Need an afternoon pick-me-up? This healthy, free exercise is more effective than coffee

If you're one of the many office-workers who tend to experience a slump in the afternoon, you might be tempted to grab yourself a coffee or a can of Coke to get a much-needed boost.

However, a new study by researchers at the University of Georgia has found an alternative way to get an energy lift - and it's good for you.

Scientists found that 10 minutes of walking up and down stairs at a regular pace is more likely to make you feel energized than ingesting 50 milligrams of caffeine.

For the study researchers looked at 18 female college students, all of whom reported being chronically sleep deprived.

While undertaking activities that simulated conditions experienced by office workers, the volunteers were asked to either ingest capsules containing caffeine or a placebo, or spend 10 minutes walking up and down stairs.

Research leader Professor Patrick J. O'Connor said: "We found, in both the caffeine and the placebo conditions, that there was not much change in how they felt.

"But with exercise they did feel more energetic and vigorous. It was a temporary feeling, felt immediately after the exercise, but with the 50 milligrams of caffeine, we didn't get as big an effect."

The study was deliberately designed with an exercise that could be achieved by people in an office setting.

"Office workers can go outside and walk, but weather can be less than ideal. It has never rained on me while walking the stairs," said O'Connor.

"And a lot of people working in office buildings have access to stairs, so it's an option to keep some fitness while taking a short break from work."

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