Brits have revealed their top energy boosters, including doing star jumps, shouting – and slapping themselves around the face. A study of 2,000 adults found that almost two thirds turn to sweets or chocolate to revitalise themselves and 34 per cent resort to listening to high tempo music.
More than a quarter wind the window down in the car in an attempt to wake their brains and bodies up. A further one in 10 said chewing on gum is a tried and tested way to feel more refreshed, while 46 per cent drink a glass of water. Other unusual methods Brits have used to get an energy boost include jumping up and down (11 per cent), singing (9 per cent) and even taking an ice bath (5 per cent).
More than six in 10 (63 per cent) also claim fresh air is important when it comes to maintaining good energy levels, with 50 per cent opting for a walk and 13 per cent going for a run to give themselves a boost. A further 51 per cent said spending time outdoors makes them feel more awake.
The research was commissioned by Volvic as it launched its new Touch of Fruit Vitality Pineapple and Orange with added vitamin B6 to help reduce tiredness and fatigue.
Marie Chaigneau, brand manager at Volvic said: “It’s been interesting to uncover the lengths to which people will go to give themselves an energy boost – some of which are certainly more unusual than others."
“Feeling refreshed all the time can be challenging, so we’ve been on a mission to find a simple and effective way to invigorate the nation’s energy levels. As nationwide restrictions start to lift, and with warmer weather on the horizon, we’re on a mission to invigorate the nation, and encourage them to explore the great outdoors.”
The study also found more than two thirds of adults perform these methods to stop them feeling tired or sluggish, with three in 10 struggling to keep their eyes open when low on energy and 26 per cent unable to get out of bed in the morning. A tenth even admitted to falling asleep at their desk because they’ve run out of steam, while 36 per cent admitted they have forgotten to do something important and 22 per cent have made a mistake at work.
A third also revealed they tend to lack inspiration when levels are low, while 45 per cent usually become mentally sluggish. But 42 per cent claim energy boosting methods help them to think better, while a third said it encourages them to actively do something, such as exercise. It also emerged that 37 per cent find themselves needing to apply one of these ‘tricks’ on a daily basis – with the average adult needing a boost twice a day.
The first energy lift is needed at 11.49am, with productivity levels peaking an hour later – but adults then see another low at 3.49pm. The day job takes up most of their energy for 34 per cent, while almost three in 10 said cleaning the house wipes them out. And for 19 per cent it’s either exercising or walking that will leave them feeling tired.
However, more than half of those polled via OnePoll feel ‘more awake’ while spending time outside and for 45 per cent this has a positive impact on their overall mood and mental health. Similarly, 29 per cent admitted their appreciation of nature has increased due to the lockdowns.
Top 20 Ways Brits Boost Their Energy:
1. Drink coffee
2. Go for a walk
3. Drink some water
4. Eat a chocolate bar
5. Listen to music
6. Open a (building) window for fresh air
7. Put the window down in a moving car
8. Eat sweets
9. Drink an energy drink
10. Eat an energy bar
11. Take a vitamin supplement
12. Go for a run
13. Go for a bike ride
14. Jump up and down
15. Chew gum
16. Sing
17. Slap their face
18. Do star jumps
19. Pinch themselves
20. Scream/shout