1. When you wake up, drink water, not coffee
The first thing you should do when you wake up is hydrate yourself with water because your body becomes dehydrated during sleep. If you wake up and drink coffee on an empty stomach, then caffeine enters your blood stream quicker. As a result, your body releases stress hormones that propel you into fight or flight mode. In other words, waking up with caffeine tricks your body into feeling as though it's being chased by a lion!
Drink a glass of water with some fresh lemon and a pinch of salt. This will not only rehydrate you but provide essential nutrients and minerals such as potassium, calcium and zinc, making it the perfect way to start the day.
2. Take naps to boost productivity
Studies have shown that naps improve cognitive and motor performance far better than large intakes of caffeine. In 2008, a British experiment found that a nap was far better than a cup of coffee and extra sleep during the night. Reaction times, logical reasoning and immune system function all increase after a nap.
Did you know that Albert Einstein, John F. Kennedy, Winston Churchill and Napoleon used to nap regularly? Some even scheduled napping time into their day. The importance of nap continues today with tech companies like Google and Uber who encourage their employees to take naps. So next time you feel tired after lunch, instead of reaching out for a coffee, try a healthier alternative and find a quiet, peaceful place to take a nap. The most effective naps take 20 minutes and don't forget to set your alarm.
Summaries and reference from 'Own the Day, Own Your Life' by Aubrey Marcus