How Can I Wake Up Without Caffeine?

Some people can barely function without their morning cup of joe. That's because coffee contains caffeine, a stimulant which raises the heart rate to simulate a feeling of energy. But while coffee can give you a quick burst of energy, using coffee as your wakeup call can result in a mid-morning energy crisis once the effects wear away. Choose more sustainable energy by finding other ways to feel energized in the morning without the use of caffeine.

Step 1

Schedule enough sleep each night. A proper sleep schedule that allows for seven to nine hours of sleep each night ensures that come morning time, you're ready to face the day. The best way to facilitate a proper sleep schedule is to go to sleep and wake up at approximately the same time each night and day to set your body's clock for deep, restful and rejuvenating sleep.

Step 2

Exercise in the morning. Exercising releases endorphins in the brain, hormones that make you feel happy and energized. While the idea of going for a run or heading to the gym first thing in the morning may seem like it takes too much energy, exercise will actually help you have sustained energy throughout the day as well as helping you to sleep easier at night.

Step 3

Shower after your workout to help wash sweat from your body and start your day properly. Rolling out of bed and into your clothes can leave you feeling tired even as you go about your daily activities. A brisk shower allows you to mark a clear start for the day, signifying to your body and mind that you need energy to complete the day's tasks.

Step 4

Eat a breakfast made up of complex carbohydrates for quick energy and protein for longer-lasting energy. A breakfast with fruit and oatmeal or an egg white breakfast burrito will help you jumpstart your day with the right kind of fuel. Sugary breakfasts and coffee may help you feel temporarily energized, but a mid-morning slump could have you running for the coffeemaker or the vending machine for more manufactured energy.

Step 5

Arrange your schedule so you have something to look forward to in the morning. A dreary job or lackluster schedule can make you reluctant to roll out of bed, whereas a breakfast date with a friend or reading your favorite newspaper can give you the incentive to get ready and start the day with an energizing experience.