gives you any time to take a breath. Sometimes, you just need a fast, easy way to get your energy boost to power through that last assignment, complete that project report or revise the last chapter.

STIM is the new dissolvable energy strip that gives you that instant boost, 4.8x faster than energy drinks or coffee. It's the first energy strip with time release caffeine, which gives a smoother, sustained boost and avoids crashes and jitters associated with sugary snacks, energy drinks and coffee.

Best of all, one pocket sized pack of STIM contains 20 strips, equivalent to about 10 energy drinks in your pocket. Now that's Energy On Demand.