Your switch can't always be turned to "On." But when it isn't, and needs to be, try a little top-to-bottom pressure.

Stimulating certain acupressure points on your body -- starting with the top of your head and moving down to the soles of your feet -- is a quick and coffee-free way to jazz yourself up.

This acupressure sequence recently proved very effective in a study. (Learn more about what acupressure is and how it works with these RealAge Smart Search results.) Here's how to do the wake-up rubs:

1. Lightly tap the top of your head several times.
2. Rub the spot on the back of your head where your skull meets your neck.
3. Use a thumb to massage the back of your other hand; rub the fleshy spot where the thumb joins the hand.
4. Massage the front of your legs, just below the knee.
5. Rub the soles of your feet, just below the ball.

Rub these points clockwise and then counterclockwise for 3 minutes. After that -- presto! -- you're awake. (Now, does acupuncture work? Find out what the research says.)

More Ways to Rev Your Engine

• It's pretty basic, but get your ZZZs. Sleep loss is a major energy drain. Try these three tips for getting 6 to 8 hours a night.
• Brighten up. Here's how bright lights will make you more awake and alert.
• Grab yourself a cuppa -- tea, that is. Why? For this key mind-grabbing ingredient.

Find out what's causing you to drag: Take the quiz in this article.

RealAge Benefit: Getting 6 to 8 hours of sleep per night can make your RealAge as much as 3 years younger.



Take the RealAge Test