Don’t Reach for the Coffee 3 NATURAL WAYS TO BOOST YOUR ENERGY WITHOUT CAFFEINE
toward your right foot so that your right arm is on your right knee. Switch to the other side and repeat as needed. Finally, pull your head toward your shoulders to loosen your neck.
If you can’t start your day without your daily cup — or cups — of joe, you’re not alone. More than 450 million cups of coffee are consumed by U.S. residents every day, and unfortunately, heavy caffeine consumption may not be healthy. (It’s a big reason why celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Jim Carrey, and Kim Kardashian don’t drink it!) Moderate amounts of caffeine can improve your mental health, and some studies suggest it could even prevent some chronic conditions. However, there are major downsides to overconsumption, drinking more than four cups of coffee each day. These can include high blood pressure, addiction symptoms, and decreased mentality.
Go for a Walk
When you wake up in the morning, head outside! Movement stimulates your brain and improves your mood, and the act of walking is relaxing enough that it doesn’t require much effort on your part. Plus, it’s a great way to get your steps in, wake up slowly, and get outside before a busy day.
Just Breathe
This might sound like it will lull you to sleep, but there are actually some breathing techniques that can help you wake up! The “breath of fire” is a rapid-fire breathing technique, during which you inhale deeply, exhale deeply, inhale deeply again, and then exhale quickly. Repeat this as needed. Other practices that focus on breathing, like yoga, can be effective, too. Waking up isn’t an exact science, but once you find a healthy method that works for you, you may never need coffee again. (Gasp!)
If you want to break out of the caffeine cycle and reduce how much coffee you drink, try replacing that cuppa with one of these methods!
Stretch
After laying in one position all night, your body may feel stiff and achy. Stretching awakens your muscles and helps you break out of that groggy morning feeling. Start with your back and do some slow core twists. Then, sit on the floor and lay your legs out in front of you. Stretch forward, then sit back up. Next, position your right foot on the opposite side of your left knee. Keeping your hips centered, turn your torso
What’s That Smell? HOW TO GET FRESH BREATH!
Happy (maybe belated) National Fresh Breath Day! Unless you’re a dentist or in dental marketing, you may have no idea that this seemingly small, strange holiday even exists, but it does — on Aug. 6, to be exact. It’s wise not to ignore this day, as it can serve as an important reminder to keep your mouth clean, fresh, and balanced. So, what is bad breath? Those noxious fumes wafting from your mouth could be the result of any number of scenarios. Simply eating or drinking something potent, like coffee, garlic, or onions, can produce sulfides, which cause the smell to linger. You could also be eating too many sweets. The bad bacteria in your mouth love to feed on these sugary morsels, and the plaque buildup could start to stink. Other factors include drinking too much alcohol or smoking and chewing tobacco. Some people may also struggle with chronic halitosis (chronic bad breath). In some serious cases, this could be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, an allergy symptom, or the result of medication. If you’re concerned, let us know. We can help you find the cause!
Ew! How do you fix it? As with any dental issue, the best way to prevent and treat smelly breath is to regularly brush and floss your teeth. This removes stuck-on food particles, sugar, and plaque buildup, all of which could be contributing to your bad breath. (Don’t forget to brush your tongue and replace your toothbrush regularly!) If you can’t brush your teeth the moment you catch the smell, popping a piece of sugar-free gum or a mint into your mouth could do the trick. Try rinsing with water, drinking more water, or eating mild food, like carrots or bell peppers, to scrub away at your teeth and gums. Treatment for more chronic cases of halitosis could mean changes to your diet and lifestyle choices and potential adjustments to your treatment for serious medical conditions. Before doing this, please consult with dental professionals. We can help you find a solution that fits into your lifestyle and restores the balance of smell in your mouth!
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