It’s another one of those days. Maybe it’s a full day of meetings, or a huge family event to plan. It could be an important project that needs the finishing touches before being presented to your client, or the kids might have soccer practice, a play and a recital, all before 9 p.m.
No matter the situations, you’re going to have a very full day.
With so much needing to be done, you know you’re going to need the energy to get it all done, so like most individuals, you reach for the closest caffeine-filled beverage you can. You’re not alone. Recent surveys have found that about 80% of the world’s population ingests caffeine every day.
Though most would agree that caffeine isn’t quite the healthiest solution, not many individuals know exactly what excessive amounts of caffeine can do to effect your health. It goes far beyond simply giving you ‘the jitters’.
The effects of caffeine can cause a lot of changes in your body. Many have heard that it raises stress levels and can be addictive, but did you know caffeine can accelerate aging and wrinkles? Caffeine dehydrates your cells, causing sagging, wrinkling and aging. Not only that, but it can also accelerate bone loss, as it causes your body to expel many helpful nutrients, such as calcium and iron. All of this is on top of the disturbance of your sleep cycle, and potentially causing mood swings.
Though cutting out caffeine totally out of your diet can be next to impossible (as so many of the foods and beverages we love contain it), there are a few ways you can reduce your daily consumption, without giving up that much needed energy. For starters, keeping a balanced, healthy diet, full of fruit and vegetables, has been proven to raise energy levels throughout a day. Also, a daily, quick exercise routine can boost your energy in the middle of the day. Finally, some studies have suggested that simply switching to decaffeinated drinks can give you the same mental benefit.
So before you reach for that 24 pack of soda at the supermarket, think of all the ways you can keep yourself alert and energetic, without the need for a stimulant. Your healthy skin and body will thank you for it.
