Breathwork vs. Caffeine: Unlocking Natural Energy Without the Jitters
What’s your coffee of choice - latte, americano, cappuccino? Or maybe it’s reliable old instant! Many of us enjoy an occasional cup of coffee and the associated caffeine hit.
But if you find you’re starting to rely on the energy spike you get with caffeine, maybe it’s time to break the cycle and look into a more natural way to boost your energy levels.
In this issue of the Wellbeing Exchange, I want to explore why we should be moving away from an over-reliance on caffeine. I’ll also delve a little deeper into how you can achieve a natural energy lift from breathwork and the other knock-on benefits of this approach.
Break it down for me – How can Breathwork give me the same boost as Caffeine?
So how does Breathwork actually impact your natural energy levels, and what’s the science behind it?
Deep breathing activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which shifts the body’s physical state from fight-or-flight to rest-and-digest. The rest-and-digest state promotes calm, which in turn reduces stress and promotes alertness.
How does this improve natural energy? Structured breathing exercises and mindful breathwork will also improve oxygen flow – this, in turn, elevates mental clarity, focus and decision-making under pressure. And not an espresso in sight!
And what about Caffeine – is it all that bad?
Caffeine is essentially a stimulant, and its most widespread use is in beverages like coffee and tea. (But don’t forget it’s also found in certain fizzy drinks too!)
Caffeine affects the body by blocking the adenosine receptors that promote sleep, leading to increased wakefulness and alertness. It also stimulates the release of dopamine and adrenaline. The short-term effect of which is a quick energy boost and an improved focus.
Breathwork vs. Caffeine: How They Compare
Instant Energy vs. Sustainable Energy: As outlined earlier, caffeine provides us with a quick boost. But the effects are often short-lived. Breathwork can provide you with more sustainable energy throughout the day, and by taking just 5 minutes for a quick breathwork reset, you can feel the benefits over and over again.
Physical Effects: It’s important to highlight the physical effects of caffeine. If you’ve ever found yourself on the wrong end of multiple cups of coffee in a day, you’ll be all too aware of the potential side effects of caffeine, like jitters, anxiety, and energy crashes.
Mental Clarity: On the surface, the energy hit from caffeine may provide a lightbulb-moment of mental clarity. But the effects can be more pervasive – overstimulation and the inability to switch off are also common side effects. By comparison, Breathwork can support focus and reduce stress long-term.
So, are you ready to ditch the caffeine jitters and try Breathwork?
Coffee may have its place as an occasional pick-me-up, but Breathwork offers sustainable energy without the downsides of caffeine. If you’d like to find out more about integrating breathwork into your workplace for a natural energy boost, get in touch and let’s talk!
If you’ve never tried Breathwork before and you’d like to find out more but you’re not ready to take the plunge, why not try my free online course, Breathwork 101?
Sign up now and take the first breath towards balance and clarity.