Everyone has those sluggish days where your whole life just seems to be in slow motion. It does not matter how hard you try to concentrate, you just keep finding yourself zoning out. Oh exhaustion, it gets us every time, and for most of us the solution is caffeine. Whether you like your caffeine in the form of coffee, soda, Redbulls, or 5 Hour Energy shots, we all are aiming for the same effect, that boost of energy you so desperately need.

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Turns out that double espresso macchiatto you just wasted $5 on might be doing more harm then good. New studies are beginning to show that the boost of energy you get from caffeine may wake you up, but can make you more prone to mistakes. Making mistakes just leads to more work to fix them, leading to longer days, more exhaustion, and more caffeine. It’s really a vicious cycle.

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Turns out there is a better way to re-energize in the middle of your day than a Starbucks run. The power nap ladies and gentlemen. Studies show a quick 15-20 minute nap can reset your body and give you a boost of energy. These quick naps can speed up motor performance, which is really what most of need when we are tired. Power naps can help you power through the day with out the increase in mistakes that that Redbull you’re downing causes.

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Have a little more than 20 minutes? Naps lasting between 30-6o minutes have been show to increase creativity, memory, and decision-making. Naps that last between 60-90 minutes help make new connections in your brain that can help with creative problem-solving. So hit the pillow, not the coffee shop when looking for your next energy boost. Besides think of all the money you’ll save not buying all that coffee and Red Bull everyday. You can even take all that money you saved and treat yourself to a nice, new manicure at nail salon Pittsburgh, Verve 360!