You may not initially think that being tired relates in any way to your money. However, the truth is that lack of sleep can actually end up costing you. US News points out that lack of sleep or overall tiredness can result in bad financial decision making, needlessly paying for convenience, becoming more accident prone and increased medical expenses. In fact:

People who don’t get enough sleep are more likely to have health issues. People who don’t get enough sleep are 15 percent more likely to have a stroke and 48 percent more likely to develop or pass away from heart disease. Additionally, people who sleep four hours or less each night have a 75 percent higher chance of being obese due to the fact that sleep deprivation can affect appetite hormones.

Yikes! Looks like there are more downsides to low energy than grogginess and grumpiness.

So first and foremost, the absolute best way to feel more energized (and remain healthy) is to make sure you get plenty of sleep each night. But after that, if you still find that your energy levels are low, we’ve got some ideas that could help you out.

Last year, we just covered the tip of the iceberg when it comes to cheaply, or freely, getting more energy. Now let’s look at some more ways that you can give yourself an energy boost without resorting to expensive energy drinks.

Drink Your Energy

• Coffee: need I say more? Coffee itself is not that bad for you and it’ pretty inexpensive if you make your own coffee at home.
• Orange Juice: vitamin C can give you a nice little energy jolt. Also, it had been proven the citrus tastes and smells are good for energy boosts.
• Green Tea: it’s cheaper than coffee and contains a good deal of caffeine. Green tea should help you wake up and keep you alert as well.
• Water (and Lots of It): drinking lots of water will make you feel better in general. If you can, drink 64 ounces a day. You should notice a difference in how you feel from day to day if you keep it up!
• DIY Energy Drink: did you know that you can actually make your own energy drink for less than 20 cents? Ray shows you how you can create the same effect that a Red Bull or Monster would give you for a whole lot less.

Foods With a Boost

• Apples: according to Hack College:
  

  Apples apparently contain boron, which is believed to be great for alertness, in addition to all kinds of other useful benefits. Apples are one of the best foods for you there is, and its energy-boosting features are just one reason to eat them.

• Berries: many berries, like raspberries, blueberries and strawberries, are still in seasons. And they are full of natural stimulants that should help wake you up.
• Eggs: these are full of energy-aiding kinds of protein. They’re also loaded with vitamins and other good things that help prevent tiredness.
• Mints: according to Quick and Simple popping a mint activates the trigeminal nerve, which in turn sends wake-up signals to your brain. In just 2 minutes, you can be more alert.
• Homemade Trail Mix: trail mix is a great quick snack to fix up. With unsalted nuts and dried fruit among the ingredients, you’ll benefit from protein and complex carbs that will keep you alert an energized.

Easy Energy-Increasing Activities

• Stretching: a bit of stretching can wake up your senses and make you feel rejuvenated. It doesn’t have to take much time and it’s free to do. You could try incorporating a quick and free yoga workout into each morning or even do some stretches right at your desk if you don’t have much time to spare during a work day.
• Compete: according to Ravivora:
  

  Nothing fuels your adrenaline like a good competition. Whether it’s a simple dare to ask a random girl for her number, or just a game of rock paper scissors for who has to buy lunch for the day, competition can make anything exciting.

• Just Move: movement creates energy. Go figure! Whether you march in place, jump rope, climb some stairs or do some lunges and squats, you should get a nice little energy boost.
• Laugh: a nice bought of laughter can stimulate your mind and help you stay awake. Try reading your favorite comic or taking a quick YouTube break each day.
• Go Outside: fresh air is good for the senses. Also, sunlight can actually help invigorate you and give you energy.

Alternative Methods

• Diaphragmatic Breathing: learning to breathe with your belly can help reduce anxiety and boost energy and stamina. And all you need is yourself and your breath!
• Pressure Points: according to Maureen Moon, the president of the American Massage Therapy Association, certain massages can stimulate nerve endings. The result is that blood flow increases and circulation gets pumping. Here are a couple of the pressure points you can try stimulating the next time you need an energy boost:
  • Rub your scalp or temples with your fingertips in a circular motion for 2 minutes
  • Place your forefingers behind your ears where the base of your skull meets the top of your neck and press for 10 seconds before releasing. Repeat as necessary.
• Use the Sniffing Method: here’s another tip from Parents.com
  

  Feeling sluggish? Get a whiff of this: Certain scents may increase your attention span and help you focus. To recharge fast, inhale deeply as you cut into or squeeze a lemon, lime, orange, or grapefruit. If you’re in the mood for something more exotic, try breaking off a fresh leaf of mint or rosemary, or sipping a cup of peppermint tea – these aromas can also invigorate the senses.

• Pull Down on Your Earlobes: according to Marc and Angel Hack Life, this simple action can help you stay awake and alert when you’re feeling a bit drowsy.

Do you have any helpful strategies that you employ when you need to feel more awake? Any specific foods or drinks that help give you a jolt on the cheap? We look forward to hearing you input on the subject. Thanks for being a Tip Hero!

Sources: About.com, Parents.com, Hack College

Photo credit: twob