Long-term energy boost

[The Curse]

I'm looking for a long-term (a few hours as opposed to a few minutes) healthy energy booster. I'm still not entirely adapted to my work hours. Any ideas? Thanks.

[leadchipmunk]

What kind of night job do you do? I usually just drink an ice cold bottle of water to wake me up, it seems to work pretty well, doesn't last long though. Either that or go for a half hour or so walk. But my job permits that, I'm a security guard so I'm expected to go on patrol from time to time.

[Kishi]

When I was working odd hours, I found that doing push ups at my desk would help me to wake back up. It doesn't replace sleep, of course, but getting blood and fluids moving through your body forces your eyes open and keeps you moving.

[The Curse]

I have virtually no personal time. I have to be doing something ALL the time. I get a 10 minute and 20 minute break in the course of 8 hours. I work at a factory making miscellaneous wire components.

[leadchipmunk]

Hmmm... I'm not sure then... Maybe bring a 9-volt battery and every time you start getting tired, lick it? That will wake you up and it practically won't take any time to do.

[KAllen]

5 hour energy. but it's prob. not that good for you. Yes I use them on occasion on a 12 hrs night shift.

[sumdawgtwigg]

I use 5 hour energy when I'm on graveyard shift. It's not that great for you, I'd imagine. Sometimes it's that or fall asleep on the job. I've found the more active I become the more energy I have. So doing this whole getting fit thing has really helped.

[Atalan]

Look at the things they put in a 5 hour energy. Eat whole foods with the natural versions of those things (it's mostly vitamins and 'extracts').

Though, I'm pretty sure most of the 'energy' comes from the caffeine.

[leadchipmunk]

I've taken the 5 hour energy, and it does nothing to keep me up. I have a low reaction to caffeine. So it may not work for you.

[Georges]

Is music an option where you work? I know it can make a BIG difference in an 8 hour shift. If management has a safety concern with it, some places allow a "one earbud only" policy.

[The Curse]

It's not falling asleep that I'm having trouble with as much as it is having the energy to continue moving. lol

[Mordechaj]

guarana in any form, and mate tea work great for me.

coffe is short term booster compared to them, guarana and mate take a bit longer to make effect, but it lasts longer and is calmer on the nerves (if you don't over do them).

EDIT: i forgot to add - chew on ginger slices. you can wrap a bit of ginger and put it in your pocket, so that the slices don't dry up and oxidize.

if you are not used to the taste it'll be really (too) hot for a first time or two, but then you get used to it and it's really pleasant.

use small slices (I started with paper thin), since too much of it will be hard on your stomach.

it's healthy and it promotes circulation.