Energy Tips to Beat the 9 to 5 Grind

If there's one shared experience between office workers all around the world, it's the dreaded 2pm energy dip which assaults you just when you need to power through the rest of the day. There are a myriad ways that we trust to beat the afternoon slump. What's yours?

Get your body moving!

Sitting for hours on end is not exactly a recipe for a vibrant and energetic you. Staying sedentary is the exact opposite of maintaining your energy levels. Don't worry, you don't need to train for a marathon to reap the benefits of exercise. Even small bursts of activity can make a big difference.

1. Use the stairs. Ditch the elevator and opt for the steps whenever possible. Using the stairs is by far the easiest and most accessible way to get some quick exercise in almost all work places.
2. Suggest a walking meeting. Bored of meeting rooms? Suggest to a colleague to have a stroll outside for that quick meeting chat. As a bonus, you'll enjoy fresh air, nice scenery and some quick exercise.
3. Stretch it out. Sitting stationary at your desk certainly contributes to low energy levels. Try to stand up, walk around or stretch at periodic intervals to get the blood flowing. It's an easy way to spur your waning energy levels.

Don't forget the hydrate

Did you know that when you feel thirsty, your body is already dehydrated? Dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and decreased cognitive function. Make sure you’re sipping on water consistently throughout the day!

1. Keep a water bottle close by. We get it, we're often overwhelmed with tasks and keeping hydrated is the least of our concerns. Keep a water bottle beside you to remind yourself to take a drink every few hours.
2. Set hydration goals. Tthe saying goes that we need 7 glasses of water a day. While not set in stone, it is useful to set regular reminders to stop and have a drink. There're even apps these days which can support your daily hydration goals.
3. Add a flavor twist. Bored of plain old water? Add some citrus, carrots or berries to your water for a welcoming and refreshing twist. It's not a chore if it tastes good.

Keep your body fueled up

Your body is a high performance machine which needs constant maintenance and fuel. Make sure you're feeding yourself high nutrition and energy boosting foods to sustain those energy levels throughout the day.

1. Don't skip breakfast. Many of us tend to skip breakfast because we're rushing for the daily commute. However, the first meal of the day is also the most important, not only for the nourishment, but also because it signals to your body to kickstart your metabolism. A protein rich breakfast like eggs, toast or even yoghurt ensures your start the day on the right foot and sustain your energy levels till the end.
2. Practice mindful snacking. It's ok to have a snack throughout the day. Just make sure to stay clear of junk food like chips or sweets. Go for healthy alternatives like almonds, peanuts and walnuts which are rich in folic acid and magnesium, both rich energy sources for your body. Bananas, goji berries and avocado are also good alternatives. Stay away from sweets or high fat foods which may give a sudden energy spike, but also result in a devastating crash which ruins your momentum.

Declutter your workspace

A pleasant workspace is a calming workspace. A messy desk can make you feel overwhelmed, stressed, and less productive. Take a few minutes each day to tidy up your desk and create a more calming and organized environment.

1. File it away. Stay organized and don't procrastinate. Immediately organize loose papers and notes to stay on top of your work.
2. Organize your desktop. This includes both your physical table and your computer desktop!
3. Add some greenery. Add a touch of nature to encourage an inviting atmosphere.

Prioritize your sleep cycle

A productive, high energy day starts from the night before. Ensure your prioritize proper sleep, not just in duration but also sleep quality.

1. Stick to a fixed schedule. This way, your body is aware when you want to wind down for the day. It makes slipping into slumber much more consistent and easier. You can also set your alarm 15 minutes before your actual wake time, to allow your body to slowly get going.
2. Avoid screen time. Stay away from bright screens which stimulate your brain to stay awake. If it is unavoidable, use the blue light screen function to reduce glare and tone down visual stimulation before you turn in for the night.
3. Make your bedroom a sleep sanctuary. Ensure that your bedroom is dark, quiet, and cool to promote optimal sleep. Sleep is the time when your body can recharge and rejuvenate, so ensure you have the right conditions for a good rest and avoid disrupting your sleep patterns.

Use caffeine in the right way

Mention the need for an energy boost and many will turn to caffeine, either in energy drinks, coffee or even gummies. However, not all caffeine is created equal. While using caffeine is perfectly fine and natural, what is the best way?

1. Moderate your intake. Always be aware how much is your caffeine intake. Some energy drinks on the market contain up to 200 - 300 mg of caffeine per can, and some coffees boast >200 mg per cup. Note that more is not always better, as excessive caffeine intake results in jitters and more pronounced crashes after the initial high. As a guide, the US FDA recommends not more than 400 mg of caffeine per day for healthy adults.

2. Timing matters. The energy boost from drinks and coffee usually kicks in about 30 to 60 minutes after consumption. This is because the caffeine in drinks needs to pass through your digestive system first, before being absorbed into your bloodstream. This delay often causes confusion among users who expect an instant energy boost. Properly timing your caffeine intake can help to ensure the energy 'peak' occurs when you require it most.

Are there alternatives for a faster boost?

While drinks and coffee are the usual ways to get your caffeine energy boost in the workplace, there are drawbacks.

1. The boost is not immediate. As mentioned, caffeine consumed via drinks (and even gummies and powders) needs to go through your digestive system first, before it is absorbed into your body. This results in a delay of 30 to 60 minutes before you feel that pick-me-up.
2. It's not the most convenient. Often, we don't have that energy drink or coffee within easy reach at the office. Not all of us can step away from the desk and buy a coffee or grab a can of energy drink. It would be much more convenient if you could get your energy boost with something within reach!
3. You have to endure jitters and crashes. One of the well known side effects of caffeine is jitters and the inevitable energy crash. Why do we tolerate it? Well, it there any alternative? The reason is the caffeine is absorbed in large amounts by the body in an uncontrolled way, leading to a massive spike and also a sudden drop in your bloodstream. If only there was a way to smooth out the absorption of caffeine into the body?

STIM Energy Strips: Fast, Convenient Energy that Tastes Great

There's an energy revolution happening right now. STIM is the world's first dissolvable energy strip which includes time release caffeine, for a smoother, sustained boost without jitters and crashes. Simply place one STIM strip on your inner cheek for discrete, convenient energy on the go or in the office.

1. Need an immediate boost? STIM works in seconds, up to 4.8x faster than drinks, coffees or gummies. This is because the caffeine is absorbed right in your mouth, without needing to pass through your digestive system. Perfect for a truly instant pick-me-up.

2. Need convenient energy? STIM comes in a pack of 20 strips which fits in your pocket but packs a powerful punch. Simply peel open an individually wrapped STIM energy strip and place on your inner cheek. Within seconds, you're ready to go again.

3. Hate jitters and crashes? STIM is the world's first energy strip which uses time release caffeine. The caffeine is wrapped in a 'bubble' made from naturally occurring ingredients, similar to your own cell membranes. This liposomal encapsulated caffeine ensures that it is absorbed more smoothly, resulting in a longer lasting, sustained boost unlike the sudden spikes and crashes associate with coffee or energy drinks.