3 caffeine-free ways to get energized at work

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Afternoons may sometimes be the worst for office workers who feel the need for a pick-me-up, especially after consuming a hefty meal at lunch. Sitting at a desk doesn't make it easier to feel more energized, and the first instinct is to reach for a second cup of coffee. However, this may give you too much caffeine that will keep you up for longer at night, decreasing the recommended hours of sleep for adults.

The solution, according to Shirley M. Hatos Endowed Chair in Clinical Neuropharmacology at the University of California, Los Angeles Anne Milasincic Andrews, Ph.D., is this: "Sometimes it's just a matter of increasing blood flow to the brain and to the body."

1. Take a hike, or in this case, a walk. Relieve the body from the stiff, stuffy desk and take a walk outdoors to get fresh air and clear the mind of mental obstacles that weigh down the body as well. Huffington Post recommends taking a stroll outdoors, as research has shown that exposure to daylight may improve mental awareness. Andrews explained, "Certainly getting outside and raising your heart rate a little more and exposing yourself to sunlight can even be more effective for some people in terms of improving alertness."

2. Hydrate. Daily Mail reports that according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of East London, drinking water can sharpen the mind because it frees up the parts of the brain that were sending signals of thirst to the body. Researchers wrote, "These results are consistent with water consumption freeing up attentional resources that were otherwise occupied with processing the sensations of thirst.

3. Get entertained and/or distracted. Sometimes, distractions can be a good thing. Cute kitten videos, easy DIY food clips, Pinterest, Instagram videos, Candy Crush, or any type of may help alertness and decrease feelings of isolation. Andrews told Huffington Post, "Changing your focus for a few moments, engaging in something pleasurable—even if it's a mental activity—can break that mesmerization. Switching your focus to any kind of other activity, be it visual or another stimulatory activity that you find pleasurable, will be enough to improve alertness."

Of course, these tips will only work granted that the body gets the recommended 7 hours of sleep nightly. Sleep deprivation is another health issue that must be addressed by adjusting sleeping habits. According to Andrews, "All of these things...are really to combat problems with psychological alertness, but none can overcome chronic sleep deprivation."

The CDC recommends 7 to 8 hours of sleep for adults, as sleep deprivation and insufficiency has been linked to vehicle accidents, industrial disasters, medical errors, and occupational errors that may be dangerous to others. If sleep deprivation is becoming a problem, consult a doctor for lifestyle changes to address these needs.