3 Natural Ways to Boost Your Energy Without Caffeine
STRETCH After lying 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 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. 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
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, which equates to more than four cups of coffee each day. These can include high blood pressure, addiction symptoms, and decreased mentality. 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!
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!)
In-Person Volunteering Is Back! KEVIN AND HIS SON BRING JOY TO THE ELDERLY AT BRIGHTON GARDENS
If you’re a longtime reader of our newsletter, then you know KPL founder Kevin Patrick loves to give back to the community. He’s also a big believer in passing that ethic on to his 5-year-old son, Michael. Since 2016, the pair have visited the Brighton Gardens of Buckhead assisted living home every Saturday morning to cheer up the seniors there. They had to take a break in 2020, but now that vaccinations are widespread, they’re back at it! “I feel like it’s important because it’s the right thing to do, and because the older folks there have a lot of wisdom and guidance to offer. Michael and I have gotten some true gems of advice over the years!” Kevin says. One of Kevin’s favorite residents to spend time with is a retired Marine who fought
in the Battle of Okinawa (aka Operation Iceberg) during the Pacific War in 1945.
“He’s very proud, and rightfully so after what he’s done and how he has served our country,” Kevin says. “I really think we should give elderly people like this man more attention. They’re neglected far too often, and it would be a shame if their stories were forgotten.” In 2010, 1.5 million older adults lived in nursing homes and 1 million called assisted living facilities home. These folks only make up about 6.5% of the elderly, so they’re often forgotten by everyone but their relatives. We would love to change that. This month, please consider reaching out to an assisted living facility or nursing home near you. There are 73 nursing homes in the Atlanta Metro area, so this
shouldn’t be too hard! You can visit in person like Kevin and Michael do, volunteer to help out at an event (many of these places hold dance classes or bingo nights), or ask if anyone there would like a pen pal. If you meet someone truly special, consider recording their story in the form of an oral history. You can learn how by visiting the Smithsonian Institution Archives’ website: SIArchives.si.edu/ history/How-do-Oral-History.
You can always reach Kevin directly at 404.566.8964 or Kevin@PatrickTrialLaw.com. (If you ever need it, his cell phone is 404.409.3160.)
2 • KEVINPATRICK.LAW I 404.566.5880
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