In a recent study, UK residents bemoaned spending more than three hours per day feeling tired. Every day.

The hectic pace of life and family, coupled with work, makes a claim on our wellbeing of more than 20 hours per week. That’s how long the average Brit feels fatigued and devoid of energy.

If, like 80% of UK households, your day starts with a cup of instant coffee to drink at the kitchen table, or maybe back in bed, then you may find your flat white is working against you, rather than for you.

It’s a habit that’s hard to kick – and one that sees us drinking upwards of 95 million cups per day. It’s convenient, relatively cheap and readily available. Most people keep coffee of some description at home, or have a half-decent coffee shop nearby.

Coffee is our go-to energy provider when we’re on the go, when we need a pick-me-up, and to get us up and running in the morning.

But it’s possible that all the benefits you think coffee equips you with, it could actually be depleting.

Here’s why (and what to do about it):

Caffeine is a diuretic
Quaffing coffee causes dehydration, which can leave you feeling even more tired. Drink plenty of water when you wake and be sure to stay topped up throughout the day.

Caffeine stimulates the nervous system
Sounds like a good thing, right? Wrong. While just the right amount for your body’s needs may make you feel more alert, drinking too much can lead to the jitters, anxiety, palpitations, and ultimately an overwhelming feeling of tiredness.

Caffeine affects people in different ways
A single shot of coffee could keep one person awake all night, while in some cases could encourage others to drift to sleep almost immediately. Our brains control how we react to caffeine and a number of crazy chemical reactions occur when we drink it. How our bodies deal with this is largely down to genetics.

So what can you do to deliver the energy boost you’re looking for?


Load up with essential vitamins and minerals
Sure, you can take a supplement. Better still, get all the essential vitamins and minerals your body needs in the format nature intended – through fresh fruit and vegetables, preferably organic.

Use a natural source of energy
One of the most effective ways of boosting energy naturally and effectively is by using supplemental oxygen. Regular supplementation of oxygen helps combat the ill effects of air pollution, clears brain fog and sends oxygen directly into your cells for clean, natural energy.

Seek the sun
In the UK, we generally suffer a lack of sunshine, which means most people are deficient in vitamin D. You can hit your daily vitamin D requirement by taking a supplement but it’s best if you can get outside and get as much natural light as possible, even if it’s a cloudy or overcast day. It’ll also help your sleep quality.

Fix your sleep
You can’t always improve your energy levels and fight fatigue just by staying in bed longer. When it comes to sleep, think quality and not volume.

Could now be the right time for you to quit the caffeine?